Bulleid Pacifics

Bulleid Pacifics are a class of powerful steam locomotives built in the 1940s for British Railways, primarily designed to pull long, heavy express trains on the Southern Railway. "Pacific" refers to their wheel arrangement—five large driving wheels (denoted "4-6-2")—which provided smooth, high-speed travel. Bulleid's design featured innovative features like the "air-smoothed" streamlined casing for better aerodynamics and high efficiency, as well as a unique chain-driven valve gear to reduce maintenance. These locomotives were known for their speed, efficiency, and distinctive appearance, playing a significant role in British rail history until they were phased out in the 1960s.