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South Maitland Railway Pty Ltd No. 28 10-class 2-8-2T |
This photo is courtesy of John Hurst; date: May 1973.
Caption: 'SMR No.28 climbing the grade into Caledonia with an empty coal train.'
This locomotive was built by Beyer Peacock & Co as their builder's number 6138 of 1923, becoming No.28 of the South Maitland Railway Pty Ltd's very successful "10-class" 2-8-2T locomotives. a No.28 was one of a number of repeat orders by the SMR for additional 10-class locomotives, which eventually numbered 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. 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. c
SMR 28 had been stored within the former SMR workshops at East Greta. It is now owned privately and stored at the Rothbury Riot Railway, Branxton, together with sisters SMR 17, 20, 23, 26, 27 and 31. It wears lined black livery.
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. Perhaps one day SMR 28 or another of the 10-class locomotives stored at Branxton could be placed on loan to a suitable museum, so that it could be viewed and appreciated by the public. c
A more recent view showing SMR No.28 in covered storage at Rothbury.
My thanks to Joel Turner for contributing this photo, which is dated 3 December 2011.
Amongst the bric-a-brac is a sandbox sitting on the front running plate.
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