BR 9F Evening Star & Black Prince

Designed by Robert Riddles to haul heavy freight at high speeds over long distances and return within the eight-hour shift of crews, the Class 9F would be the last in a series of standardised locomotive classes built by British Railways during the 1950s.The original proposal was for a 2-8-2 wheel arrangement however the 2-10-0 configuration was adopted, Riddles having attained success with the War Department (WD) 'Austerity' locomotives. The arrangement permits a greater adhesive weight without excessive axle loads. The resulting long wheelbase was offset primarily by a 'blind' or flangeless centre driving wheel which enabled the locomotives to negotiate tight curves. Entering service form 1954 the 9Fs quickly demonstrated their suitability to fast freight work and were seen all over the BR network.In the early 1960's 9Fs commonly made appearances on passenger services and proved capable of operation beyond their design expectation. This was discontinued by BR management over concerns