The WAGR M class was a class of 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.
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.
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 They were withdrawn from service between 1947 and 1955, and all were scrapped.
Class lists M class list The numbers and periods in service of each member of the M class were as follows:
+ M class, built by Beyer, Peacock & Co. in 1911:Builder'snumberFleetnumberIn serviceWithdrawnNotes54773885478389Converted to Ms class5479390548039154813925482393
Ms class list The numbers and periods in service of each member of the Ms class were:
+ Ms class, built by Beyer, Peacock & Co.:Builder'snumberFleetnumberYear builtIn serviceWithdrawnNotes54783891911Converted from M class56654241913Stowed 25 July 1945566642519135667426191356684271913566942819135670429191356714301913Erected 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Namesakes The M class designation was previously used for the M class locomotives that were withdrawn in 1911.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
History of rail transport in Western Australia List of Western Australian locomotive classes
References Notes
Bibliography
External links