Class B9A 4-4-0 (1903)

Class B9A 4-Cylinder Tandem Compound Express Passenger Locomotive
Designed by Karel Belčamin
Rebuilt in 1903 from Class S by RSR Works, Bevice-
Akohniçe, Ruhnia

The last express passenger design to appear from the drawing board of Marek Luršimonš, the class S (later B9), was both an anomaly and a white elephant. Belčamin kept the engines however for experimental purposes and applied various amendments to the boiler, running gear and other details. In 1903 one locomotive was fitted with a completely new design of boiler, which went on to be the prototype for that of the new 4-4-0s of 1906, but without superheater. The running gear remained unchanged and retained also the original slide valves. The higher boiler pressure brought an increase in power but Belčamin realised quite rightly that only through superheating could the locomotive deliver a level of performance commensurate with its size. On top of this, the increased weight placed excessive demands on the running gear and hot boxes became an everyday occurrence. After less than a year in this form, the engine was rebuilt more drastically into class B9B.

Text and graphics © Norman Clubb 2012