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VICTORIAN RAILWAYS K CLASS 2-8-0 STEAM LOCOMOTIVE
A severe post-war locomotive shortage, led to the construction of Victoria's most successful light-lines steam locomotive. Although a goods engine, the K class operated passenger trains during their active lives. Entering service in 1922, the K class were constructed at VR's Newport Workshops and were found so reliable that a further series of locomotives were built in 1946, these locomotives were basically the same as the original series, however they were fitted with balanced boxpok driving wheels and a staff exchanger. With the introduction of T class diesel electric's, the K class were phased out of service, leading many to the scrap road, but K162 lasted in service until March 1979 as Ballarat workshops shunter!. Several have been preserved in operational condition.
K163 and R761 combine to work an enthusiast special, seen here arriving in the North-East railway town of Seymour.
Photo's courtesy Khris Abuid Original owner: Victorian Railways Entered service: 1922 Builder: Victorian Railways, Newport Wks. Gauge: 5'3" (1800mm) No. Series: K140-K192 Cylinders: 20" x 26" Boiler pressure: 175lb/ sq in Driving wheel diameter: 4' 7" Tractive effort: 28 127lb Grate area: 25.75 sq ft Overall weight: 104.6t Preserved: (locomotives in bold are operational as at Jan 03) K151- Steamrail Victoria - Sationary Boiler, used for parts K153 - Steamrail Victoria K183 - Steamrail Victoria - In storage following Benalla accident K184 - Steamrail Victoria K190 - Steamrail Victoria K157 - Castlemaine and Maldon Tourist Railway K160 - Castlemaine and Maldon Tourist Railway K163 - Mornington Railway Preservation Society K177 - Mornington Railway Preservation Society K165 - ARHS (Vic. Div) Williamstown Railway Museum |
