New South Wales Z18 class locomotive

New South Wales Z18 class

Z18 class 1806 c.1884
Type and origin
Power type Steam
Builder Vulcan Foundry
Serial number 992–997
Build date 1882
Total produced 6
Specifications
Configuration 0-6-0T
UIC classification Cn
Gauge 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm)
Driver diameter 4 ft 0 in (1.219 m)
Locomotive weight 84,000 lb (38 t)
Water capacity 850 imp gal (3,900 l; 1,020 US gal)
Boiler pressure 140 psi (970 kPa)
Firegrate area 13 sq ft (1.2 m2)
Heating surface:
– Total		 880 sq ft (82 m2)
Superheater type None
Cylinders Two, inside
Cylinder size 15 in × 22 in (381 mm × 559 mm)
Performance figures
Tractive effort 12,272 lbf (54.6 kN)
Career
Operator(s) New South Wales Government Railways
Class 285, R285 from 1889, Z18 from 1924
Number(s) 285–290
Retired 1963–1972
Disposition 2 preserved, 4 scrapped
1805 stands outside the Reid's Hill depot, Port Kembla

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.[2]

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]

Preservation

Preserved Z18 Class Locomotives
No.DescriptionManufacturerYearCurrent OrganisationLocationStatusRef
1803 0-6-0 T passengerVulcan Foundry1884 NSW Rail Transport Museum Thirlmere Thomas Tank Engine NSW Locomotive, Steam 1803
18040-6-0T Tank EngineVulcan Foundry1884 Goulburn Loco Roundhouse Preservation SocietyGoulburnunder restoration

(now 1076)[4]

See also

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to New South Wales Z18 class locomotives.
  1. ↑ Preston, Ron G (1984). Tender into Tank. Sydney: New South Wales Rail Transport Museum. pp. 11–57. ISBN 0 909862 18 4.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 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.
  3. ↑ New South Wales Railways 1855-1955. Published by Department of Railways
  4. ↑ Goulburn Rail Heritage Centre Trackside

Extra reading