METROPOLITAN RAILWAY ‘H’ 4-4-4T

Designer: ................................. Charles Jones

Builder: ... Kerr Stuart – Nos. 103-110 (1920-21)

Driving wheel diameter: ................... 5ft 9in

Cylinders: ................................... 19in by 26in

Boiler pressure: ........................ 160lbs/sq in

Tractive effort: ................................. 17,400lb

For anyone who thinks we’ve become a bit too ‘London-centric’, the ‘Hs’ allow us to visit territories further afield…

Charles Jones’ ‘Gs’ were part of the Metropolitan’s post-first World War development of its ‘country’ services but their long wheelbase had become slightly problematic. Therefore, he opted for a 4-4-4T design for a subsequent batch of locomotives. They used a similar boiler and the large tanks and bunker might have created a ‘family look’ but they ensured that the new locomotives carried enough coal and water for non-stop running.

The ‘Hs’ were popular with Metropolitan crews as they had a good turn of speed. In fact, they were given the Met’s premier expresses and were considered the flagships of the fleet. Their introduction allowed the less-than-successful ‘C’ 0-4-4Ts and ‘D’ 2-4-0Ts to be withdrawn.

By pure coincidence, the LNER used the ‘H’ classification for its 4-4-4Ts and, when the locomotives became LNER property, they became ‘H2’. Nos. 6415-6422 remained on the Met main line until 1941 when, shortly after having their boiler pressure increased to 170lbs/sq in, they were transferred to Colwick shed, for working suburban trains around Nottingham, as well as working the Lincoln-chesterfield line. Nottinghamshire crews found the ‘H2s’ to be poor steamers and withdrawals started a year later; all eight had gone by the end of 1947.

Can I see one? No.

Can I model them? Worsley Works offers a kit in both 4mm and 7mm:1ft scales (www.worsleyworks.co.uk).