Author(s): Kevin Robertson

Rail

Designed by Oliver Bulleid for the Southern Railway, although the prototype was not completed until after nationalisation, the 'Leader' class was revolutionary. The locomotives had an unusual configuration with two power steam bogies, utilising sleeve valves and chain drive rather than more conventional valve gear. The body was streamlined, looking more like a diesel locomotive than a conventional steam engine. Initially, five locomotives were to be constructed but only one, No 36001, was completed. This was exhaustively tested and was found to be wanting in a number of areas. Amongst the faults reported, the reversing gear often jammed and the drive and valve chains stretched over time making operation unpredictable. In addition, the fireman's compartment was small and cramped and was occasionally invaded by flames from the firebox!When in 1952 the press reported the demise of the project at a cost of some GBP500,000, it was widely regarded as a disaster, an impression that has persisted to this day. For more than two decades Kevin Robertson has been investigating the history of the 'Leader' project.