Tasmanian Government Railways A class

The Tasmanian Government Railways A class was a class of 4-4-0 steam locomotives operated by the Tasmanian Government Railways.

Tasmanian Government Railways A class
Type and origin Power type Steam Builder Beyer, Peacock & Company Serial number 3390-3393, 3505, 3506, 4309, 4310 Build date 1892-1902 Total produced 8
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte 4-4-0 Gauge 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) Driver dia. 4 ft 7 in (1,397 mm) Total weight 53 long tons 0 cwt (118,700 lb or 53.9 t) Fuel type Coal Boiler pressure 150 lbf/in2 (1.03 MPa) Cylinder size 15.5 in × 22 in (394 mm × 559 mm)
Performance figures Tractive effort 11,532 lbf (51.30 kN)
Career Operators Tasmanian Government Railways Numbers A2-A9 Preserved A4 Disposition 1 preserved, 7 scrapped

History

In 1892 the Tasmanian Government Railways took delivery of six A class locomotives from Beyer, Peacock & Company, Manchester. A further two followed in 1902.^[1][2] In 1908, A2 and A4 were rebuilt with Belpaire boilers and enlarged fireboxes, five more followed between 1927 and 1932, with the last converted in 1946. They were relegated to lesser duties following the arrival of the R class in 1923. All were withdrawn in the 1950s after the X class entered service. Seven were scrapped in 1956 with A4 plinthed in Launceston City Park.^[3] In August 1990, it was acquired by the Don River Railway.^{[4][5][6][7][8]}