SECR G Class 4-4-0

The SECR G Class locos will also be available in a variety of livery options exclusively from Rails of Sheffield.

The formation of the South Eastern and Chatham Railway took place in 1899, and was an amalgamation of the South Eastern Railway and the London, Chatham and Dover Railway. Despite joining forces and sharing resources, there was a distinct lack of motive power across their newly combined fleet. 

Orders were swiftly placed by the SECR Management for goods and suburban tank engines, and delivery of these was expected in 1900. However, a much-needed batch of larger express locos couldn’t be met until the following year. 

Thankfully this shortfall didn’t last, for – as we mentioned above – Neilson, Reid & Co. had the ideal solution to the SECR’s problem.

These distinctive locos shared very little with their Southern-built and designed counterparts, but this was no bad thing. Fitted with roof ventilators, twin side windows and folding footplate doors, these roomy locos earned the nickname ‘Glasshouses’ from crews. Their official designation became the G Class.

Although they had nice big cab windows, drivers found that the Gs were challenging to drive in some sections of the London area. This was due to them being left-hand drive, and both SECR constituents had placed their signals to better suit their right-hand drive locos. 

Originally delivered to the old LCDR works at Longhenge, the G Class would work from this central London base for several years. From here, they regularly worked the Margate and Dover semi-fast expresses. In 1913, they were given a new base of operations, Gillingham (Kent). From here, they were regularly seen on London and coast-bound expresses, local passenger trains across Kent, and on trains to Sheerness throughout the summer. 

All five locos were passed to the Southern Railway upon the grouping of the railways, where they continued to work across Kent and London from their North Kent base.

Unfortunately, none of the G Class made it to nationalisation, as the Southern Railway gradually scrapped classes that were non-standard. 

The Rapido Trains UK OO Gauge SECR G Class 4-4-0 is exclusively available from Rails of Sheffield.

The models will be available in a variety of liveries, including two in full SECR Wainwright Green, one in SECR Grey, and two in Southern Olive Green. We have represented all five locos from the class throughout the range. 

Each version in the range includes detailed variations and exclusive tooling to accurately represent the SECR G Class throughout its lifetime, and set it apart from its GNoSR cousins. These tooling variations include SECR and GNoSR Chimneys, flush or dome riveted smoke boxes, covered or uncovered Ramsbottom safety valves, open or fully plated tender coal rails, and two different types of lubricators. Different models then have additional fittings such as wash-out plugs, clack valves, a steam lance, and a communication cord stanchion.

The order book is open, and you can pre-order your models directly from www.railsofsheffield.com now!