The single largest class of new locomotive to be constructed after the Nationalization of Britain"s railroads in 1948, the 251 representatives of the Riddles-designed Class 9F 2-10-0 were amongst the most powerful steam locomotives ever constructed in the United Kingdom. First introduced in 1954, these impressive locomotives were destined never to fulfill their true potential as, in 1955, the Modernization Plane foreshadowed the complete elimination of steam traction from Britain"s railroads. Construction of the class continued until 1960, when No 92220 Evening Star became the last main line steam locomotive to be constructed for use by BR. By this date, however, it was clear that the class was destined to have a relatively short life and, by the final withdrawal of main line steam in August 1968, many of the class had been withdrawn after less than a decade in service. Designed primarily for heavy freight traffic, where they performed superbly on services such as the...