WAGR M class

Not to be confused with WAGR M class (1875) or WAGR M class (diesel).

The WAGR M class was a class of 2-6-0+0-6-2 Garratt-type articulated steam locomotives operated by the Western Australian Government Railways (WAGR) between 1912 and 1955. A total of 13 were built by Beyer, Peacock & Co, Manchester in two batches.^[1]

WAGR M/Ms class
M388 at East Perth Locomotive Depot, 1926
Type and origin Power type Steam Designer Beyer, Peacock & Co Builder Beyer, Peacock & Co Serial number 5477-5482, 5665-5671 Build date 1911, 1913 Total produced 13
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte 2-6-0+0-6-2 (Garratt)  • UIC M: (1′C)(C1′) n4t Ms: (1′C)(C1′) h4t Gauge 3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm) Loco weight M: 68 long tons 16 cwt (154,100 lb or 69.9 t) Ms: 69 long tons 16 cwt (156,400 lb or 70.9 t) Fuel type Coal Fuel capacity 4 long tons (4.1 t) Water cap. 2,000 imp gal (9,100 L; 2,400 US gal) Firebox: ​  • Grate area 22.6 sq ft (2.10 m2) Boiler pressure M: 175 psi (1.21 MPa) Ms: 160 psi (1.10 MPa) Heating surface: ​  • Firebox 107 sq ft (9.9 m2)  • Tubes M: 1,233 sq ft (114.5 m2) Ms: 960 sq ft (89 m2)  • Total surface M: 1,340 sq ft (124 m2) Ms: 1,067 sq ft (99.1 m2) Superheater: ​  • Type M: N/A Ms: Schmidt  • Heating area M: N/A Ms: 199 sq ft (18.5 m2) Cylinders 4 (Garratt) Cylinder size M: 12.5 in × 20 in (318 mm × 508 mm) Ms: 13.25 in × 20 in (337 mm × 508 mm)
Performance figures Tractive effort M: 22,436 lbf (99.80 kN) Ms: 24,488 lbf (108.93 kN) Factor of adh. M: 5.3 Ms: 5
Career Operators Western Australian Government Railways Numbers M388–M393 Ms424–Ms430 Disposition all scrapped

History

The first batch of six engines was constructed in 1911. These engines, entered into service with WAGR in 1912, were only the third Garratt design to be produced and represented a significant step in the development of the type. The second batch, which consisted of seven units, was built in 1913/14 and designated as the Ms class due to the use of superheated steam. One of the engines from the first batch was retrofitted with a superheater and given a Ms classification.^[2][3]

All of the M/Ms class locomotives were utilized to haul trains on the WAGR's light lines. They were withdrawn from service between 1947 and 1955, and all were scrapped.^[1]

Class lists

M class list

The numbers and periods in service of each member of the M class were as follows:^[1]

M class, built by Beyer, Peacock & Co. in 1911: Builder's number Fleet number In service Withdrawn Notes 5477 388 2 March 1912 4 September 1947 5478 389 9 March 1912 19 December 1934 Converted to Ms class 5479 390 16 March 1912 17 April 1950 5480 391 23 March 1912 17 April 1947 5481 392 30 March 1912 4 September 1947 5482 393 6 April 1912 20 November 1951

Ms class list

The numbers and periods in service of each member of the Ms class were:^[1]

Ms class, built by Beyer, Peacock & Co.: Builder's number Fleet number Year built In service Withdrawn Notes 5478 389 1911 12 April 1935 28 September 1950 Converted from M class 5665 424 1913 27 September 1913 4 September 1947 Stowed 25 July 1945 5666 425 1913 4 October 1913 4 September 1947 5667 426 1913 27 September 1913 4 September 1947 5668 427 1913 4 October 1913 4 September 1947 5669 428 1913 4 October 1913 14 February 1952 5670 429 1913 11 October 1913 13 January 1955 5671 430 1913 11 June 1914 29 May 1953 Erected at Midland Railway Workshops, October 1913, for State Saw Mills. In service at Manjimup, November 1913. Transferred to WAGR June 1914 in exchange for G57 & G59.

Namesakes

The M class designation was previously used for the M class locomotives that were withdrawn in 1911. It was reused in the 1970s when the M class diesel locomotives entered service.

See also

• Trains portal
• Western Australia portal

• History of rail transport in Western Australia
• List of Western Australian locomotive classes