The South Australian Railways C Class Locomotives were built by the Robert Stephenson and Company for the South Australian Railways in 1856. The first locomotive numbered 5 was in service by November 1856, the second locomotive numbered 6 was in service by January 1857. They spent many years with the South Australian Railways and were both rebuilt over the years. They were both withdrawn from service after having a number of years on their service record with No. 5 being withdrawn after 50 years worth of service for the SAR. No. 6 lasted well into Commissioner Webbs era, after being withdrawn in 1926 with almost 70 years of service for the SAR.[1]

South Australian Railways C Class
South Australian Railways C Class No. 6
Type and origin Power type Steam Builder Robert Stephenson and Company Serial number 1045 & 1046 Build date 1856 Total produced 2 Rebuilder Islington Railway Workshops Rebuild date 1884 (No. 5) 1885 & 1914 (No. 6) Number rebuilt 2
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte 2-4-0  • UIC 1′B 3 Gauge 5 ft 3 in (1,600 mm) Driver dia. 4 ft 6 in (1,372 mm) Length 42 ft 10 in (13.06 m) Height 12 ft 8 in (3,861 mm) Axle load 9 long tons 9 cwt (9.6 t) Total weight 42 long tons 1 cwt (42.7 t) Fuel type Coal Fuel capacity 3 long tons 15+3⁄4 cwt (3.85 t) Water cap. 1,060 imp gal (4,800 l; 1,270 US gal) Firebox:  • Firegrate area 12.71 sq ft (1.181 m2) Boiler pressure 130 lbf/in2 (0.90 MPa) Heating surface:  • Tubes 780 sq ft (72 m2)  • Firebox 73.1 sq ft (6.79 m2) Cylinders Two Cylinder size 14 in × 20 in (356 mm × 508 mm)
Performance figures Tractive effort Original: 7,548 lbf (33.58 kN) later 8,021 lbf (35.68 kN)
Career Operators South Australian Railways Class C Number in class 2 Numbers 5 & 6 First run 11.1856 Withdrawn 1906–1926 Scrapped 1906–1928 Disposition All scrapped

History

Since the South Australian Railways had the new B class tank engines built to run on the new railway line to Gawler, two more locomotives were purchased to also run this service on the lightly laid line. These locomotives were designated the "C class" and their range was increased to include stops at Roseworthy and Kapunda due to the opening of the new line extension on the 13th of August 1860. During the construction of the Tarlee line extension these new locomotives were utilised during the works. In 1884 & 1885 both locomotives were rebuilt and put back into traffic, the rebuild included new cabs which were complete with front and side circular windows. The C class worked on the northern lines until they were superseded by more powerful locomotives. No. 5 was condemned in 1906 after a 50 years stint in the SAR, and No. 6 continued to work on the suburban system and performed shunting duties at Mile End and Port Adelaide. No. 6 ended its career after an almost 70-year stint for the SAR and was condemned in 1926, which was right into Commissioner Webb's Era.[2][3]

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