Southern Railway Maunsell 2-6-0 U class 31806

Loco Information

The U Class has a complex history, but essentially came about following the Sevenoaks rail crash in 1927 involving a K Class "River" tank engine. The K Class, a 2-6-4 passenger design, was known for rough riding and coupled with areas of poor track, led to the disaster. At the time, the Southern railway had an ageing fleet of 4-4-0 engines, opportunity was then taken by Manusell to rebuild the class into a 2-6-0 tender design, leading to the emergence of the U Class which took best practice and standardisation from the GWR and Southern N Class, aiding mass production. However, differing from standard GWR practice, all membes of the U Class had increased superheating surface area, and all were equipped with outside Walschaerts valve gear. These modifications further improved the design.

50 were built in 3 batches from 1928-31, 31806 in the first batch and is the only surviving example of the K Class rebuild (she was originally A806 and named River Torridge). During 31806's overhaul, it was possible to see where the K Class water tanks were fitted along the side of the boiler, this history now covered from view with shiny black boiler casing. The U Class operated all over the Southern region (apart from the narrow Hastings-Tonbridge route) and were nick named "U-Boats" following the submarine conflict of WWI for their go anywhere ability. The U Class were not particularly glamorous engines, working mixed traffic and secondary passenger services throughout their lives, but form an important part of Southern railway heritage, reguarly working the line between Alton and Winchester, now of course our railway.

Four survive in preservation, with 31625 also residing here at the Mid-Hants Railway awaiting overhaul.

31806 is operational and is in passenger serivce.