LNER K4 Class
Welcome to scot-rail.co.uk, Scotland's online railway community. The group is for any rail enthusiast interested in the railways and trains of Scotland. It not only consists of the wiki that you're reading now, but a busy online forum and mailing list, which is accessible to anyone who registers. If you would like to join in, all you have to do is register with us for free.
Breadcrumb navigation
The LNER class K4 were 3-cyclinder steam locomotives with a 2-6-0 wheel arrangement, designed by Sir Nigel Gresley for use on the West Highland Line. Six Locos were built 1937-1939.
Charter Trains 2014
61994 at Perth on 20th April 2011 Photo by johnbushell
- Locomotive No. 3445 (later 1997 & 61997) was rebuilt by Thompson in 1945 with 2 cylinders and reclassified K1, as a prototype for the new series commencing 62001 built in 1949-50.
- After nationalisation, BR transferred the other five K4s to Fife depots Thornton Junction (62A) and Dunfermline (62C) in 1959.
- One locomotive of the K4 class, 3442/61994 'The Great Marquess', was saved for preservation after withdrawal in 1961.
- Restored to LNER Green livery by Cowlairs Works and moved to Leeds in April 1963.
- Based on the Severn Valley Railway 1972-2005
- Operated on the mainline in LNER green livery as 3442 from 1989 to 1994.
- Ran on the Fort William - Mallaig steam service in July 1989.
- Used on the West Highland Line Centenary specials (with K1 2005) in August 1994.
- Repainted as 61994 in lined BR black livery in 1997.
- Bought by John Cameron and moved to Crewe Heritage Centre for overhaul in 2005.
- Came to Scotland with A4 60009 to work the inaugural 'Great Britain' rail tour in April 2007.
- Used for the official opening of the Stirling - Alloa line in May 2008.
- Last worked on the mainline in Scotland on a West Highland Photo charter to Mallaig in October 2014.
- Last ran in October 2015 on North Yorkshire Moors Railway, where it was stopped with a cracked firebox, and subsequently stored.
- Moved by road to Bo'ness on 22/09/17, and was exhibited there in the Museum of Scottish Railways from December 2017.
- 61994 was moved out by road to John Cameron's Balbuthie farm in Fife mid-April 2023.
See Also
Charter Trains 2007Charter Trains 2014
Photo Links
- Flickr - 3442 on a Fort William to Mallaig train, July 1989
- Flickr - 3442 & 2005 heading for Fort William in August 1994
- Flickr - 61994 on re-opening special at Alloa, May 2008
- Flickr - 61994 heading for Kyle on the GB2 tour, April 2009
- Flickr - 61994 at Oban, 5th September 2010
- Flickr - 61994 in the Museum at Bo'ness, November 2019