2-8-0 Class 7F S&DJR Profile and Models

2-8-0 Class 7F S&DJR

No. 88 at Highley on the Severn Valley Railway in September 2014. ©Geof Sheppard

The Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway (S&DJR) 7F 2-8-0 is a class of steam locomotive designed for hauling heavy coal and goods trains. Eleven were built in two batches in 1914 and 1925, and were used until withdrawal between 1959 and 1964. Two are preserved. The Midland Railway, joint owners of the S&DJR with the London and South Western Railway (L&SWR), were in charge of locomotive policy on the line. The S&DJR was heavily graded and required power over and above what was available from the Midland's small engines. Two plans for 0-8-0s were suggested in 1907 but would have been too heavy. Clearly a special exception to the small engine policy, James Clayton the draughtsman at Derby was given a free hand to design the engine, and produced something unlike any other Derby-designed locomotive of the time.

(Information provided via Wikipedia)

Type of Locomotive

Steam

Builder

Midland Railway Derby Works
Robert Stephenson & Co

Build Date

1914 to 1925

Total Built

11

Tractive Effort

35,295 lbf

Wheel Configuration

2-8-0

Operated By

Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway
London, Midland & Scottish Railway
British Railways

Main Duties

Heavy Freight

In Service Until

1964

Surviving Examples

2