New South Wales Z18 class locomotive

New South Wales Z18 class
1805 stands outside the Reid's Hill depot, Port Kembla.
Power type	Steam
Builder	Vulcan Foundry
Serial number	992–997
Build date	1882
Total produced	6
Configuration	0-6-0T
UIC classification	Cn
Gauge	4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm)
Driver diameter	4 ft 0 in (1.219 m)
Locomotive weight	84,000 lb (38 t)
Water capacity	850 imp gal (3,900 l; 1,020 US gal)
Boiler pressure	140 psi (970 kPa)
Firegrate area	13 sq ft (1.2 m2)
Heating surface: Total	880 sq ft (82 m2)
Superheater type	None
Cylinders	Two, inside
Cylinder size	15 × 22 in (381 × 559 mm)
Tractive effort	12,272 lbf (54.6 kN)
Career	New South Wales Government Railways
Class	285, R285 from 1889, Z18 from 1924
Number	285–290
Retired	1963–1972
Disposition	Two preserved, four scrapped

The 18 class was a class of 0-6-0T wheel arrangement steam locomotive built for and operated by the New South Wales Government Railways of Australia.

Order

An order was placed in February, 1882, with the Vulcan Foundry for six 2-4-0T locomotives to the specification of the then Acting Locomotive Engineer, Mr. Scott. During Mr. Scott’s subsequent absence in England on official business, Thomas Middleton, Locomotive Engineer, had the specifications altered to 0-6-0T wheel arrangement, together with other variations to the original order. Mr. Middleton claimed that the revised design would enable the locomotives to run at 30–33 mph (48–53 km/h) in suburban service. Commissioner Goodchap approved the changes and despite the protests on Mr. Scott’s return, the variations were made.^[1]

The six locomotives were delivered in 1884 and designated the 285-class. They became the (R)285 class in 1889 and the Z18-class in 1924.

Operation

Their 4-foot-0-inch (1.219 m) driving wheels proved too small for the speed required and they were reduced to shunting duties in Sydney Yard, with just the occasional venture into the suburbs.

In 1907, the locomotives were fitted with new domed boilers, replacing the domeless versions originally fitted. This increased their weight by 3 tons which improved their adhesion factor. Power reversing gear was fitted in 1922, making them the first class in New South Wales to be so fitted. It was a hydraulic type and was excellent when shunting at Sydney station, however this was only short lived and Johnson bar lever reversing gear was fitted shortly after.

In 1927, following the release of other locomotives through the electrification of the Sydney suburban network, the class was transferred to locomotive depot work, some being fitted with cranes and renumbered into the (X)10 series. Later, with the cranes removed, they were restored to their (Z)18 series numbers and worked at Port Kembla shunting the ‘Commercial’ network and wharves. 1076 was an exception which continued to be known by that number.

Demise and Preservation

Three of the class were sold and the other two, 1803 and 1805, were withdrawn in 1963. 1076 continued in use at various depots and workshops until being finally withdrawn in 1972.

1803 and 1804 (1076) are both now held by the New South Wales Rail Transport Museum.^[2] 1803 was painted as Thomas in 2010.

References

Notes

1. ^ Compendium of New South Wales Steam Locomotives. Australian Railway Historical Society New South Wales Division. 1989. ISBN 0 909650 27 6. 
2. ^ Oberg, Leon (2007). Locomotives of Australia. Rosenberg Publishing Pty. Ltd.. ISBN 9781877058547. 

Bibliography

• Smith, J.D.H. "New South Wales Government Railways steam locomotives". http://orion.math.iastate.edu/jdhsmith/term/slaunsw.htm. Retrieved 2008-10-06. 
• "Vulcan Foundry locomotive list". http://www.enuii.org/vulcan_foundry/locomotive_list.htm. Retrieved 2008-06-17.