|
|
Rx 160 Displayed at Murray Bridge |
|
Rx 160 displayed at Murray Bridge on 8 October 2006.
The loco is showing its age, with the
timber cab roof completely rotted away and details such as the air compressor
missing.
This photo was kindly contributed by Ian Williams.
|
Builder |
South Australian Railways, Islington Workshops |
|
|
Builder’s Number & Year |
29 of 1913 |
|
|
Wheel Arrangement |
4-6-0 |
|
|
No. in class |
84 |
|
|
The South
Australian Railways (SAR) Rx-class were a very successful type of mixed
traffic locomotive, developed from the earlier R-class 4-6-0 design of 1886
via adoption of a larger boiler. Several of the Rx-class also received
superheaters. The Rx-class ultimately grew to 84 examples comprising the 30
original R-class locos rebuilt to Rx specification, together with a further
54 built new, becoming the SAR’s most numerous type
of broad-gauge steam locomotive. The Rx-class were assigned to both passenger
and freight turns until the arrival of larger locomotives in the 1920's,
after which they settled into branch line, suburban and shunting roles. Many
were withdrawn in the mid-1930’s but the remainder lasted to the end of
regular SAR steam operations. Rx 160 was
among the final members of the class remaining on the SAR books when
condemned on 21 August 1969. Fortunately, it was saved for preservation and,
together with several freight wagons, placed on display alongside the Murray
River at the old Murray Bridge wharf area. Further
information and technical South Australian Railways R and Rx-class
locomotives can be
found on Wikipedia. Update: On 21 February
2022, Rx 160 was moved approximately 100 metres from its former home
alongside the Mobilong Wharf, to the ‘Old Shell Depot’ occupied by the Murray
Bridge Riverboat, Rail and Steam group. Here it will receive a static
restoration after which it is planned to be placed next to the goods platform
on the wharf. Photographs of the move can be found on this social media post:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/jZsD1HcBrQwsvFUS/? |
|||
This old, scanned photo of 20 July 2002 shows Rx 160
looking towards the eponymous Murray (railway) Bridge.
An interstate container train rumbles
past on the standard-gauge line, while a paddle steamer rests by the wharf.
The original lattice railway bridge can
be glimpsed in the far background; this now serves as a road bridge.
References
|
a |
Fluck
R. E., Sampson R., & Bird K. J. 'Steam locomotives and Railcars of
the South Australian Railways', published
by The Mile End Railway Museum (SA) Inc, 1986. |
Page updated: 11 August 2025
|
Government Railways: |
|
|||||||||
|
Private & Industrial Railways: |
|