ROD
Design and development
Robinson's 1911 GCR Class 8K 2-8-0 was selected by the British Government in 1916 as the standard British heavy freight engine for use in France during World War I, designated the "Railway Operating Division" or ROD type. 521 were built between 1911 and 1919, mostly by contractors (Robert Stephenson & Co, North British Locomotive, Kitson, Beyer Peacock, etc.) for shipment to France. After the war the surplus engines were sold to British railways (GWR, LNER, GCR), to Australia, and to other overseas railways.
Service and withdrawals
Many ROD 2-8-0s served on British railways into the 1960s. The LNER classified them O4 (with various subclasses for the different builds). LNER O4/3 No. 63601 (formerly GCR 102) was preserved by the LMS/BR and is now at the NRM.
Identification features
Two-cylinder 2-8-0 with 4 ft 8 in coupled wheels and Robinson's parallel boiler. ROD-type engines have the distinctive austere wartime appearance.
Notable locomotives
- 63601 (preserved, NRM York)