New South Wales Z18 class locomotive
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![]() Z18 class 1806 c.1884 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8a/Arhs_1805_port.jpg/220px-Arhs_1805_port.jpg)
The 18 class (formally R.285 class) was a class of 0-6-0T wheel arrangement steam locomotive built by Vulcan Foundry for the New South Wales Government Railways of Australia.[1][2][3]
Order[]
An order was placed in February 1882, with the Vulcan Foundry for six 2-4-0T locomotives to the specification of the then Acting Locomotive Engineer, Mr Scott. During Mr Scott’s subsequent absence in England on official business, Thomas Middleton, Locomotive Engineer, had the specifications altered to 0-6-0T wheel arrangement, together with other variations to the original order. Middleton claimed that the revised design would enable the locomotives to run at 30–33 mph (48–53 km/h) in suburban service. Commissioner Goodchap approved the changes and despite the protests on Scott’s return, the variations were made.[4]
The six locomotives were delivered in 1884 and designated the 285 class. They became the (R) 285 class in 1889 and the Z18 class in 1924.
Operation[]
Their 4-foot-0-inch (1.219 m) driving wheels proved too small for the speed required and they were reduced to shunting duties in Sydney Yard, with just the occasional venture into the suburbs.
In 1907, the locomotives were fitted with new domed boilers, replacing the domeless versions originally fitted. This increased their weight by 3 tons which improved their adhesion factor. Power reversing gear was fitted in 1922, making them the first class in New South Wales to be so fitted. It was a hydraulic type and was excellent when shunting at Sydney station, however this was only short lived and Johnson bar lever reversing gear was fitted shortly after.
In 1927, following the release of other locomotives with the electrification of the Sydney suburban network, the class was transferred to locomotive depot work, some being fitted with cranes and renumbered into the (X)10 series. Later, with the cranes removed, they were restored to their Z18 numbers and worked at Port Kembla shunting. 1076 was an exception which continued to be known by that number.[2] No. 1802 (originally R286) was sold to the Public Works Department in 1927 and became their No. 75. It continued in service until it was cut up for scrap metal in 1964.[5] 1801 and 1806 were sold to the Wallarah Coal Company in 1957 and worked on the isolated Catherine Hill Bay Coal Railway until the line ceased operation in December 1963.[6]
Preservation[]
No. | Descriptionn | Manufacturer | Year | Current organisation | Location | Status | Ref |
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1803 | 0-6-0 T passenger | Vulcan Foundry | 1884 | NSW Rail Museum | Thirlmere | Thomas the Tank Engine | NSW Locomotive, Steam 1803 |
1804 | 0-6-0T Tank Engine | Vulcan Foundry | 1884 | Goulburn Loco Roundhouse Preservation Society | Goulburn | Undergoing steam trials |
(now 1076)[7] |
See also[]
References[]
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to New South Wales Z18 class locomotives. |
- ^ Preston, Ron G (1984). Tender into Tank. Sydney: New South Wales Rail Transport Museum. pp. 11–57. ISBN 0 909862 18 4.
- ^ a b Grunbach, Alex (1989). A Compendium of New South Wales Steam Locomotives. Sydney: Australian Railway Historical Society, NSW Division. pp. 41–45. ISBN 0 909650 27 6.
- ^ New South Wales Railways 1855-1955. Published by Department of Railways
- ^ Grunbach, Alex (1989). A Compendium of New South Wales Steam Locomotives. Sydney: Australian Railway Historical Society, NSW Division. pp. 74–75. ISBN 0 909650 27 6.
- ^ McCarthy 1983 Gazetteer of Industrial Steam Locomotives, Illawarra District
- ^ "The Wallarah Colliery Railway, Catherine Hill Bay" Australian Railway Historical Society Bulletin issue 424 February 1973 pages 37/38
- ^ Goulburn Rail Heritage Centre Trackside
Extra reading[]
- "Vulcan Foundry locomotive list". Retrieved 17 June 2008.
- 0-6-0T locomotives
- Railway locomotives introduced in 1884
- Steam locomotives of New South Wales
- Vulcan Foundry locomotives
- Standard gauge locomotives of Australia