Indian locomotive class SG

Indian locomotive standard goods class (SG) was a designed locomotive classification used in India that defined certain types of steam-powered freight train. The trains under the scope of this category were typically British locomotives that operated until the end of the Indian steam era. Initially used to haul mail trains, SG-class locomotives were designed in 1903, and had similar components to 4-4-0 locomotives. Allowing for a future increase in boiler size, it was the first 0-6-0 design according to new BESA standards. Efficient and useful, they were built in large numbers and could haul 1450 tons of freight.[2]

SG[1]
Type and origin Power type Steam Designer British Engineering Standards Association (BESA) Builder Vulcan Foundry, North British Locomotive Company and Robert Stephenson and Hawthorns Build date SG: 1905-13 and SGC3:After 1927 Total produced SG: 486 and SG1: 66 Rebuild date After 1927
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte 0-6-0 Gauge 5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm) Driver dia. 61.5 in (1.562 m) Wheelbase 15 ft 3 in (4.65 m) Axle load 16 long tons (16 t; 18 short tons) Loco weight 48 long tons (49 t; 54 short tons) Tender weight 39.25 long tons (39.88 t; 43.96 short tons) Fuel type Coal Fuel capacity 7.5 long tons (7.6 t; 8.4 short tons) Water cap 3,000 imp gal (14,000 l; 3,600 US gal) Firebox:  • Firegrate area 25.3 sq ft (2.35 m^2) Boiler 54 in × 11 in (1,372 mm × 279 mm) Boiler pressure 180 psi (1.24 MPa) Heating surface:  • Tubes 1,229.5 sq ft (114.22 m^2)  • Firebox 120 sq ft (11 m^2) Cylinders Two, inside Cylinder size 18.5 in × 26 in (470 mm × 660 mm) Valve gear Rotary Lentz valve gear Valve type Slide valve
Performance figures Maximum speed Freight: 18 mph (29 km/h) Troop trains: 30 mph (48 km/h)
Career Operators Indian Railways, Eastern Bengal Railway, EIR and Oudh and Rohilkhand Railway Locale Eastern Railway zone and Northern Railway zone Disposition Scrapped

Technical variants

3rd class standard goods converted locomotives (SGC3) were retrofitted with super-heaters and were the only locomotive in the world to use the Lentz rotary valve gear with inside cylinders.

The 2nd class of standard goods converted locomotives, abbreviated as SGSC and later as SGC2, was another variant distinguished by round fireboxes. Despite its classification, they were used to haul passenger and mail trains frequently.

There was also a 1st class of standard goods locomotives (SG1).

See also

• Indian Railways
• History of rail transport in India
• Locomotives of India
• Rail transport in India

References

1. "SG". Archived from the original on 6 January 2012. Retrieved 1 December 2013.
2. "IRFCA".