LNWR Problem Class
The LNWR Problem Class is the formal designation for the locomotive class popularly known as the Lady of the Lake Class — John Ramsbottom's celebrated series of inside-cylinder 2-2-2 single-driver express passenger locomotives built at Crewe Works from 1859. The name Problem derived from the lead locomotive of the class, which had been constructed as an experimental investigation (or 'problem') into the optimal specification for LNWR express working before the decision to build a full production series was taken.
See the main LNWR Lady of the Lake Class entry for the full design history, technical specification, operational record, and information about the class's appearance at the 1862 International Exhibition. The two designations — Problem Class and Lady of the Lake Class — refer to the same 60 locomotives; the Lady of the Lake name became the more popular usage after the exhibition locomotive gained national fame, while Problem Class remained the formal LNWR classification.
Design and development
Ramsbottom's 1859 design was a 2-2-2 with 7 ft 6 in driving wheels, outside cylinders (unusual for British practice of the period), parallel boiler, and Ramsbottom's own design of duplex safety valve. The class was built at Crewe in batches between 1859 and 1865, totalling 60 engines.
Service and withdrawals
The Problem class worked LNWR expresses on the Euston–Crewe–Carlisle main line and on the West Coast Joint Stock services to Glasgow and Edinburgh through the 1860s and 1870s. They were progressively superseded by Webb's 2-4-0s and then by his compounds from the 1880s. Most were withdrawn in the 1890s, the last surviving until 1907. None were preserved.
Identification features
2-2-2 with 7 ft 6 in driving wheels, outside cylinders mounted between the leading carrying wheels and driving wheels, parallel boiler with Ramsbottom safety valves on the firebox, brass dome.
Notable locomotives
- Problem, Lady of the Lake, Watt, Newton (1859–65, not preserved)
