The Manson J91 (GNSR Class E) 0-6-0T Locomotives

The Great North of Scotland Railway's (GNSR) three Class E (LNER J91) engines were very similar to the Class D (LNER J90) engines, also designed by Manson. The boiler size was kept the same, but moved further forward. The length and weight were both increased, but the new weight distribution led to a reduction in the maximum axle loading. The width across the side tanks was increased by 1.25in. A total of three J91s were built by Kitson & Co. in 1885. Westinghouse brakes were being fitted to the J90s at about this time, and they were fitted as standard to all of the J91s.

Between 1908 and 1911, the J91s were rebuilt with new boilers alongside the J90s. The same type of boiler was fitted to both classes, and these were built by Vulcan Foundry or Inverurie. The rebuilding preserved the original differences between the J90s and J91s, but also included the same general modifications that were made to the J90s. The original tall Manson chimneys were replaced with shorter Johnson chimneys. Ramsbottom safety valves were retained during the rebuilds, but No. 6837 would be later recorded with Ross pop valves.

The J91s worked similar duties as the J90s. They were sometimes used on the Aberdeen suburban services before the G10 0-4-4Ts were introduced. However, the J91s were mainly used for yard shunting duties at Kittybrewster and Waterloo.

The J91s also handled passenger and mixed trains on the Fraserburgh to St. Combs line, and No. 6838 would be the regular locomotive for these services during the 1920s. During this period, it was fitted with cowcatchers on the front and back.

Withdrawals started in 1931 and were completed by 1934.

Technical Details

Preservation

None of the J91 tank locomotives survived into preservation.

Models

I am not aware of any models of the J91 tank locomotives.