The Sacre/Robinson J58 (GCR Class 18 Converted) 0-6-0T Locomotives

In the early 1900s, the Great Central Railway (GCR) constructed large numbers of Class 9H (LNER J10) and Class 9J (LNER J11) 0-6-0 tender locomotives. These caused a downgrading of existing Sacre Class 18 (LNER J8) goods engines. As they had been recently reboilered and capable of useful work, Robinson took the opportunity of rebuilding twenty Class 18s as 0-6-0ST saddle tanks. The twenty oldest Class 18s were chosen for the rebuilds, and were re-classified as "Class 18 Converted" (LNER Class J58). Rebuilds started in 1902 and were completed in 1906.

The rebuilt locomotives resembled the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway saddle tanks that had also been rebuild from tender locomotives. As much as possible of the original locomotives were used during the rebuilds. New saddle tanks, enclosed cabs, and bunkers were fitted. Wooden buffer planks were replaced with steel plates. The recorded wheel size increased from 5ft 0in to 5ft 1.25in, and was probably due to the use of thicker tyres.

Unlike most of the GCR saddle tanks, the J58s were more versatile due to their steam brakes and vacuum ejectors. In particular, the J58s could be used for carriage shunting and even passenger work. Allocations included Gorton, Trafford Park, Lincoln, Wrexham, Langwith, Retford, Leicester, New Holland, and Mexborough. During the 1920s, their duties tended to be taken over by J52s and J60s.

Withdrawals started in 1920, and six J58s had been withdrawn by Grouping in 1923. The LNER continued the withdrawal process, withdrawing all of the remaining fourteen J58s by 1930.

Technical Details

Preservation

None of the J58s survived into preservation.

Models

I am not aware of any models of the J58s in any scale.