South Australian Railways Q class

The South Australian Railways Q Class Locomotives were built by Dübs and Company and James Martin & Co for the South Australian Railways, they entered service in 1885 & 1892.[1]

South Australian Railways Q Class
South Australian Railways Q Class No. 86
Type and origin Power type Steam Builder Dübs and Company James Martin & Co Serial number 2030-2044 & 46-51 Build date 1885-1892 Total produced 22
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte 4-4-0  • UIC 2'B 3 Gauge 5'3" Broad Gauge Driver dia. 5 ft. 1 in. Length 47 ft. 2¼ in. Axle load 11 tons 2 cwt Total weight 58 tons 13 cwt Fuel type Coal Fuel capacity 5 tons 12 cwt Water cap 2,040 gallons Firebox:  • Firegrate area 16.07 square feet Boiler pressure 130 lbs p.s.i. Heating surface:  • Tubes 1,032.7 square feet  • Firebox 89.2 square feet Cylinders 2 Cylinder size 16½ in. x 24 in.
Performance figures Tractive effort 11,835 lbs
Career Operators South Australian Railways Class Q Number in class 22 Numbers 76-90 & 108-114 First run 10.4.1885 Last run 1956 Withdrawn 1923-1956 Scrapped 1923-1956 Disposition all scrapped

History

The first batch of fifteen Q class locomotives were purchased from Dübs and Company, Scotland to replace the unsuccessful N and O class locomotives on the South Australian Railways "Intercolonial" hills line workings. With the new Q class locomotives being able to haul moderate loads on offer, these locomotives performed very well and the S.A.R. ordered a second batch from the local James Martin & Co. Though following the introduction of the more powerful R class locomotives on the southern line the Q class was put to work on interstate trains. These interstate trains were from Murray Bridge to Serviceton and they also served the northern lines. These locomotives easily reached speeds of 60 M.P.H. which was required to run these services. They were often seen "double heading" with the S class locomotives on express passenger trains. Q class locomotive No. 90 lingered on a long time after the demise of the rest of its class members. No. 90 worked local trains between Murray Bridge and Tailem Bend and in its final three years of life it spent its time as shunting locomotive at the Islington Railway Workshops.[2]

References

1. Drynalik, Chris. "Broad Gauge Q-class 4-4-0 locomotives". Chris's Commonwealth Railways Information (ComRails). Retrieved 6 August 2019.
2. FLUCK, R. E.; SAMPSON, R.; BIRD, K. J. (1986). STEAM LOCOMOTIVES AND RAILCARS OF THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN RAILWAYS. South Australia: Mile End Railway Museum (S.A.) Inc. p. 67. ISBN 0959 5073 37.