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Rx 201 Displayed at Tailem Bend |
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Rx201 is displayed in a park near Tailem Bend station, as
seen in this scanned photo dating from May 1986.
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Builder |
North British Locomotive Company, Glasgow |
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Builder’s Number & Year |
20152
of 1913 |
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Wheel Arrangement |
4-6-0 |
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No. in class |
84 |
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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 Many were withdrawn in the mid-1930’s but the remainder lasted to the end of regular SAR steam operations.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 201 is one of a batch supplied by the famous North British Locomotive Company of Glasgow. It was condemned by the South Australian Railways on 18 September 1967 and placed at Tailem Bend shortly after, on 16 November 1967. Tailem Bend was a railway town and junction and accordingly Rx 201 is displayed in a playground near to the historic railway station. It retains its original copper-capped chimney but has become derelict during its years as a park locomotive. The tender tank was cut down to the frame in late 1980's, presumably due to corrosion. Alas this locomotive requires repair or rescue after its decades resting in the open air. |
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References
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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. |
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b |
Wikipedia entry for SAR R & Rx Class locos: South Australian Railways R class - Wikipedia retrieved 11 August 2025. |
Page updated: 24 October 2025
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