Engineering Background

The V class was the last locomotive to enter service with the Western Australian government railways. They were part of the post war regeneration plan for the WAGR, intended for the heavy coal traffic between the Collie coal fields and Perth. Twenty four locomotives were ordered in 1951 from Beyer Peacock in Manchester. The locomotives were built under subcontract by Robert Stephenson & Hawthorn Ltd at their Darlington works. The locomotives entered service between April 1955 and November 1956

The locomotive was of a modern design with a high superheat, a large combustion chamber and a thermic syphon in the firebox. Roller bearing were used on all the locomotive and tender wheels. When introduced the V class was the largest rigid wheelbase locomotive on the WAGR system, exceeded only by the Australian Standard Garratt, and the heaviest government owned steam locomotive in Australia.

The locomotive was designed to have as many parts as possible interchangeable with the W class.

Operational History

The rated load capacity was 1320 tons between Brunswick Junction and Armadale, compared to 1135 tons for the S class and 850 tons for the Fs class. By all accounts the V class were a reliable and free steaming locomotive.The V Class Locomotive entered service in 1955 and initially worked heavy coal trains from the Collie area later on they were put on equally heavy freight trains particularly over the great southern line from York to Albany.

Preservation

Four of the class have survived. Three are owned by preservation societies, whilst the fourth , V1213, is owned by the private rail operator, Pemberton Tramway Company Pty Ltd.

Various records suggest that the V Class were considered by Steamtown, Peterborough Railway Preservation Society Inc
Pemberton Tramway Co did provide "Driver Experience" courses using V1213 , in additional to hauling some timber on its railway. The haulage of timber ceased in 2005

Disposal

• V1201
• V1202
• V1203
• V1204
• V1205
• V1206
• V1207
• V1208
• V1209 - RHS BN 7778/BP BN7735 - In service 4 October 1955 - Withdrawn 17 June 1971 - Sold to Geelong Steam Preservation Society Queenscliff Victoria ex Midland 21 April, 1982 - Recommissioned 1991, named Spirit of Alcoa and used for occasional passenger services - currently out of service pending spring and firebox repairs
• V1210
• V1211
• V1212
• V1213 -RHS BN 7782/BP BN7738 - In service 1 December 1955 - Withdrawn 14 August 1972 -To Hotham Valley Tourist Railway Inc 8 April 1981 - Sold to Willis Engineering Recommissioned on a narrow gauge freight 27 May 1992 and used for occasional passenger services for both Pemberton Tramway Co and HVTR. Understood to be undergoing repair.
• V1214
• V1215- Sold to Collie Tourist Bureau, 1974 Static Display, Collie
• V1216
• V1217 -
• V1218
• V1219
• V1220 - RHS BN 7789/BP BN7745 - In service 25 March 1955 - Withdrawn 17 June 1971 -To ARHS Bassendean 2 December 1972 - Recommissioned and used for occasional passenger services
• V1222
• V1223
• V1224

(core data drawn from Gunzberg 1984 )