|
South Maitland Railway Pty Ltd No. 23 10-class 2-8-2T |
This photo is kindly provided by Anthony Winstone and shows SMR 23 hauling a coal train in 1976.
This locomotive was built by Beyer Peacock & Co as their builder's number 6056 of 1921, becoming No.23 of the South Maitland Railway Pty Ltd's very successful "10-class" 2-8-2T locomotives. a No.23 was delivered under one of several repeat orders for additional 10-class locomotives by the South Maitland Railway, and this class eventually numbered 14 examples. c
The 10-class locomotives became surplus to requirements following the cessation of steam haulage on the remaining portions of the South Maitland Railway system in 1983 and closure of the Richmond Vale Railway in 1987. 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 23 is now owned privately and kept at the Rothbury Riot Railway, Branxton, together with sisters SMR 17, 20, 26, 27, 28 and 31. This locomotive wears lined blue livery and was returned to steam in 2003. b
As at 30 September 2010, SMR No.23 was fully dismantled for overhaul at the Rothbury Riot Railway, Branxton. d My thanks to Joel Turner for contributing the following series of photos showing the dismantled components of SMR No.23 at Branxton on 3 December 2011.
SMR No.23's bunker at Rothbury on 3 December 2011. Photo courtesy of Joel Turner.
SMR No.23's pony / rear truck, cab roof and bunker at Rothbury on 3 December 2011. Photo courtesy of Joel Turner.
SMR No.23's frames at Rothbury on 3 December 2011. Photo courtesy of Joel Turner.
SMR No.23's side tanks. Photo courtesy of Joel Turner and dated 3 December 2011.
SMR No.23's boiler. Photo courtesy of Joel Turner and 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. |
| d | Email received on 2 October 2010 from C. Stratton, following his visit to the Rothbury Riot Railway on Thursday 30 September 2010 |
Page updated: 2 February 2013