The WAGR M class was a two-member class of 2-6-0 steam locomotives operated by the Western Australian Government Railways (WAGR) between 1876 and 1911.[1]

WAGR M class
M24 after its sale to Whittaker Bros
Type and origin
Power typeSteam
BuilderKitson & Co
Serial number2035-2036
Build date1875
Total produced2
Specifications
Configuration:
 • Whyte2-6-0
Gauge3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm)
Fuel typeCoal
Fuel capacity3 long tons 0 cwt (6,700 lb or 3 t)
Water cap.660 imp gal (3,000 L; 790 US gal)
Firebox:
 • Grate area10 sq ft (0.93 m2)
Boiler pressure120 lbf/in2 (0.83 MPa)
Performance figures
Tractive effort7,089 lbf (31.53 kN)
Factor of adh.4.9
Career
OperatorsWestern Australian Government Railways
NumbersM23-M24
Dispositionall scrapped

History

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The M class engines were built in 1875 by Kitson & Co, Leeds as the first two items of motive power for the Northampton railway line, the first government railway in Western Australia. They were delivered to the port of Geraldton, the western terminus of the line, in 1876.[1]

In 1893, both engines were relocated to Fremantle for use on the Eastern Railway. M24 was sold to Whittaker Bros in 1907, and M23 to Bunning Bros in 1911.[2]

Class list

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Number Builder's number In service Withdrawn Notes
M23 2035 April 1876 August 1911 sold to Bunning Bros, spent most of its time at Lyalls Mill near Collie, but used at Muja (1938) and Yornup (February 1940 to March 1943) withdrawn by July 1946, scrapped by November 1958
M24 2036 February 1876 March 1907 sold to Whittaker Bros, North Dandalup in 1907 and named Danadalup, remained in use until the timber mill was destroyed by fire in 1944, sold to Bunning Bros in July 1945 and worked at Lyalls Mill and Yornup, numbered 4 in February 1951 and scrapped by March 1955

Namesakes

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The M class designation was reused in the 1910s for the M class of Garratt locomotives and again in the 1970s when the M class diesel locomotives entered service.

See also

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References

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Notes

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  1. ^ a b Gunzburg 1984, p. 15.
  2. ^ Gunzburg 1984, p. 16.

Cited works

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