South Australian Railways U class

The South Australian Railways U Class Locomotives were the first built by Beyer, Peacock and Company in 1876 for the South Australian Railways Narrow Gauge Division.[1]

South Australian Railways U Class
South Australian Railways U Class Locomotive No. 2
Type and origin Power type Steam Builder Beyer, Peacock and Company Serial number 1499-1506 Build date 1876 Total produced 8 Number rebuilt 4
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte 2-6-0  • UIC 2'C 2 Gauge 3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm) Cape gauge Length 34 ft. 6½ in. Axle load 5 tons 3 cwt Total weight 30 tons 3 cwt Fuel type Coal Fuel capacity 2 tons 6 cwt Water cap 850 gallons Firebox:  • Firegrate area 9.76 sq. ft. Boiler pressure 130 lb./sq. in. Heating surface:  • Tubes 492.1 sq. ft.  • Firebox 45.4 sq. ft. Cylinders 2 Cylinder size 12 in. x 20 in.
Performance figures Tractive effort 7,532 lb.
Career Operators South Australian Railways Class U Number in class 8 Numbers 1-8 First run 4.1876 Withdrawn 1904-1929 Scrapped 1904-1955 Disposition all scrapped

History

When horses proved unsatisfactory on the narrow gauge lines, particularly the Port Wakefield-Hoyleton and Port Pirie-Crystal Brook lines, it was decided to introduce steam traction, resulting in eight engines being imported from Beyer, Peacock and Company. These 2-6-0 type locomotives were the first to work on the South Australian Railways narrow gauge system, an extensive one in the early part of the twentieth century. On arrival from England the locomotives were assembled, with four allocated to Port Pirie and the remainder to Port Wakefield. In addition to their regular operations, several were used by contractors from time to time in the work of extending the narrow gauge further into the hinterland. As heavier locomotives became available to handle additional traffic, the U class engines were used for shunting duties in the areas they helped to develop. Some were later diverted to the Port Lincoln Division, where they served until withdrawal.[2]

References

1. Drymalik, Chris. "Narrow Gauge U-class 2-6-0 locomotives". Chris's Commonwealth Railways Information (ComRails). Retrieved 1 August 2019.
2. FLUCK, R. E.; SAMPSON, R.; BIRD, K. J. (1986). LOCOMOTIVES AND RAILCARS OF THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN RAILWAYS. South Australia: Mile End Railway Museum (S.A.) Inc. p. 112. ISBN 0959 5073 37.