BR 9F Evening Star & Black Prince

Designed by Robert Riddles to haul heavy freight at high speeds over long distances and return within the eight-hour shift of crews, the Class 9F would be the last in a series of standardised locomotive classes built by British Railways during the 1950s.

The original proposal was for a 2-8-2 wheel arrangement however the 2-10-0 configuration was adopted, Riddles having attained success with the War Department (WD) 'Austerity' locomotives. The arrangement permits a greater adhesive weight without excessive axle loads. The resulting long wheelbase was offset primarily by a 'blind' or flangeless centre driving wheel which enabled the locomotives to negotiate tight curves.

Entering service form 1954 the 9Fs quickly demonstrated their suitability to fast freight work and were seen all over the BR network.

In the early 1960's 9Fs commonly made appearances on passenger services and proved capable of operation beyond their design expectation. This was discontinued by BR management over concerns of excessive wear on running gear operating the freight engine to passenger train schedules. In preservation the Class is now limited to preserved railways, having been banned from Network Rail. There is considered to be a risk of the flangeless centre driving wheel striking the modern raised wing rail at the vee of a turnout.

Built at Swindon in 1960, 92220 'Evening Star' was the 999th BR Standard locomotive and the last steam locomotive to be built by British Railways. Evening Star was the only 9F to be named and outshopped in Brunswick Green whilst in BR service and was marked for preservation from its completion.

Despite being arguably the most successful of the British Railways Standard designs, dieselisation led to early withdrawals beginning in 1964, only 10 years after introduction. 92004 served the longest working life completing less than 15 years in service. Evening Star was withdrawn in 1965 after a career of just 5 years.

Named in preservation under private ownership, 92203 'Black Prince' started a train of 2178 tons, the heaviest ever steam hauled freight train in Britain at a Somerset quarry in 1982.

The Evening Star DLC includes BR Class 9F locomotives 92220 'Evening Star' and 92203 'Black Prince' in preserved condition plus a set of vacuum braked and steam heat fitted Mk1 coaches in BR Maroon livery.