Gresley A1 and A3 Pacifics

This A4 landscape volume has full-page shots presented in a landscape format and backed up by comprehensive captions. A class first emerging from Doncaster Works in 1922, the non-streamlined Pacifics were the LNER's principal express passenger engines for more than a decade. The design underwent continuous development during its early years, particularly the introduction of long-travel valve gear and higher pressure boilers in the transformation from A1 to A3 class. Although put into the shade from the mid-1930s by the streamlined A4s they remained the backbone of the LNER passenger fleet, but were ousted from many of their former duties after the second World war as new Thompson and Peppercorn Pacifics were built. However, the A3s were to enjoy a real Indian Summer from the late 1950s, their performance transformed by the fitting of Kylchap double chimneys.