Golwé locomotive

Golwé locomotive

The Golwé was a type of articulated steam locomotive manufactured in Belgium for use in French West African colonies.

The front engine unit swivelled under the boiler and smokestack, in a similar manner to a Meyer and looking somewhat like a Mallet; in contrast a Garratt had its front bogie in front of the boiler. The rear engine unit was placed underneath the tender, in a manner similar to a Garratt; however a Garratt carried its coal and water directly on the rear bogie, while the Golwé carried them on the central frame. The rear bogie cylinders were placed under the cab, at the front of the rear unit. A float-controlled automatic device reduced the cut-off of the rear cylinders to prevent slipping when the water tank was running low. The firebox hung low between the two engine units, and so could be of generous size.

Four 2-6-6-2 locomotives were supplied to the metre-gauge Ivory Coast railways in 1930, and three to the Congo-Ocean Railway in the French Congo. The Congo-Ocean railway received two more of the same type in 1935 and five of a modified 2-6-6-4 type. Both railways later turned to Garratt locomotives for their articulated locomotive needs.

References

• Durrant, A.E., A.A. Jorgensen, & C.P. Lewis 1981 Steam in Africa Hamlyn London
• Articulated locomotives (Photograph and further information)