Lugansk works built the first 'E' class 0-10-0 locomotive in 1912 and, including later sub-classes, this became perhaps the most prolific design in the world. Despite numerous initiatives to move on from this design, the 'E' class remained remarkably resilient and I was able to drive two examples of the E' class (the 'Em' and 'Er') in 2005 when I went on a steam driving holiday which is briefly described here.
Em 735-72 at Kolomiya Depot, Ukraine.
Front view of Em 735-72 at Kolomiya Depot.
Note that the complete smokebox front is hinged on the right and, once unbolted, can be swung open for re-tubing and access to the tubeplate. There is a smaller door in the smokebox front used for char removal. This door is hinged on the right and secured by 14 'dogs' or clamps which, when tightened, ensure that the smokebox door is airtight.
Er 797-86 at Kolomiya Depot, Ukraine.
For technical specifications, refer to Reference 1.
References:
Reference 1: 'Soviet Locomotive Types - The Union Legacy' by A J Heywood & I D C Button (Frank Stenvalls Forlag) ISBN 0-9525202-0-6.
Photographs:
Locomotive Profile: Russian 'E' class 0-10-0
