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TheClass KF (聯盟型, 'Confederation class', re-designated "ㄎㄈ" or "KF") was a 4-8-4 mainline passengersteam locomotive type built in theUnited Kingdom by theVulcan Foundry for the railways of China. Between 1935 and 1936, 24 locomotives were built for theGuangzhou–Hankou Railway, designated as the 600 series.[1] Following World War II, and the establishment of thePeople's Republic of China, the Chinese Government assumed control of the railway and re-designated the engines in 1954 as the "ㄎㄈ" class ("ㄎㄈ" being theZhuyin characters for "K(o)-F(o)") from the first two syllables of "Confederation", and in 1959 as the "KF" class.
In July 1933, theGuangdong–Hankou Railway was in need of new motive power for their being finishedGuangzhou toShaoguan line (capital of Guangdong Province to the northern border of the province). However, this particular line had been burdened with gradients of around two percent as well as curves with less than 250 m (0.16 mi) radii, and low capacity bridges. This necessitated a locomotive design that had more tractive effort while retaining a low axle load. TheMinistry of Railways approached the Vulcan Foundry in Britain, who devised a series of locomotives of a 4-8-4 wheel arrangement. 24 were ordered in 1935 and delivered to China in 1935-36. Under theNationalist Government, the engines were numbered 600-623.[2]
Although designed by an Englishman, Col. Kenneth Cantlie, and built by an English firm, the class followed American design paradigms, featuring an automatic stoker, and a 4-8-4 configuration never used in the United Kingdom. One exception was the low axle load of 16½ tons.[2]
The engines were a significant improvement over previous designs, incorporating a more efficient E-type superheater and duplex steam valve to allow better steaming without enlarging the boiler. The 4-8-4 wheel arrangement allowed for better weight distribution as well as improved handling on sharp curves[improper synthesis?].When theChangsha-Canton Railway was completed in October 1936, locomotives 600-623were transferred to operate over northern section betweenHankou and Changsha on this new main line.[citation needed] During World War II the locomotives were transferred to Guangxi Province throughHunan–Guangxi Railway, away from Japanese-occupied territory.
Out of 24 engines built, 17 survived theSecond Sino-Japanese war.[2] After theestablishment of the People's Republic in 1949, the locomotives were repaired, upgraded,[3] and reassigned the numbers 1-17[2] for use on theShanghai–Nanjing Railway. They retained their old classification KF and continued in service up to early 1970s. Builder details:
Two examples are known to have been preserved. KF7 was presented by theChinese Government to theNational Railway Museum, England in 1981.[2][4][5][failed verification] Another KF class locomotive is preserved at theChina Railway Museum, China.[6]
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