1308 was built by Beyer Peacock & Co in 1877 (builder's number 1620)^(a) as a 4-4-0 tender engine of the C(79) class for passenger and mail train duties, ^(b) and was originally numbered C 123.

Following the introduction of the P(6) class 4-6-0 locomotives in 1892, some of the smaller C(79) class locomotives became surplus.  Accordingly, between 1896 and 1902 twenty members of the C(79) class were converted to 4-4-2T configuration for Sydney suburban passenger duties. The first locomotive converted was class leader C 79, and hence the 4-4-2T locomotives became known as the CC(79) class (later Z13 class), and the 4-4-0 tender locomotives became the C(80) class (later Z12 class). ^(c)

The CC(79) class tank locomotives were again displaced from suburban passenger duties following the introduction of the more powerful S(636) class 4-6-4T locomotives from 1903.  However members of the CC(79) class found further employment on various branch line duties including the Yass Tramway and the Picton-Mittagong Loop Line, while others were used as shunters. ^(c)

Photos show 1308 was based at Picton depot during the 1950's for use on Picton-Mittagong Loop Line duties and accordingly would often through Thirlmere, which later became the NSWRTM base. 1308 was fortunate to be included in the collection of the NSWRTM, although it was weathered from years of open storage at Enfield following withdrawal. This locomotive would have made very authentic and historic motive power for NSWRTM loop line tourist trains if it has been restored to working order for operation on the Thirlmere Loop Line, and possibly this is why three members of the Z13 class were originally retained by the NSWRTM. ^(e)

1308 was was transferred to the NSWRTM Thirlmere site in 1975 ^(d) and remained in storage. It was presumably deemed surplus to NSWRTM requirements and in 1985 was placed on long-term loan to the Parramatta Park Steam Tramway & Museum for restoration to working order. ^(e)

By 1988 locomotive 1308 was dismantled for overhaul at Parramatta Park and restoration of the frames and other components was underway.  However tragedy struck in May 1993 when the Parramatta Park Steam Tramway & Museum depot was destroyed by arson. The dismantled components of 1308 were then returned to Thirlmere and stored at various locations around the NSWRTM site and within a S-truck. ^(e)

The Parramatta Park Steam Tramway & Museum relocated the surviving items of their collection to the Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum and have since rebuilt key exhibits and operations.  In late 2008 / early 2009 the dismantled components of 1308 were also relocated to Valley Heights.  Hopefully funds & resources can now be found to restore this interesting locomotive and undo the damage caused the the Parramatta Park fire. Details and photographs of 1308's restoration appear on the Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum website. ^(e)

Ron Preston's wonderful book "Tender into Tank" ^(f) includes many photographs and historical details of the Z13 class locomotives and their operations.

References