2604:3D09:96F:B800:299A:10B9:C739:1B7: /* External links */

2025-03-16T18:13:08Z

External links

New page

{{Short description|Class of Australian 2-8-2 locomotives}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2019}}
{{Infobox locomotive
|name = WAGR V class
|powertype = Steam
|image = WAGR V class locomotive V1213.JPG
|alt =
|caption = V1213 at Pemberton station in December 2011
|designer =
|builder = [[Robert Stephenson and Hawthorns]] as subcontractor to [[Beyer, Peacock and Company|Beyer, Peacock & Co]]
|ordernumber =
|serialnumber = Beyer, Peacock & Co 7726–7749
|buildmodel =
|builddate = 1955
|totalproduction = 24
|rebuilder =
|rebuilddate =
|numberrebuilt =
|whytetype = [[2-8-2]]
|uicclass = 1′D1′ h2
|gauge = {{track gauge|3ft6in|lk=on}}
|leadingdiameter = {{convert|21.5|in|cm|0|abbr=on}}
|driverdiameter = {{convert|51|in|cm|0|abbr=on}}
|trailingdiameter = {{convert|21.5|in|cm|0|abbr=on}}
|minimumcurve =
|wheelbase = {{convert|32|ft|9|in|m|2|abbr=on}}
|length = {{convert|69|ft|8|in|m|2|abbr=on}}
|width = {{convert|9|ft|6|in|m|2|abbr=on}}
|height = {{convert|12|ft|8|in|m|2|abbr=on}}
|axleload = {{long ton|14|5}}
|weightondrivers = {{long ton|14|5}}
|locoweight = 80 long tons 14 cwt 2 q 
|tenderweight =
|locotenderweight = 134 long tons 18 cwt 2 q 
|tendertype =
|fueltype = Coal
|fuelcap = {{long ton|7|0}}
|watercap = {{convert|5390|impgal|L USgal|abbr=on}}
|tendercap =
|sandcap =
|boiler =
|boilerpressure = {{convert|215|lbf/in2|MPa|2|abbr=on}}
|feedwaterheater =
|firearea = {{convert|40|sqft|m2|abbr=on}}
|tubearea = {{convert|1570|sqft|m2|abbr=on}}
|fluearea =
|tubesandflues =
|fireboxarea = {{convert|247|sqft|m2|abbr=on}}
|totalsurface = {{convert|1817|sqft|m2|abbr=on}}
|superheatertype =
|superheaterarea = {{convert|492|sqft|m2|abbr=on}}
|cylindercount = Two
|cylindersize = {{convert|19|x|26|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
|frontcylindersize=
|rearcylindersize =
|hpcylindersize =
|lpcylindersize =
|valvegear = [[Walschaerts valve gear|Walschaerts]]
|valvetype =
|valvetravel =
|valvelap =
|valvelead =
|transmission =
|maxspeed =
|poweroutput =
|tractiveeffort = {{convert|33633|lbf|kN|2|abbr=on}}
|factorofadhesion = 3.8
|trainheating =
|locobrakes =
|locobrakeforce =
|trainbrakes =
|safety =
|operator = [[Western Australian Government Railways]]
|operatorclass =
|powerclass =
|numinclass =
|fleetnumbers = V1201–V1224
|officialname =
|nicknames =
|axleloadclass =
|locale =
|deliverydate = 1955–1956
|firstrundate = 12 April 1955
|lastrundate =
|retiredate =
|withdrawndate = 14 August 1972
|preservedunits = V1209, V1213, V1215, V1220
|restoredate =
|scrapdate =
|currentowner =
|disposition = 4 preserved, 20 scrapped}}

The '''WAGR V class''' was the last class of [[steam locomotive]] to enter service with the [[Western Australian Government Railways]] (WAGR). The class was part of the post war regeneration plan for the WAGR, intended for the heavy coal traffic between the [[Collie, Western Australia|Collie]] coal fields and [[Perth]].

==Engineering background==
[[File:WAGR_1220_(5359397445).jpg|thumb|V1220 at the [[Western Australian Rail Transport Museum]] in April 2006]]
Twenty-four locomotives were ordered in 1951 from [[Beyer, Peacock and Company]], [[Manchester]]. Capacity issues saw construction of the locomotives subcontracted to [[Robert Stephenson & Hawthorn]]'s [[Darlington]] works although still issued with Beyer Peacock builders numbers. The locomotives entered service between April 1955 and November 1956.<ref name=ARHWA>[http://www.railheritagewa.org.au/museum/locos/pages/v_steam.htm V Class Steam Locomotive] Rail Heritage WA</ref>

The locomotive was of a modern design with a high superheat, a large [[combustion chamber]] and a [[thermic syphon]] in the firebox. [[Rolling-element bearing|Roller bearings]] were used on all the locomotive and tender wheels. When introduced the V class was the largest rigid wheelbase locomotive on the WAGR system, exceeded only by the [[Australian Standard Garratt]].
The class was designed to have as many parts as possible interchangeable with the [[WAGR W class|W class]].

==Operational history==
The rated load capacity was 1,320 tons between [[Brunswick Junction, Western Australia#Railway junction|Brunswick Junction]] and [[Armadale railway station, Perth|Armadale]], compared to 1,135 tons for the [[WAGR S class|S class]] and 850 tons for the [[WAGR F class|Fs class]]. By all accounts the V class were a reliable and free-steaming locomotive. The V class locomotives entered service in 1955 and initially worked heavy coal trains from the [[Collie, Western Australia|Collie]] area. Later they were used on equally heavy freight trains, particularly over the [[Great Southern Railway (Western Australia)|Great Southern line]] from [[York railway station, Western Australia|York]] to [[Albany, Western Australia|Albany]]. Most were condemned in June 1971, with the remainder following in August 1972.<ref name=ARHWA/>{{sfn|Gunzburg|1984|p=140}}<ref>{{cite book|last=Turner|first=Jim|title=Australian Steam Locomotives 1896-1958|year=1997|publisher=Kangaroo Press|location=Kenthurst|isbn=086417778X|page=171}}</ref><ref name=Oberg>{{cite book|last=Oberg|first=Leon|title=Locomotives of Australia 1850s-2010|year=2010|publisher=Rosenberg Publishing|location=Dural|isbn=9781921719011|page=281}}</ref> On 25 June 1972. V1220 hauled the final WAGR steam hauled service, the ''Farewell to Steam'' special from Brunswick Junction to Collie.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Whiteford|first1=David|last2=De Bruin|first2=Charles|last3=Watson|first3=Lindsay|last4=Watson|first4=Neville|title=Western Australian Preserved Locomotives|date=1983|publisher=Railmac Publications|location=Elizabeth|isbn=0-949817-19-8|page=17}}</ref>

==Preservation==
Four of the class have survived. Three are owned by preservation societies, whilst the fourth, V1213, is owned by the private rail operator [[Pemberton Tramway Company]] who provided Driver Experience courses,<ref>[http://www.pemtram.com.au/Steam%20Locomotive%20Driving%20Experience%20Course.htm Driver Experience Page] Pemberton Tramway Co</ref> in addition to hauling some timber on its railway. The haulage of timber ceased in 2005.<ref name=Oberg/><ref name=V1213>[http://www.pemtram.com.au/v_1213.htm The Mighty V] Pemberton Tramway Company</ref>

Various records suggest that the V Class were considered for preservation by the [[South Australia]]n [[Steamtown Peterborough Railway Preservation Society]].<ref name=donc>"The V Class" ''The Partyline'' issue 56 Winter 1994 (Steamtown Peterborough Railway Preservation Society) {{ISSN|1322-2473}}</ref><ref>"The Steamtown Locomotives" ''Steamtown Peterborough Railway Preservation Society Number 1, February 1979</ref>

==Class list==
The numbers and periods in service of each member of the V class were as follows:{{sfn|Gunzburg|1984|p=140}}

{|cellpadding="2"
|
{|class="wikitable sortable"
!Builder's<br>number
!Works<br>number
!Road<br>number
!In service
!Withdrawn
!Notes
|-
|align=center|7770
|align=center|7726
|align=center|1201
|{{dts|format=dmy|1955|April|12}}
|{{dts|format=dmy|1971|June|17}}
|
|-
|align=center|7771
|align=center|7727
|align=center|1202
|{{dts|format=dmy|1955|May|10}}
|{{dts|format=dmy|1971|June|17}}
|
|-
|align=center|7772
|align=center|7728
|align=center|1203
|{{dts|format=dmy|1955|June|09}}
|{{dts|format=dmy|1971|June|17}}
|Fitted with Nathan DV3 [[Automatic lubricator|mechanical lubricator]], March 1968
|-
|align=center|7773
|align=center|7729
|align=center|1204
|{{dts|format=dmy|1955|June|24}}
|{{dts|format=dmy|1971|June|17}}
|Fitted with Nathan DV3 mechanical lubricator, May 1968
|-
|align=center|7774
|align=center|7730
|align=center|1205
|{{dts|format=dmy|1955|July|08}}
|{{dts|format=dmy|1971|June|17}}
|
|-
|align=center|7775
|align=center|7732
|align=center|1206
|{{dts|format=dmy|1955|July|15}}
|{{dts|format=dmy|1971|June|17}}
|Damaged in collision at [[Mundijong, Western Australia|Mundijong]], 20 April 1969; repaired by 9 July 1969
|-
|align=center|7776
|align=center|7733
|align=center|1207
|{{dts|format=dmy|1955|July|27}}
|{{dts|format=dmy|1971|June|17}}
|
|-
|align=center|7777
|align=center|7734
|align=center|1208
|{{dts|format=dmy|1955|October|10}}
|{{dts|format=dmy|1972|August|14}}
|
|-
|align=center|7778
|align=center|7735
|align=center|1209
|{{dts|format=dmy|1955|October|04}}
|{{dts|format=dmy|1971|June|17}}
|Preserved at [[Bellarine Railway]], Victoria. Recommissioned 1991, named ''Spirit of Alcoa''<ref name=donc/> and used for occasional passenger services, currently stored<ref>[http://bellarinerailway.com.au/locomotives Steam Locomotives] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170525103042/http://bellarinerailway.com.au/locomotives |date=2017-05-25 }} Bellarine Peninsula Railway</ref><ref>[http://www.australiansteam.com/V1209.htm V1209] Australian Steam</ref>
|-
|align=center|7779
|align=center|7731
|align=center|1210
|{{dts|format=dmy|1955|October|19}}
|{{dts|format=dmy|1971|June|17}}
|
|-
|align=center|7780
|align=center|7736
|align=center|1211
|{{dts|format=dmy|1955|November|02}}
|{{dts|format=dmy|1971|June|17}}
|
|-
|align=center|7781
|align=center|7737
|align=center|1212
|{{dts|format=dmy|1955|December|01}}
|{{dts|format=dmy|1971|June|17}}
|
|-
|align=center|7782
|align=center|7738
|align=center|1213
|{{dts|format=dmy|1955|December|20}}
|{{dts|format=dmy|1971|June|17}}
|To [[Hotham Valley Railway]] (HVR) 8 April 1981, sold to Willis Engineering. Recommissioned on a narrow gauge freight, 27 May 1992<ref name=donc/> and used for occasional passenger services for both [[Pemberton Tramway Company]] and HVR.<ref name=V1213/><ref>[http://www.australiansteam.com/V1213.htm V1213] Australian Steam</ref>
|-
|align=center|7783
|align=center|7739
|align=center|1214
|{{dts|format=dmy|1955|December|23}}
|{{dts|format=dmy|1971|June|17}}
|
|-
|align=center|7784
|align=center|7740
|align=center|1215
|{{dts|format=dmy|1956|February|13}}
|{{dts|format=dmy|1971|June|17}}
|Preserved at [[Collie, Western Australia|Collie]]<ref>[http://www.australiansteam.com/V1215.htm V1215] Australian Steam</ref>
|-
|align=center|7785
|align=center|7741
|align=center|1216
|{{dts|format=dmy|1956|February|20}}
|{{dts|format=dmy|1971|June|17}}
|
|-
|align=center|7786
|align=center|7742
|align=center|1217
|{{dts|format=dmy|1956|June|14}}
|{{dts|format=dmy|1971|June|17}}
|Standard Detroit lubricator fitted, early 1967 to 5 March 1968
|-
|align=center|7787
|align=center|7743
|align=center|1218
|{{dts|format=dmy|1956|March|28}}
|{{dts|format=dmy|1972|August|14}}
|
|-
|align=center|7788
|align=center|7744
|align=center|1219
|{{dts|format=dmy|1956|April|13}}
|{{dts|format=dmy|1972|August|14}}
|
|-
|align=center|7789
|align=center|7745
|align=center|1220
|{{dts|format=dmy|1956|June|25}}
|{{dts|format=dmy|1972|August|14}}
|Preserved at [[Western Australian Rail Transport Museum]]<ref name=ARHWA/><ref>[http://www.australiansteam.com/V1220.htm V1220] Australian Steam</ref>
|-
|align=center|7790
|align=center|7746
|align=center|1221
|{{dts|format=dmy|1956|July|13}}
|{{dts|format=dmy|1971|June|17}}
|
|-
|align=center|7791
|align=center|7747
|align=center|1222
|{{dts|format=dmy|1956|August|02}}
|{{dts|format=dmy|1971|June|17}}
|
|-
|align=center|7792
|align=center|7748
|align=center|1223
|{{dts|format=dmy|1956|October|05}}
|{{dts|format=dmy|1971|June|17}}
|Standard Detroit lubricator fitted, 1967–1968
|-
|align=center|7793
|align=center|7749
|align=center|1224
|{{dts|format=dmy|1956|November|16}}
|{{dts|format=dmy|1971|June|17}}
|
|-
|}
|}

==See also==
{{Portal|Trains|Western Australia}}
*[[Rail transport in Western Australia]]
*[[List of Western Australian locomotive classes]]

==References==
===Notes===
{{Reflist|2}}

===Bibliography===
{{refbegin}}
*{{Durrant-AustralianSteam |pages=99, 101}}
*{{Gunzburg-WAGR Locomotives|pages=26–27, 47}}
*{{Gunzburg-History WAGR Steam}}
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{Commons category-inline}}

{{WAGR Locomotives}}

[[Category:Beyer, Peacock locomotives]]
[[Category:Freight locomotives]]
[[Category:Railway locomotives introduced in 1955]]
[[Category:Robert Stephenson and Hawthorns locomotives]]
[[Category:Steam locomotives of Western Australia|V WAGR class]]
[[Category:2-8-2 locomotives]]
[[Category:1′D1′ h2 locomotives]]
[[Category:3 ft 6 in gauge locomotives of Australia]]

WAGR V class - Revision history

2604:3D09:96F:B800:299A:10B9:C739:1B7: /* External links */