The Power of the A2s (Power series)
The origins of the class lay in Chief Mechanical Engineer Sir Nigel Gresley's desire to construct a powerful class for services on the East Coast main line from Edinburgh to Aberdeen. The resulting six members of the 'P2' class of 2.8-2s constructed between 1934 and 1936, were graced by highly evocative names such as Wolf of Badenoch and Cock o' the North. The first two were radical in their design but were later modified so that all six ultimately were streamlined in a style similar to that of the 'A4' class.
When Sir Nigel Gresley died in 1941. his successor Edward Thompson decided not to build further 'P2s' but to convert the sextet into conventional Pacifics and construct a new class to follow on from them. The resulting 'A2 Pacifics eventually numbered 40. including the six converted from the 'P2' class and 15 to the later design of Arthur Peppercorn, who took over from Thompson as CME in 1946. Further examples were planned but cancelled by BR after Nationalisation in 1948.
The locomotives were predominantly associated with the Scottish Region, gaining considerable lame towards the end of steam on Aberdeen-Glasgow services. but were destined to have a short working life following the Modernisation Plan. Only one example of the class survives today. No 60532 Blue Peter.
In his latest contribution to the 'Power of series, Gavin Morrison first examines the 'P2' 2-8-2s. then portrays each member of the 'A2' class through a remarkable selection of photographs. recording each individual locomotive's development during its operational career. Drawing upon his own collection and those of other respected photographers. the author provides a superb pictorial tribute to this stylish class of locomotive.
Hardback with dust jacket, unpaginated, black & white photographs
Condition: Very Good
ISBN: 9780860935889
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Updated: 7 April 2025