LMS Coronation Class (Duchess)

The LMS Coronation Class was designed by William Stanier, who was the Chief Mechanical Engineer of the London, Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS). These powerful 4-6-2 Pacific locomotives were built to haul heavy express passenger services.

The original Coronation Class locomotives were built with streamlined casings in 1937 to reduce air resistance and rival the competing LNER A4 class locomotives. However, the streamlining proved difficult to maintain and was later removed from most engines to reduce weight and simplify servicing.

These locomotives were primarily deployed on the West Coast Main Line, hauling express passenger trains between London Euston and Glasgow. They were essential for maintaining fast schedules over the grueling, undulating route.

Yes, three Coronation Class locomotives have survived into preservation, including the famous 'Duchess of Hamilton' and 'City of Birmingham.' The 'Duchess of Hamilton' is currently housed at the National Railway Museum in York, where it was famously restored to its streamlined form.