SE&CR C Class 1573 SR Lined Black Built: 1900 U 1908 Built for: SE&CR (absorbed by the SR) Designed by: Harry Wainwright Duties: mixed traffic Wheels: 0-6-0 Highlights Ideal for use with our Birdcage Coaches U Fully detailed and decorated cab interior including backhead U Adjustable tender draw-bar length U Sprung buffers U Hinged tender fall-plate History The end of the 19th century saw the formation of the South Eastern and Chatham Railway uniting the South Eastern Railway and the London Chatham & Dover Railway under one managing committee. Following the inauguration of its new Locomotive and Carriage Superintendent Harry Wainwright a project was begun to replace the small and ailing locomotives of the constituent railways with larger and more powerful machines. The C Class was created as the new railway U s statement goods locomotive and 109 were constructed between 1900 and 1908. Although used primarily for freight duties the C Class locomotives were also occasionally engaged in passenger work when required often for Kent U hop pickers U services. Simple yet robust in construct the C Class locomotives proved to be a notable success. They gave little trouble in service achieved good speed and for engines of a 0-6-0 wheel arrangement provided a surprisingly comfortable ride. These qualities contributed to a long working life with all but two of the locomotives surviving into BR ownership and many lasting until the electrification of the Kent Coast in 1959-60. Withdrawals began in 1953 and accelerated during the electrification project. One locomotive from the class U 592 (Southern Railway 1592 BR 31592) U has been preserved and can be seen on the Bluebell Railway.