THE MIDLAND RAILWAY ASSEMBLAGE TRAILS
"The Enthusiast's Trail"
Stop Seven: Power Classification

To the drawers under the window in the corner...

Stop 7

Where: F1 drawer 2

What: Locomotive power rating numerals

Material: Brass

Why: The power classification system for locomotives introduced by the Midland Railway in various iterations between 1889 and 1905 was subsequently adopted by the LMS in 1923 and went on to form the basis for that used by the nationalised British Railways in 1948, leading to terms familiar to several generations of enthusiasts such as 4P, 9F and the like. The photo below shows a Midland numeral still proudly displayed on the cab of a 2P in British Rail days. The Midland’s system went from Class 0 for shunting engines, through Class 1 for small tank engines, to Class 4 for the largest express and goods engines. Class 0 was never displayed on the engines and, regrettably, our collection doesn’t have a 1 in it — we don't suppose you have one languishing in your attic?

Ref: RFB11575 to 11577

Page last updated: Sunday, 30 January 2022