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South Maitland Railway Pty Ltd No. 17 10-class 2-8-2T |
This view is kindly provided by Anthony Winstone and shows SMR 17 at the SMR East Greta depot in 1980.
This locomotive was built by Beyer Peacock & Co as their builder's number 5790 of 1914 a as the second locomotive of the South Maitland Railway Pty Ltd's very successful "10-class" 2-8-2T locomotives and was numbered 17 on their roster. Clearly the South Maitland Railways were pleased with this design, as subsequent repeat orders eventually increased the class to 14 examples. c
The majority of the 10-class locomotives became surplus to requirements following cessation of steam haulage on the South Maitland Railway system in 1983, although four of the class remained in operation at Hexham until closure of the Stockrington Colliery line in 1987. c Fortunately the 10-class locomotives and the South Maitland Railway running shed were classified by the National Trust and the entire class passed into preservation. SMR 17 is now owned privately and stored at the Rothbury Riot Railway, Branxton, together with sisters SMR 20, 23, 26, 27, 28 and 31.
This locomotive was reported in 2004 as being in black livery and under restoration.
b Unfortunately the Rothbury Riot Railway site at Branxton is not open to the public, so further information or updates about this locomotive would be appreciated.
This second view is also courtesy of Anthony Winstone and shows SMR 17 at the SMR East Greta depot in 1980.
A more recent view showing SMR No.17 in covered storage at Rothbury.
My thanks to Joel Turner for contributing this photo, which is dated 3 December 2011.
References
| a | McNicol, S. 'Coals to Maitland', Railmac Publications, 1982. |
| b | Continental Railway Journal' No.136 Winter 2003/04, published by Continental Railway Circle, page 102 |
| c | Webmaster's observation or comment. |
Page updated: 2 February 2013