GCR Class 1A

The GCR Class 1A was a development of Robinson's Class 1 express 4-6-0, introduced in 1906 at Gorton Works as an enlarged and improved version of the original Class 1 with detail modifications to boiler dimensions and valve gear that gave improved performance on the GCR's express passenger services. The Class 1A represented Robinson's refinement of his express 4-6-0 concept, building on the operational experience gained from the Class 1 to produce a locomotive better suited to the heaviest GCR express working.

The Class 1A retained the 6 ft 9 in coupled driving wheels and outside-cylinder superheated layout of the Class 1 but with the boiler enlargements and valve improvements that Robinson's Gorton team had identified as beneficial following trials with the earlier class. The result was a locomotive that steamed more freely and maintained speed better on the long GCR main-line runs between London Marylebone and Manchester and Sheffield.

After the 1923 Grouping the Class 1A passed to the LNER as part of the B1 or B3 classification groupings (GCR 4-6-0s were distributed among several LNER B classifications depending on their specific specifications). The class worked LNER secondary express duties until withdrawal. None was preserved.