The Modified Bulleid Pacifics (Locomotive Portfolios)

By: Tim Hillier-Graves

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Synopsis: This British Railways history recounts the life of a controversial steam engine and its miraculous transformation at the hands of a brilliant engineer. As Chief Mechanical Engineer of the Southern Railway, Oliver Bulleid designed what were perhaps the most controversial steam locomotives ever built in Britain: the Pacifics. Loved and loathed in equal measure, the debate over their strengths and weaknesses took on a new dimension when British Railways decided to modify them in the 1950s. When noted engineer Ron Jarvis was charged with improving on Bulleid&’s designs, he displayed a master&’s touch, saving the best of Bulleid&’s work while incorporating other established design principles. What emerged was described by Bert Spencer, Gresley&’s talented assistant, as taking &‘a swan and creating a soaring eagle.&’ This book explores all the elements of the lives of these Pacifics and their two designers. It draws on previously unpublished material to describe their gradual evolution, which didn&’t start or finish with the 1950s major rebuilding program.