GNR H3, LNER/BR K2/2 

The GNR class H3 2-6-0, which became the LNER K2, was developed from the GNR H2. The GNR H2 locomotives were designated K2/1 by the LNER and the H3's K2/2. The 65 H3's were built between 1914 and 1921, initially by Doncaster and later by private builders. The class was free from major modifications in its life. The first loco to be withdrawn was 61722 in Sept 1955, the last to go was 61756 (4666) in June 1963.

The locos were all built originally to the GN loading gauge, but quite quickly after grouping the overall height was reduced by fitting shorter chimneys and dome covers, reducing the cab height by 3" and resiting the whistle behind the safety valves on top of the firebox. In Sept 1932 Cowlairs works fitted 4691 with a cab having a side window on each side and a separate roof. A number of the class were fitted with the Westinghouse brake between 1927 & 1934 for working in the Great Eastern area, the equipment was subsequently removed, mostly in 1954/55.

Initially the Ragtimers, as the locomotives were known because of their lively ride at speed, were allocated to GN depots for fast goods workings. After grouping and with the advent of the K3, allocation to the GE section and the Scottish area took place. There were also a few at GC sheds, notably Mexborough. In later days K2's were more to be found on secondary passenger working especially in Scotland.

With only few short lived exceptions, the K2 was coupled to GNR class B tenders of 3500 gal carrying 61/2 tons of coal in a self trimming bunker.

The loco and tender bodies are etched in brass and the chassis in nickel-silver. There are a large number of alternatives in this kit such as 3 cab options, GNR or LNER chimneys and domes, Westinghouse fittings are also included. We supply an Ivatt self-trim tender in this kit, but if required we will be happy to swap it for one of our other GNR tenders.

A large proportion of the fittings are brass with just a few in high quality whitemetal. Sprung GNR buffers are supplied as standard in the kit, but can be swapped for LNER Group Standard if required.

Wheels, motor, motor-mount and gears are required to complete the model. Both the locomotive and tender chassis can be compensated or sprung using our cast hornblock system.

You can download a pdf version (which requires Adobe Acrobat to be read) of the instructions for this kit, loco & tender, by clicking here

This file is 5.3 MB which will take a while to download if you are on a dial-up connection.

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