Modified Bulleid Pacifics: How Ron Jarvis Reconstructed the Bulleid Pacifics

Oliver Bulleid's Pacifics were controversial steam locomotives in Britain, but BR decided to modify them in the 1950s. Ron Jarvis saved them by adopting other established design principles and saving the best of Bulleid's work. This book explores their lives and evolution, which didn't start or finish with the 1950s rebuilding program.

Format: Hardback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 19 June 2019
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

Oliver Bulleid's Pacifics were undoubtedly the most contentious steam locomotives ever constructed in Britain. They appeared to be both adored and despised in equal measure, and when BR decided to modify them in the 1950s, the discussion over their advantages and disadvantages took on a fresh dimension. It was claimed that they were too expensive to run and maintain in comparison to other types that were available. Their downtime due to breakdowns was also rising to an unacceptable level, and some of Bulleid's innovations were thought to be more of a hindrance than a benefit. Whether correctly or incorrectly, BR was faced with a costly scrap and rebuild program or the option of attempting to make the engines more dependable. The task of rescuing Bulleid's enigmatic locomotives in order to meet the demands of the service fell to Ron Jarvis, an engineer of note. He demonstrated a master's touch in the program that followed, preserving the finest of Bulleid's work and incorporating other well-established design principles. What emerged was described by Bert Spencer, Gresley's talented assistant, as taking a swan and transforming it into a soaring eagle. This book examines all aspects of the lives of these Pacifics and their two designers. It relies on previously unpublished material to describe their gradual evolution, which did not begin or end with the 1950s major rebuilding program.

Weight: 1400g
Dimension: 256 x 251 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526721662