The Tasmanian Government Railways H class is a class of 4-8-2 steam locomotives operated by the Tasmanian Government Railways.
History In October 1951, the Tasmanian Government Railways (TGR) took delivery of eight H locomotives from the Vulcan Foundry, Newton-le-Willows built at the same time and basic design as the Gold Coast Railway 248 class in Ghana.New Rolling Stock Railway Gazette 24 February 1950 page 213Tasmanian 4-8-2 Locomotives Locomotive, Railway Carriage & Wagon Review issue 709 September 1951 pages 139/140 They were delivered in a new emerald green livery.Tasmanian Railways Take Delivery of New H Class Mountain Type Steam Locos Railway Transportation April 1952 pages 28-30 Four were later repainted red.Steam Locomotives of the Tasmanian Government Railways and its Constituents Australian Railway History issue 917 March 2014 page 15
As they fell due for overhaul, withdrawals began in 1961.The Decline of Steam Power on the Tasmanian Government Railways 1945 - 1965 Australian Railway Historical Society Bulletin issue 348 October 1966 page 218 H2 received a major overhaul in 1966/67, the last of the class to receive such work. Two (H2 and H5) took part in the Centenary of Rail in Tasmania celebrations in February 1971 H5 was withdrawn after this but H2 worked periodically before being finally withdrawn in 1975. All remained in store until disposed of between 1974 and 1978.
Preservation H1 at the Tasmanian Transport Museum, GlenorchyH1 Australian Steam H2 at the Derwent Valley RailwayH2 Australian Steam H5 at the Derwent Valley RailwayH5 Australian Steam H6 plinthed in Perth, Tasmania (locomotive only)H6 Australian Steam H7 at the Don River RailwayH7 Australian Steam H8 at the Invermay Rail Heritage Precinct (loco chassis only)H8 Australian Steam
Namesake The H class designation was previously used by the H class, the last of which was withdrawn before 1930.
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