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Locomotives - SE&CR Locomotive No 737

South Eastern & Chatham Railway Locomotive No 737

The SE&CR, Wainwright D, No 737 was a 4-4-0 express locomotive built in Ashford at the turn of the century. There were fifty-one of these locomotives and a large number, because of their robust construction, survived well into the 1950s. They served the South Eastern and London, Chatham and Dover Railways and were most associated with the boat trains to Dover and Folkestone. These locomotives were also known as the "Coppertops". The combination of the engines and new carriages caused these services to be acknowledged as some of the most elegantly finished trains in the country.

The engines were styled and finished to create a favourable impression with the public by the two small railways companies who were at that time rather low in the public's estimation. This ploy proved to be successful particular since few other railways went so far in adorning their locomotives.

  • Name: South Eastern & Chatham Railway Locomotive No 737
  • Class: Wainwright D
  • Built: 1901, Ashford
  • Designer: H. S. Wainwright
  • Weight: 51 tonnes
  • Driving wheel Diameter: 6' 8"
  • Boiler Pressure: 185 lb / in 2

Locomotive inventory number 1975-7006
Photograph reference number NRM_CT_932807