SR West Country and Battle of Britain Class Steam Locomotive

Explore some of the new developments in British steam locomotive technology aboard this post-war class of ‘Light Pacifics’.

Designed by Oliver Bulleid

The SR West Country and Battle of Britain Class Steam Locomotives were designed by Oliver Bulleid and built for Southern Railways.

Light Pacifics

Known as ‘Light Pacifics’, these 4-6-2 steam locomotives featured a number of new developments in British steam locomotive technology, including welding and steel fireboxes, meaning easier construction during wartime and post-war austerity.

Passenger & Freight

Lighter than its variants, the locomotive could be used on a range of routes and for both passenger and freight trains. In all, 110 locomotives were built between 1945 and 1950, and were withdrawn between 1962 and 1967 as electrification gathered pace. 20 engines were kept for preservation.