The E8 Sacre (GCR Class 12AM) 2-4-0T Locomotives
Sacre designed two types of double-framed 2-4-0T for the Manchester Sheffield & Lincolnshire Railway (MS&LR, later GCR) to operate the Manchester South Junction & Altrincham (MSJ&A) Railway in the early 1880s. The smaller of these did not survive into LNER ownership, but two members of the larger class (originally Class 12AT) survived into LNER ownership as Class E8. These were built in two batches at Gorton Works in 1880 and 1881.
These locomotives received very few changes. Both Parker and Robinson applied minor changes such as removing the smokebox wings, and changing the chimney. Two of the original eight locomotives were withdrawn in 1914, with the remaining six being converted between 1914 and 1921 into "rail motors", ie. push-pull engines. These were reclassified from Class 12AT to Class 12AM. Backs were fitted to the originally open cabs, at about the same time as this conversion.
Only two of the E8 tanks survived into LNER ownership. Both were withdrawn before they could carry their LNER numbers or livery. The last was withdrawn in January 1925.
Technical Details
| Cylinders (x2): | 16x24in. | |
| Motion: | Stephenson | slide valves |
| Boiler: | Max. Diameter: | 4ft 1in |
| Pressure: | 140psi | |
| Heating Surface: | Total: | 1040 sq.ft. |
| Firebox: | 95 sq.ft. | |
| Tubes: | 945 sq.ft. (197x 1.75in) | |
| Grate Area: | 15.3 sq.ft. | |
| Wheels: | Leading: | 3ft 9.5in |
| Coupled: | 5ft 6.5in | |
| Tractive Effort: | 10,832lb | (@ 85% boiler pressure) |
| Total Wheelbase: | 28ft 4.625in | |
| Engine Weight: | 44 tons 15cwt | (full) |
| Max. Axle Load: | 17 tons 15cwt | |
| Coal Capacity: | 1 ton 5cwt | |
| Water Capacity: | 590 gallons |
Preservation
The last E8 was withdrawn in January 1924 and none survived into preservation.
Models
I am not aware of any models of the E8s in any scale.