The D57 class was a class of 4-8-2 steam locomotives built by Clyde Engineering for the New South Wales Government Railways in Australia. The tenders were built by Mort's Dock.

New South Wales D57 class
Class D57 Locomotive
Type and origin Power type Steam Builder Clyde Engineering, Granville Build date 1929-1930 Total produced 25
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte 4-8-2  • UIC 2'D1'h3 Gauge 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge Driver dia. 5 ft 0 in (1,524 mm) Axle load 23 long tons (25.8 short tons; 23.4 t) Adhesive weight 201,600 lb (91,400 kg) Loco weight 310,710.4 lb (140,935.9 kg) Fuel type Coal Fuel capacity 14 long tons (15.7 short tons; 14.2 t) Water cap. 9,000 imp gal (11,000 US gal; 41,000 L) Firebox:  • Firegrate area 65 sq ft (6.0 m2) Boiler pressure 200 psi (1,379 kPa) Heating surface 3,390 sq ft (315 m2) Superheater: ​  • Heating area 775 sq ft (72.0 m2) Cylinders 3 Cylinder size 23.25 in × 28 in (591 mm × 711 mm) Valve gear Outside (2): Walschaerts. Centre (1): Gresley conjugated
Performance figures Maximum speed 50 mph (80 km/h) Tractive effort 65,000 lbf (289.1 kN) Factor of adh. 3.60
Career Operators New South Wales Government Railways Class D57 Numbers 5701–5725 Nicknames Lazy Lizzies Withdrawn 1957–1961 Disposition One preserved, remainder scrapped

Introduction

The locomotives were among the heaviest of locomotives in Australia with a 23-long-ton (23.4 t; 25.8-short-ton) axle load and this along with their width restricted their sphere of operation to Thirroul on the Illawarra line, Wallerawang on the Main Western line and Junee on the Main South line.[1][2][3]

Due to the immense size of the firebox, they could not be hand fired and had to use a mechanical stoker, thus becoming the first New South Wales locomotive class to use a mechanical stoker. They were later followed by the 58 class and the 60 class[4]

They were not permitted to operate on the Main Northern line due to load limitations on some bridges and a tighter loading gauge. They had the highest tractive effort of any conventional engines used in Australia and were of approximately equal capability to the modified 60 class Garratt locomotives. They were very reliable and had the nickname Lazy Lizzies because they made heavy workings seem effortless.[5] Another nickname was bestowed on the class, Chuckling Charlies due to their syncopated exhaust beat.[6]

The three cylinder design fitted to the class gave it a distinctive off-beat exhaust sound when climbing upgrade. This design was also fitted to the 58 class. However, a couple of features, such as the Gresley conjugating valve gear fitted to these locomotives has been the source of debate as to its efficiency.[7] A further 13 were built to a similar design in 1950 as the 58 class.

Demise and Preservation

The first was withdrawn in October 1957, the last in September 1961. The last example in traffic was saved for preservation by the New South Wales Rail Transport Museum. In June 1975, 5711 was hauled from Enfield to Thirlmere by 3801.[8] In September 2008 it was relocated to the Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum where it is being statically restored.[9]

Gallery

• 
  5701 departing Clyde Engineering for a trial run to Penrith
• 
  5712 at Soldiers Bank near Mount Victoria
• 
  5711 at Junee about to commence its final run on 23 September 1961

See also

• Preserved steam locomotives of New South Wales
• NSWGR steam locomotive classification

References

Further reading

• Belbin, Phil; Burke, David (1981), Full steam across the mountains, Sydney: Methuen Australia

External links

Media related to New South Wales D57 class locomotives at Wikimedia Commons