LB&SCR E5 Class
The LB&SCR E5 Class was a series of inside-cylinder 0-6-2 radial side-tank locomotives designed by Robert John Billinton and built at Brighton Works from 1902, a development of the successful E4 Class with a slightly larger boiler and improved proportions for the LBSCR's heavier suburban and goods working. Like the E4, the E5 used a radial trailing axle rather than a full bogie, giving good curve negotiation on the LBSCR's varied secondary network while keeping weight and complexity low.
Billinton introduced the E5 Class as the E4's natural successor for the more demanding duties on the LBSCR's growing suburban and goods network, providing more steam capacity for the heavier stopping passenger trains on busier routes and for the goods and mixed-traffic working on the Sussex branch lines. The E5 worked alongside the E4 fleet on similar duties, the two classes together forming Billinton's standard heavy suburban tank provision for the LBSCR in the Edwardian era.
The E5s passed to the Southern Railway at the 1923 Grouping and gave further service under the SR and in the early BR era. None was preserved.
Design and development
Billinton developed the E5 at Brighton Works in 1901–02 as an enlarged E4 with increased boiler capacity for heavier suburban and goods duties on the LBSCR's growing network.
Service and withdrawals
Worked LBSCR suburban and goods duties from 1902. SR ownership after 1923; continued on secondary duties to the early BR era. None preserved.
Identification features
Inside-cylinder 0-6-2 tank with 5 ft 6 in coupled wheels.
Notable locomotives
- Various — none preserved
