SEK class Λα

SEK Class Λα
Type and origin Power type Steam Builder StEG Škoda Works Build date 1925-1927 Total produced 40
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte 2-10-0  • UIC 1′E h Gauge 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) Driver dia. 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) Loco weight 78 long tons 6 cwt (175,400 lb or 79.6 t) Fuel type Coal Boiler pressure 225 lbf/in2 (1.55 MPa) Cylinders Two Cylinder size 19 in × 28 in (483 mm × 711 mm)
Performance figures Tractive effort 34,215 lbf (152.20 kN)

SEK (Sidirodromoi Ellinikou Kratous, Hellenic State Railways) Class Λβ (or Class Lb; Lambda-beta) is a class of 8 2-10-0 steam locomotives, ex-SEK Class Λβs purchased after the Second World War. All of them were previously stabled in Egypt and were transported to Greece, as part of the UNRRA mission in Greece (arrived at Thessaloniki port in 16 January 1947). They were given the class letters "Λα" and numbers 901-940.

They were mainly allocated to the Salonika division, but hauled both freight and passenger trains (including Athens to Istanbul Expresses) all across Greece, until they were slowly replaced by diesel locomotives until the mid-1970s, being one of the last classes of steam locomotives of SEK to be withdrawn from regular service.