WAGR U class (1903)

The WAGR U class was a single member class of 0-6-0T tank locomotive operated by the Western Australian Government Railways (WAGR) from 1904 until 1940.[1]

WAGR U class
U7 in original condition with crane
Type and origin Power type Steam Builder Vulcan Foundry Build date 1903 Total produced 1
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte 0-6-0T Gauge 3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm) Length 27 ft 8 in (8.43 m) Loco weight 35 long tons 4 cwt (78,800 lb or 35.8 t) Fuel type Coal Fuel capacity 0.5 long tons 0 cwt (1,100 lb or 0.5 t) Water cap 360 imp gal (1,600 L; 430 US gal) Firebox:  • Firegrate area 12.5 sq ft (1.16 m^2)
Performance figures Tractive effort 15,680 lbf (69.75 kN)
Career Operators Western Australian Government Railways Numbers U7 Disposition 1 scrapped

History

The U class locomotive was built in 1903 by Vulcan Foundry, and was equipped initially with a crane jib with a three-ton capacity. It entered service early the following year, as a shunter and mobile crane numbered U7 at the then new Midland Railway Workshops.[2][3]

In 1925, the locomotive was rebuilt and re-issued to traffic with the crane removed and the fuel and water capacity increased. It remained in service until 1940, when it was withdrawn and scrapped.[1][3]

Namesake

The U class designation was reused in 1946 when the U class entered service.

See also

• History of rail transport in Western Australia
• List of Western Australian locomotive classes

References

Notes

1. Gunzburg 1984, p. 87.
2. Gunzburg 1984, pp. 87–88.
3. Turner, Jim (1997). Australian Steam Locomotives 1896-1958. Kenthurst: Kangaroo Press. p. 87. ISBN 086417778X.

Cited works

• Gunzburg, Adrian (1984). A History of WAGR Steam Locomotives. Perth: Australian Railway Historical Society (Western Australian Division). ISBN 0959969039.

External links

Media related to WAGR U class (1903) at Wikimedia Commons