Locomotive design

This section is not yet complete: it is based on Jones and thus predates: Bond; much of the output in books by Cox, Holcroft and H.A.V. Bulleid and more questionably by Tuplin. The more recent output by Rutherford and Atkins; both of whom add a pinch of new material to stir into the basic pot, can be traced in Backtrack.

The first section is limited to four categories of material, namely:
1. Theoretical design
2. Comparative design
3. Limiting factors: e.g., hammer-blow and adhesion
4. Economic studies: mainly comparisons with other forms of motive power.

Sections 1 and 2 overlap and are surveyed together. Further theoretical work is considered in the sections on individual mechanical engineers

Related topics considered elsewhere:

Specific designs {Leader/Paget, etc}
Testing & performance
Turbine designs

Theoretical and comparative design

Anwell, B.W.

An introduction to loco. design. Trains ill., 1948, 1, (10), 3-6: 1949, 2, 13-17.
Elementary.

Anderson, D.S.
The future development of the locomotive. J. lnstn Loco. Engrs, 1929,19, 193-212. Disc.: 212-21; 630-40. 3diagrs. (Paper No.242).

The BALANCE of loco. design. Loco. Rly Carr. Wagon Rev., 1941, 47, 205.
How the proportions for efficient design were reached in Britain.

Beaumont, J.W.
Some suggestions on steam locomotive design. J. Inst. Loco. Engrs, 1936, 26, 417-24. Disc.: 424-37 (Paper No. 355).
Survey of current development.

Bell, A.M.
Tare and load compared in modern locomotives and rolling stock. J. Instn Loco. Engrs, 1927, 17, 398-422. Disc.: 422-38. 13 illus., 2 diagrs., 2 tables. (Paper No. 216).

Bell, A.R.
Modern locomotive design [in:]
Bell, A.R. and others.
Railway mechanical engineering: a practical treatise by engineering experts. London, Gresham, 1923. 2 v. (xii, 290 + x, 284 p.)
V. 1.: pp. 19-83: a comparative analysis.

Bond, R.C.
Fundamental considerations in the design of locomotives. J. lnstn Loco.Engrs, 1928, 18, 389-401. Disc.: 402-6. (Paper No.231).

Chapelon, A.
La locomotive a vapeur. Tome 1. Paris, Bailliere, 2eme ed. 1952. xiv, 648p. + 15 plates. 304 illus., 183 diagrs., 73 tables.
A comparative and theoretical design study.

Collins, G.H.H.
An outline of railway locomotive engineering practice. J. Rec. Trans. Jr lnstn Engrs, 1934/35, 45, 139-42.

Cocks, C.S.
Modern steam locomotives. Coventry Engng Soc. J., 1937, 18, 39-47. Disc. 47-5 2

Diamond, E.L.
The development of locomotive power at speed. Proc. Instn mech. Engrs, Disc.: 41 7-43. 48 diagrs., 11 tables. Bibliog.

FACTORS in the design of steam locomotives. Loco. Rly Carr. Wagon Rev., 1927, 33, 159-60; 231-3, 267.9; 323-5; 399-400: 1928, 34, 25-6; 131.2; 305, 334-5.

50 years' progress in design. Loco. Rly Carr. Wagon Rev., 1944, 50, 18-19.

Glasgow, H.R.
The probable trend of steam locomotive design. Rly Engr., 1931, 52, 453-4.

Grime, T.
Steam locomotive performance (theoretical and actual). J. lnstn Loco. Engrs, 1926, 16, 588-618. Disc.: 619-52. (Paper No.200).

Haresnape, B.
Design on the railway. Part 4. Trains ill., 1961, 14, 348-55. 17 illus.
This was a very early contribution by this author: see the books and authorship sections for a fuller listings and assessments. NB this is design mainly in the artistic sense. Haresnape condensed this material into many excellent books.

Holcroft, H.
Railway steam locomotives [in:] KEMPE'S engineers yearbook, 1964. and other years.

Hulme, H.J.
The trend of modern steam locomotive design. Trans. Manchr Ass. Engrs, 1944/45, 189-224. Disc.: 225-42. 9 illus., 3 diagrs., 4 tables.

Hunter, D.M.
Notes on developments in the design of the steam locomotive. J. Rec. Trans. Jr Instn Engrs, 1952/53, 63, 356-61.

Irving, B.
The modern locomotive. Trans. NE. Cst. lnstn Engrs Shipbldrs, 1936, 52, 207-14. 3 diagrs., 3 tables.

Jarvis, R.G.
Steam locomotive design [in:]
St. John, J., editor.
Britain's railways to-day. London, Naldrett, 1954. 192 p. incl. front. & 46 plates. 98 illus., 17 diagrs., 2 tables.

LOCOMOTIVE engineers' pocket book. London, Locomotive Publishing Co., 40th ed. [19 ]. [ii] , 356. p. + xv p. advertisements. 72 diagrs., 79 tables.
Data book.

LOCOMOTIVE Manufacturers Association of Great Britain.
L.M.A. handbook. London, L.M.A., 1949. 464 p. mcI. 16 plates+ 11 folding plates. 24 illus.
Data book.

Loewy, R.
The locomotive. New York, Studio, 1937. [106] p. 125 illus.
Design in the artistic sense. Includes a critical study of eight British types.

Low, D.A.
Heat engines: embracing the theory, construction and performance of steam boilers, reciprocating steam engines, steam turbines and internal combustion engines: a text-book for engineering students. London, Longmans, 1958 (1920). viii, 592 p. 656 diagrs.

McArd, G.W.
The design of tank locomotives. Rly Gaz., 1955, 103, 590-2. 5 illus., diagrs.(REA 9921).

McArd, W.
What will the steam locomotive become?, a discussion of the factors at work in the present transition stage which will contribute to successful operation. Mech. Wld Engng Rec., 1948, 124, 513-18. illus., l0diagrs.

McColl, J.
Impressions of modern locomotive design, with observations on their performance on the road. J. lnstn. Loco. Engrs, 1923,13,175-92. Disc.: 192-203. (Paper No. 137).

McKillop, N.
The lighted flame: a history of the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen. London, Nelson, 1950. xiv, 402 p. + col.front. + 16 plates. 54 illus. (incl. 18 ports.), 3 diagrs., 8 tables.
Chap. 13: The trade union view of locomotive design.

Mann, R.H.
Steam locomotive design. Part I. Richmond (Surrey), Association of Engineering and Shipbuilding Draughtsmen, 1957. 113 p.23 illus., 30 diagrs., 18 tables. Bibliog. (footnote references).
Introduction to design for draughtsmen.

Miall, S.
Factors affecting the thermal efficiency of the steam engine. Rly Engr, 1931, 52, 409-14; 488-90: 1932, 53, 7-10. 16 diagrs.

Patrick, D.
Steam locomotive design. London, Draughtsman Publishing Co., 1937. 92 p. 43 diagrs., 2 tables. Bibliog.
For draughtsmen.

Phillipson, E.A.
Essays of a locomotive man. London, Locomotive Publishing Co.,[19 ]. [viii], 143 p. + front. + folding plate. .11 illus., 12 diagrs., 5 tables.
A collection of varied material from the Locomotive

Steam locomotive design: data and formulae. London, Locomotive Publishing Co., 1936. 444 p. + front. + 31 plates (mcI. 30 folding). illus., 88 diagrs., 67 tables.
A textbook. Originally published in the Locomotive between 1929 and 1935.

Poultney, E.C.
British express locomotive development, 1896-1948. London, Allen & Unwin, 1952. 175 p. incl. front. 74 illus., 15 diagrs., 46 tables.
Originally published in Modern Transport between 1947 and 1950: a comparative study.

The comparison of locomotive dimensions. Rly Engr, 1924, 45, 19-21 +. table.

Locomotive power. J. Instn Loco. Engrs, 1944, 34, 66-103. Disc.: 103-45. 23 diagrs., tables. Bibliog. (Paper No. 445).
Comparative studies.

Reed, B.
Modern railway motive power. London, Temple Press, 1950. vi, 170 p. + front. + 10 plates. 21 illus., 25 diagrs., 8 tables. Bibliog. (Technical trends series.)
An introductory study.

Rich, F.
Some details of steam-locomotive design affecting the footplate man. J. lnstn Loco. Engrs, 1958/59, 48, 590-613. Disc.: 613-22. 17 illus., diagrs. (Paper No. 589).

Robinson, C.H.
Debatable features in the design of some locomotive details. J. Instn. Loco. Engrs. 1926, 16, 919-35. Disc.: 935-43; 1927, 17, 346-54. illus., 10 diagrs. (Paper No. 205).

Rudgard, H.
The user of locomotives for revenue earning. J. Instn Loco. Engrs, 1948, 38, 494-527. 30 illus. (incl. port.), 11 diagrs. (incl. 9 s. els.), 5 tables (Presidential Address).
Design from the motive power department viewpoint.

Selby, F.W.
Same practical points in locomotive design. J. Instn Loco. Engrs, 1924, 14, 488-514. Disc.: 514-21. (Paper No. 168).

Skeat, W.C.
Landmarks in steam locomotive design [in:]
INSTITUTION of Mechanical Engineers.
Engineering heritage: highlights from the history of mechanical epgineering. v.1. London, Heinemann, 1963. [ivl. 180 p. illus., diagrs. Bibliog.
Pp. 80-8 (7 illus., 5 diagrs., bibliog.).
Reprinted from The Chartered Mechanical Engineer.

Smith, J.W.
Same details of locomotive practice. J. lnstn Loco. Engrs, 1923, 13, 135-50. Disc.: 151-60. (Paper No. 136).

SOME aspects of railway progress as they affect the locomotive department. Loco. Rly Carr. Wagon Rev. 1939, 45, 238-40; 280-2; 303-5; 330-3:1940, 46, 23-4; 45-8; 59-63; 106-10; 136.8; 173-6; 247-9. 16 illus.

Spencer, B.
Some features of locomotive design. J. lnstn Loco. Engrs, 1924, 14, 216-21. Disc.: 221-7. (Paper No. 158).

Taylor, H.R.
The modern steam locomotive. J. Rec. Trans. jr Instn Engrs, 1936/37, 47, 485-9. Disc.: 489-91.
A broad review.

Tritton, J.S.
Locomotive limitations. J. Instn Loco. Engrs, 1946, 36, 283-323. 17 illus., 19 diagrs. (Sir Seymour Biscoe Tritton Lecture).
Inherent limitations of the steam locomotive..

with Paterson, J.J.C.
The scientific development of modern locomotive design. Engineering, 1955, 180, 377-83. l3diagrs., 3 tables (REA 9774).
Abridgement of a paper presented to the British Association (Section G). Sept. 2nd, 1955.

Tritton, S.B.
The locomotive problem (present and future). Rly Engr. 1931, 52, 450.
Physical limitations.

Tuplin, W.A.
All of Tuplin's books are of some interest, although the views tend to be somewhat eccentric: see sections on Tuplin as author and his bibliographical output.

Dimensions of locomotives. Loco. Rly Carr. Wagon Rev., 1951, 57, 179-80.
The author concluded that, with the exception of gas passages, dimensions are not critical in steam locomotive design.

Motive power of the future - the case for steam. Trains A., 1952, 94-6.

Some questions about the steam locomotive. J. lnstn Loco. Engrs, 1953, 43, 637-65. Disc.: 665-714: 1954, 44, 167-73. illus., 10 diagrs. 3 tables. (Paper No. 528).
An outsider's (but a professional engineering outsider) view of locomotive development.

Was there any progress in steam locomotive design? Rly Wld, 1963, 24, 109-10.
Author's answer: there was not any. Rutherford has returned to this recently.

Wiener, L.
Articulated locomotives. London, Constable, 1930. xvi, 628 p. + 2 folding plates. 77 illus., 136 diagrs., 150 tables.

Woollatt, J.S.
A criticism of some aspects of locomotive design. J. lnstn. Loco. Engrs, 1949, 29,557-71. Disc.: 572-83. 7 illus., 2 diagrs. (Paper No. 489).

Limiting Factors

The interesting articles by D. K[eith] Horne in Backtrack add to what is listed below:

Andrews, H.I.
The contact between a locomotive driving wheel and the rail. Wear, 1958/59, 2, 468-84. 12 illus., 9 diagrs. Bibliog.
Emphasis on effect of wear.

The measurement of train resistance. J. lnstn Loco. Engrs, 1954, 44, 91-144. Disc.: 144-66.9 illus., 40 diagrs., 5 tables. Bibliog. (Paper No.531).

Barwell, F.T.
Adhesion between wheel and rail. J. Rec. Trans. jr lnstn Engrs, 1959/60, 170, 283-97. 6 illus., 3 diagrs. Bibliog.
Emphasis on electric traction.

Bowler, J.E.
The mechanics of train motion. Rly Mag., 1951,97,581-4. diagr.
Simple introduction.

Brown, D.C.
Counterbalancing and its effects on the locomotives and the bridges. J. lnstn Loco. Engrs, 1938, 28, 52-111. Disc.: 111-28 + folding plate. 11 diagrs., l2 tables. Bibliog. (Paper No. 381).

Colam, H.N. and Watson, J.D.
Hammer-blow in locomotives: can it not be abolished, altogether? J. lnstn civ. Engrs, 1941/42, 17, 197-220. Disc.: 359-82: 18, 429~33; 464-97 + 4 folding plates., 11 diagrs., 7 tables. (Paper No. 5243).

Cox, E.S.
Balancing of locomotive reciprocating parts. Proc. lnstn mech. Engrs, 1941, 146, 148-62 + 2 plates, 4 illus., 10 diagrs., 4 tables.

Dalby, W.E.
The balancing of engines. London, Edward Arnold, 4th ed. 1929. xii, 321p. + folding plate. 218 diagrs., 18 tables. Bibliog. (footnote references).

Davies, R.D.
Some experiments on the lateral oscillation of railway vehicles. J. lnstn civ. Engrs, 1938+39, 11, 224-62 + 3 plates (mcI. 1 folding), 6 illus., 20 diagrs., 2 tables. (Paper No. 5158).

Eames, T.A.
The nature and purpose of physics as applied to some railway problems. J. scient. Instrum., 1943, 20, 169-75. 4 illus., diagr., Bibliog.

Ell, S.O.
The mechanics of the train in the service of railway operation. J. lnstn Loco. Engrs, 1958/59, 48, 528-61. Disc.: 561-90 + 5 plates. 25diagrs., 6 tables. (Paper No.588).
Relatively little attention is given to steam.

Foxlee, R.W. and Greet, E.H.
Hammer-blow impact on the main girders of railway bridges. Minut. Proc. Instn civ. Engrs, 1933/34, 237, 239-313. Disc.: 356-418 + 5 folding plates. 24 diagrs., 5 tables. (Paper No. 4896).

Gribble, C.
Impact in railway-bridges, with particular reference to the report of the Bridge Stress Committee. Minut. Proc. lnstn civ. Engrs, 1928/29, 228, (2), 46-79. Disc.: 80-153. 30 diagrs., 2 tables. (Paper No. 4701).

Holcroft, H.
Some points of common interest in rolling stock and permanent way. J. Instn Loco. Engrs, 1929, 19, 249-84. Disc.: 285-311; 823-30. + 3 folding plates. 24 diagrs. (Paper No. 244).

Inglis, C.E.
Impact in railway-bridges. Minut. Proc. Instn civ. Engrs, 1931/32, 234, (2), 358-403. Disc.: 404-44. 22 diagrs., 13 tables. (Paper No. 4870).

A mathematical treatise on vibrations in railway bridges. Cambridge, C.U.P., 1934. xxvi, 203 p. 65 diagrs., 39 tables.

The vertical path of a wheel moving along a railway track. J. lnstn civ. Engrs, 1938/39, 11, 262-77. Disc.: 278-88: 12, 450-2 + folding plate. 13 diagrs. 3 tables. (Paper No. 5201).

Johansen, F.C.
The air resistance of passenger trains. Proc. Instn mech. Engrs. 1936, 134, 91-160. Disc.: 160-208. + 6 plates, 17 illus., 32 diagrs., 13 tables.

Application of model experiments to the air resistance of trains. Engineer, 1928, 145, 146-7.

Railway engineering research. Trans. Instn Engrs & Shipbldrs Scotl., 1945, 88, 265-315. Disc.: 316-25.21 illus., 2 diagrs. Bibliog. (Paper No. 1053).

LIMITATIONS of the British locomotive. Rly Engr, 1927, 48, 5-6.

Loach, J.C.
The locomotive and the track: aspects of their relationship. J. Instn Loco. Engrs, 1933, 23, 567-85. Disc.: 585-95. 13 diagrs. (Paper No. 309).

LOCOMOTIVE stability: diagrams showing relative positions of outside cylinders and transverse axis of centre of gravity. Rly Gaz., 1938, 68, 174 + folding plate. 26diagrs.

Lomonossoff, G.V.
Dynamic loading on locomotive wheels. Engineer, 1928, 146, 58-9; 83-5; 108-9. 8 diagrs.

Introduction to railway mechanics. London, O.U.P., 1933. [viii], 179 p. 92 diagrs. Bibliog. (footnote references).
Relationship between the vehicle and the track.

Locomotives and bridges. Engineer, 1934, 158, 282-3. 6 diagrs.
Critical review of Inglis' book, A mathematical treatise on vibrations in railway bridges.

McArd, G.W.
Locomotive weight distribution. R ly Gaz., 1942, 76, 88-9; 122-3. 10 diagrs.

MacLeod, W.H.
Some features of railway curving. J. Instn Loco. Engrs, 1955, 45, 204-38. 26 diagrs., 3 tables. (Paper No. 544).
Relationship between locomotives and the track on curves.

Marshall, C.F.D.
The motion of railway vehicles on a curved line. Rly Engr, 1930, 51, 359-62; 390-5; 466-8. 2 illus., 10 diagrs.

The resistance of express trains. London, Railway Engineer, 1925. x, 76 p.+ 2 folding plates. 9 illus., 45 diagrs., 32 tables, 2 plans. Bibliog.
Originally published as series of articles in Railway Engineer, 1924, 45.

Notes on train resistance: supplementary notes. Rly Engr. 1927, 48, 73-7. 6 diagrs, 3 tables.

Porter, S.R.M.
The mechanics of a locomotive on curved track. Rly Engr. 1934, 55, 205-6; 255-7; 282-7; 318-20; 384-6: 1935, 55, 424-8: Rly Gaz., 1935, 62, 232-8: 432-5. 60 diagrs., 8 tables.
Includes a glossary.

RAIL surfaces and locomotive slipping. Engineering, 1960,190, 315. diagrs. (REA 13814).
A report of work carried out at the National Engineering Laboratory on the colloidal material formed on "damp" rails which causes slipping.

Scientific and Industrial Research, Department of. Bridge Stress Committee.
Report. London, H.M.S.O., 1928. viii, 215 p. + 34 plates (mcI. 3 folding). 22 illus., 180 diagrs., 14 tables.
Includes tabulated data of hammer-blow values for all major British locomotives.

Shields, T.H.
Train resistance and tractive effort. Loco. Rly Carr. Wagon Rev., 1929, 35, 29-30; 63-4. 4 diagrs.

Simpson, C.R.H.
The steam locomotive as a vehicle. J. Rec. Trans. Jr Instn Engrs, 1951/52, 62, 203-12. 5 diagrs.

Small, F.H.
The use of the equivalent uniformly distributed load curve for comparing the effects of locomotives on bridges. Loco. Rly Carr. Wagon Rev., 1935, 11, 254-60. 9 diagrs.

Storey, C.
Contact between wheel and rail. Bul. Int. Rly Congr. Ass., 1957, 34, 433-42. 13 diagrs., 2 tables. Bibliog.

Toms, A.H.
Hunting of railway rolling stock and locomotives. J. Proc. Perm.-Way Instn, 1945, 63, 73-7.3 diagrs. (REA 222).

TRAIN resistance. Rly Gaz., 1959, 207, 126-7.
Editorial comment on the subject.

Economic studies

To the following must be added the very interesting assessments made by the late Michael Bonavia.

Billinton, L.
Steam as a motive power on railways. Rly Engr, 1931, 52, 450-1.
Comparison of steam and electric traction. The author favoured the former.

Cock, C.M.
Motive power for railways. J. Instn Loco. Engrs, 1952, 42, 281-305. 2 illus., 4 diagrs., 4 tables. (Presidential Address).
Diesel and electric traction were considered to be preferable to steam. The author indicated the amount of fuel wasted by steam locomotives.

COMPARATIVE running costs. Mod. Rlys, 1962, 16, 12-13. table.
Of steam, diesel and electric traction on the Great Eastern section.

Koffman, J.L.
Efficiency of steam and electric locomotives. Rly Gaz., 1952, 96, 69-72. 11 diagrs. Bibliog.

Lomonossoff, G.V.
Diesel traction. Proc. Instn mech. Engrs., 1933, 125, 537-613. 36 diagrs., 15 tables. Bibliog.
The author indicated the difficulty of designing steam locomotives with a high overall efficiency.

Missenden, E.
Some thoughts on railway motive power. J. Inst. Transp., 1950, 23, 230-7. 2 tables.
Electricity favoured.

O'Brien, E.
Main line electrification. J. Instn Loco. Engrs, 1925, 15, 66-9; 80-4. Disc.: 70-9. + folding plate. 8 tables (Paper No. 175).
Includes comparative costs for steam.

Richards, H.W.H.
Primary considerations relating to steam, electric and diesel-electric traction. Minut. Proc. lnstn civ. Engrs, 1932/33, 236, 23-81. Disc.: 93-165 + 2 folding plates. 20 diagrs., 31 tables. (Paper No. 4908.)
Cost analysis.

Sanders, T.H.
Rival traction systems. J. Instn Loco. Engrs, 1932, 22, 91-103. Disc.:104-18. (Chairman's Address Leeds Centre).
Favoured steam.

Sanford, D.W.
The effect of commercial efficiency on locomotive design. J. Instn. Loco. Engrs, 1932, 22, 325-32. Disc.: 332-40. table (Paper No. 289).

Shields, T.H.
The steam locomotive and its future in relation to electric traction. J. Instn Loco. Engrs, 1926, 16, 315-27. Disc.: 327-52; 498-501. (Paper No.194).

Sims, L.G.A.
The express locomotive and its limitations. Rly Mag., 1926, 58, 426-9. 2 illus.

STEAM or diesel. Loco. Rly Carr. Wagon Rev., 1944, 50, 49.

Tritton, J.S.
The challenge to steam. J. Instn Loco. Engrs, 1947, 37, 462-96. 3 illus., 20 diagrs., 2 tables. (Presidential Address).

Trutch, C.J.H. and Beckett, C.M.
Modern methods of railway locomotion. J. Inst. Transp., 1932/33, 14, 472-80. Disc.: 480-8. 5 diagrs., table.
The competition to steam.

Warder, S.B.
Electric traction prospects for British Railways. J. Instn Loco. Engrs, 1951, 41, 3-28. Disc.: 28-75 + 2 folding plates. 2 illus., 6 diagrs., 10 tables, 2 maps. (Paper No.498).

Specific facets of design

Axles

Thom, R.A.
Built-up crank axles for modern express locomotives. Rly Gaz., 1935, 62, 510-17. 10 illus., 8 diagrs., table.
Thom was Mechanical Engineer, Southern Area, L.N.E.R. and this paper reflects Gresley policy.

Cylinders

MACHINING locomotive cylinders at Doncaster Works, L.N.E.R. Rly Gaz., 1935, 63, 537-8. 2 illus.

THOM, RA.
The manufacture of monobloc cylinders for 3 cylinder locomotives: details of the practice applied at Doncaster Works of the London & North Eastern Railway. Rly Engr. 1932, 53, 340-3. 6 illus., 2 diagrs.
Both of the above refer to the manufacture of monobloc cylinder castings which were applied to several designs.

Rave, G.A.
[Discussion on :]
Spencer, B.
Some features of locomotive design. J. lnstn Loco. Engrs, 1924, 14, 216-21.Disc. :221-7. (Paper No. 158).
Spencer outlined some design desideratta which included Belpaire fireoxes. Musgrave presented a defence of the Doncaster traditions.

Joints and jointing materials. J. Instn Loco. Engrs, 1923, 13, 581-4. Disc.: 584-94. (Paper No. 156).
Doncaster practice.

Smokeboxes

...N.E.R. smokebox doors. Rly Mag., 1937, 80, 461.
Variance in practice between Doncaster and Darlington Works.

Valve gears

Gresley designs

Derived valve gear

The Walschaerts-Gresley valve gear was the source of much criticism, which is partly answered in Holcroft's article, where it is stated that "it may be recalled that in recent times a speed of 125 m.p.h. was attained by one of the L.N.E.R. "Pacifics' fitted with Gresley gear. Cox was involved in a report on the arrangement for Thompson.

CONJUGATED valve gears. Loco. Rly Carr. Wagon Rev., 1949, 55, 41-2. 5 diagrs.

Holcroft, H.: Conjugated valve gears for locomotives : their history and development. Engineer, 1946, 181, 145-7; 168-70; 192-3.21 diagrs. Reviews the development of derived valve gear on the L.N.E.R.

Locomotive adventure : fifty years with steam.
Pp. 90-3 outline Holcrofts' contact with Gresley.

VALVE-SETTING for three-cylinder engines fitted with Walschaerts-Gresley gear. Loco. Rly Carr. Wagon Rev., 1931, 37,30-2.2 diagrs.

WHO invented the "Gresley' gear. Rly Gaz., 1941, 75, 607-8.
Editorial comment, answered much later by Holcroft.

Drawing Office/drawings

As Keeper of the drawings at the NRM Michael Rutherford has particular expertise in this area:

Drawings, designs and who did what. Part 1. Railway Reflections No. 52. Michael Rutherford. Backtrack, 1999, 13, 200-7.

Drawings Designs and who did what. Part 2. [Railway Reflections 53]. Michael Rutherford. Backtrack, 1999, 13, 236-43.
Standardization: Ramsbottom and Webb at Crewe, Churchward at Swindon. Notes development of 43XX from standard components with involvement of Harold Holcroft. Evolution of British Standards Institution from the Engineering Standards Committee. Influence of F. Wolley Dod on Indian standard locomotives. See also Bulleid.

Updated: 2002-12-30