The Princess Royal Class Locomotive Trust uses cookies to ensure you have the best possible online experience. By continuing to use this site you consent to the use of cookies in accordance with our cookie policy.
LMS No. 6233 – DUCHESS OF SUTHERLAND
Built in July 1938 at Crewe Works for the London, Midland & Scottish Railway (LMS) under the design of Sir William Stanier, the DUCHESS OF SUTHERLAND is an iconic example of the mighty Princess Coronation Class 4-6-2 “Pacific” steam locomotives.
After withdrawal in 1964, the locomotive embarked on a destiny of preservation. It served as a static display at the Butlins Ayr holiday-camp display and ultimately found itself under the custodianship of The Princess Royal Class Locomotive Trust (PRCLT) in 1996. Under the Trust’s care it was meticulously restored, returning to operational main-line status and gaining new fame — including the honour of hauling the Royal Train.
Quick Facts
- Name: DUCHESS OF SUTHERLAND
- LMS Number / BR Number: 6233 - 46233
- Class: Princess Coronation Class
- Wheel Arrangement: 4-6-2 (Pacific)
- Designer: Sir William Stanier
- Builder: LMS Crewe Works
- Built: July 1938
- Current Status: Under heavy general overhaul
- Owner: The Princess Royal Class Locomotive Trust
Technical Specifications
| Wheel Arrangement: | 4-6-2 (Pacific) |
| Driving Wheel Diameter: | 81 in |
| Cylinders: | Four |
| Boiler Pressure: | 250 psi |
| Tractive Effort: | ~40,000 lbf |
| Fuel / Water Capacity: | 10 tons coal / 4,000 gal water |
| Power Classification: | LMS 7P |
| Total Weight: | Approx. 105–108 tons |
Design & Appearance
The Princess Coronation Class was developed for high-speed express services such as the London to Glasgow routes. DUCHESS OF SUTHERLAND was built unstreamlined and originally carried LMS crimson lake livery. Over its working life it received modifications including a double chimney and smoke deflectors. In preservation, 6233 has only carried LMS Black, BR Green and LMS Crimson Lake, which she currently carries.
Service History
After entering service in 1938, DUCHESS OF SUTHERLAND worked express passenger services from key depots including Camden (London) and later Carlisle. It achieved over 1.6 million miles in service before being withdrawn in 1964. It was purchased instead of being scrapped and became a static exhibit before later entering full restoration.
Preservation
Following withdrawal, the locomotive was displayed at Butlins, Heads-of-Ayr, before later being moved to Bressingham Steam Museum. In 1996 it was acquired by The Princess Royal Class Locomotive Trust, who undertook a full restoration to working order. It returned to steam in 2001 and has been certified for operation on the national mainline ever since.
Current Condition
6233 is currently displayed at The WEST SHED, located at the Midland Railway – Butterley in Derbyshire. The locomotive is currently undergoing a major overhaul to mainline running standard, she will be re-wheeled shortly having had new tyres fitted and a complete bottom end overhaul. The locomotive currently resides on the Trusts 100 ton jacks. Following on from this her boiler will be removed as much work needs to doing to her firebox.
Highlights & Notable Moments
- Hauled the Royal Train during Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee Tour (2002)
- Also hauled the Royal Train in 2005 with the then Prince of Wales riding on the footplate
- One of the highest-mileage locomotives of its class
- Repainted into LMS crimson lake to mark its 80th anniversary in 2018
/12