Bachmann have announced the production of a OO Scale model of the class H2 4-4-2 Atlantic express passenger locomotives. Designed by D.E. Marsh and L. Billinton for the London, Brighton & South Coast Railway (LB&SCR) this is a classic of Edwardian express passenger locomotive design.
Known as the Brighton Atlantics the 6 locomotives of the H2 class built 1911/12 were a development of the H1 class (5 locomotives), the later engines being fitted with a Schmidt superheater giving improved power and efficiency. These engines were built to haul the express trains on the London to Brighton route including the prestigious Pullman trains, the Brighton Limited and Southern Belle.
Superseeded by the more powerful King Arthur class engines introuduced from 1920 plenty of work was found for them, including boat trains serving the Newhaven to Dieppe cross-channel ferrys. In connection with their use on the boat trains the class received names of prominent South coast geographical features.
None of the Brighton Atlantics survived long enough to be preserved, however in 2000 the Bluebell Railway Atlantic Group was formed to build a replica of Beachy Head. Bachmann is working closely with the Bluebell Railway Atlantic Group to produce this model.
Era 4.
The term Atlantic describes a 4-4-2 locomotive, having a 4-wheel leading bogie that helps guide the engine into curves at speed, 4 coupled driving wheels delivering the power to the rails and 2 carrying wheels at the rear, allowing a longer, higher capacity boiler to be fitted. With just two driving axles reducing friction, the type can be very free running and achieve high speeds but with the downside that reduced grip on the wheels leads to difficulties in hauling heavier trains.
Atlantic type engines were common the late 19th century until around 1920, the period when Britains railway network was well established, traffic was steadily increasing and larger, more powerful engines became needed, resulting in aa move to 4-6-0 and 4-6-2 Pacific type engines that ran until the end of steam.
The Brighton Atlantics were built to haul express trains between London and Brighton, including prestigious Pullman trains, the Brighton Limited and Southern Belle. The class was superseded by the more powerful King Arthur class 4-6-0 engines on heavy trains from 1920, but the Atlantics found other work, including boat trains serving the Newhaven to Dieppe cross-channel ferrys. The H2s were stored for much of WW2 but returned to service as channel ferry service resumed and, except one withdrawal in 1949 the class was in regular use until 1956, the last locomotive being withdrawn in April 1958.
None of the Brighton Atlantics survived long enough to be preserved, however in 2000 the Bluebell Railway Atlantic Group located and acquired many original parts including a set of tender frames and wheelsets. A very similar GNR Atlantic boiler was purchased, other items are being manufactured and the recreation of an iconic Edwardian express locomotive is proceding.