The LNER Encyclopedia

Could anyone provide advice on suitable loco numbers for the J39 in or around Grantham area in the mid to late 1930's please,
either shedded or operating in the area?

Maurice C.

According to the RCTS Locos of the LNER Part 8A there were 4 J69s allocated to Grantham in 1935. Researching Yeadon volume 48 gives:

7349 (J69/1 - R24 rebuilt); 7350 (J69/1 - R24 rebuilt); 7384 (J69/1 - R24 rebuilt); and 7385 (J69/1 - R24 rebuilt).

R24 rebuilt means that they were originally built as what was later classified J67 by the LNER, and were also the passenger rather than goods version with balance weight to wheels etc., so had the wider cabside opening and, after rebuilding, higher pressure boiler and increased water capacity by widening the tanks (but not the cab or bunker). By the time they were at Grantham all 4 had their condensing gear and Westinghouse brake removed and were steam and vacuum-brake fitted, with probably the destination board brackets on smokebox and bunker (used on Liverpool St suburban services) also removed. 7350, 7384 and 7385 are also recorded has having additional coal rails on bunkers.

The 'Buckjumpers' have an extremely complicated and convoluted class history so ideally locate photographs of any of the above at the appropriate period. It is interesting to note that 7384 was subsequently rebuilt back to J67/2 for a while before again rebuilding to J69/1.

Thanks 65447 for the prompt reply and info.
Unfortunately I have the class number wrong, it should be class J39.
Apologies for the incorrect request but hope someone is able to come up with a response.

Maurice C.

If memory serves, when we were preparing locos for Grantham's visit to Barrow Hill, I went through Yeadon and didn't find any J39s allocated there in the latter 1930s. Mine are therefore numbered 1275 (Lincoln) and 2696 (Colwick) as best guesses.

mojo wrote:Thanks 65447 for the prompt reply and info.
Unfortunately I have the class number wrong, it should be class J39.
Apologies for the incorrect request but hope someone is able to come up with a response.

Maurice C.

Then at least have the courtesy to change the title of the whole thread to something akin to 'J39s at Grantham in the 1930s'...

I have a recollection of reading somewhere that before the outbreak of WWII, J39s were not seen on the GN line, South of Grantham. (It was actually put rather more strongly than that, the J39 was not permitted on the GN main line south of Grantham.) Cannot quote a source unfortunately.

Thanks for the replies.
Also thanks to 65447 for the prompt to change the topic title.
When I posted the first reply I tried but was unable to adjust it but now I have learnt how to do so, hope this suits.

Maurice C.

For what it's worth, Yeadon lists 6 J39s at New England on 31/12/47, along with 23 at Colwick, 17 at Doncaster, 11 at Retford GC and 11 at Lincoln. Seems the LNER had lifted the ban by then.

Kudu