LNER Class P2

The LNER Class P2 was a class of six 2-8-2 steam locomotives designed by Sir Nigel Gresley to haul heavy express trains over the difficult Edinburgh to Aberdeen line, and each was given a famous name from Scottish lore. Gresley drew on recent French practice, notably Paris-Orleans passenger engines. The first, number 2001 Cock o' the North, was built at Doncaster Works in 1934 with rotary-cam poppet valve gear and a double Kylchap chimney, and the second, 2002 Earl Marischal, followed in 1935 with Walschaerts gear. Later engines used piston valves, and from 1936 the class received streamlined fronts like the A4. The class was introduced between 1934 and 1936. Under Gresley's successor Edward Thompson all six were rebuilt in 1943 and 1944 as Class A2/2 Pacifics, so no original member was preserved.