New South Wales Z18 class locomotive

The 18 class (formally R.285 class) was a class of 0-6-0T wheel arrangement steam locomotive built by Vulcan Foundry for the New South Wales Government Railways of Australia.[1][2][3]

New South Wales Z18 class
Z18 class 1806 c.1884
Type and origin
Power typeSteam
BuilderVulcan Foundry
Serial number992–997
Build date1882
Total produced6
Specifications
Configuration:
​
 • Whyte0-6-0T
 • UICCn
Gauge4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Driver dia.4 ft 0 in (1,219 mm)
Loco weight84,000 lb (38,102 kg)
Water cap850 imp gal (3,900 l; 1,020 US gal)
Firebox:
 • Firegrate area		13 sq ft (1.2 m2)
Boiler pressure140 psi (970 kPa)
Heating surface880 sq ft (82 m2)
SuperheaterNone
CylindersTwo, inside
Cylinder size15 in × 22 in (381 mm × 559 mm)
Performance figures
Tractive effort12,272 lbf (54.6 kN)
Career
OperatorsNew South Wales Government Railways
Class285, R285 from 1889, Z18 from 1924
Numbers285–290; 1801-1806 from 1924
Retired1963–1972
Disposition2 preserved, 4 scrapped
1805 stands outside the Reid's Hill depot, Port Kembla

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. 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 Scott’s return, the variations were made.[4]

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 with 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 Z18 numbers and worked at Port Kembla shunting. 1076 was an exception which continued to be known by that number.[2] No. 1802 (originally R286) was sold to the Public Works Department in 1927 and became their No. 75. It continued in service until it was cut up for scrap metal in 1964.[5] 1801 and 1806 were sold to the Wallarah Coal Company in 1957 and worked on the isolated Catherine Hill Bay Coal Railway until the line ceased operation in December 1963.[6]

Preservation
Preserved Z18 class locomotives
No.DescriptionnManufacturerYearCurrent organisationLocationStatusRef
18030-6-0 T passengerVulcan Foundry1884NSW Rail MuseumThirlmereThomas the Tank Engine NSW Locomotive, Steam 1803
18040-6-0T Tank EngineVulcan Foundry1884Goulburn Loco Roundhouse Preservation SocietyGoulburnUndergoing steam trials

(now 1076)[7]

See also

References
  1. Preston, Ron G (1984). Tender into Tank. Sydney: New South Wales Rail Transport Museum. pp. 11–57. ISBN 0 909862 18 4.
  2. Grunbach, Alex (1989). A Compendium of New South Wales Steam Locomotives. Sydney: Australian Railway Historical Society, NSW Division. pp. 41–45. ISBN 0 909650 27 6.
  3. New South Wales Railways 1855-1955. Published by Department of Railways
  4. Grunbach, Alex (1989). A Compendium of New South Wales Steam Locomotives. Sydney: Australian Railway Historical Society, NSW Division. pp. 74–75. ISBN 0 909650 27 6.
  5. McCarthy 1983 Gazetteer of Industrial Steam Locomotives, Illawarra District
  6. "The Wallarah Colliery Railway, Catherine Hill Bay" Australian Railway Historical Society Bulletin issue 424 February 1973 pages 37/38
  7. Goulburn Rail Heritage Centre Trackside

Extra reading
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