5461
Valley Heights Rail Museum
"THE WORK HORSE: The ever expanding rail network in NSW at the start of the 20th century saw the need for larger locomotives, built for heavy goods service.
TF class was a further development of
the earlier, very successtul T class locomotives.
These TF locomotives saw service on most main lines in NSW, with only a few
lines being closed to them due to weight limits. Large numbers were allocated to country depots such as Bathurst, Lithgow, Goulburn and Broadmeadow.
A total of 190 of the class were built between 1912 and 1917 by local manufacturers: 160 by Clyde Engineering and 30 by Eveleigh Railway Workshops. Construction of the class by NSW manufacturers reflected the trend towards using local builders and the ongoing commitment to the development of local railway technology
5461 was built in 1916 at Clyde Engineering Granville and commenced service
as engine No 1174. Following a new numbering system introduced in 1924, its number was changed to 5461.
The majority of the class were built with or later fitted with superheating steam
technology
Superheating is where steam is returned to the firetubes and reheated to a higher temperature. This superheated steam produces more energy than normal steam, resulting in increased power.
While still under its former number of 1174, this locomotive gained the unenviable reputation for being the worst performing in the class due to its poor steaming efficiency. It was nearly impossible to maintain a good head of steam. Later it was established that its blast pipe did not line up with the chimney, resulting in a lack of draft for the firebox.
During their working life the whole TF class underwent mechanical changes, including the fitting of boilers suitable for the (D) 50. (D) 53 and (D) 55 class locomotives. This improved their overall performance, making them more productive.
5461 saw service all over NSW including periods here at Valley Heights during the 1950s, working as a pilot engine assisting goods (freight) and passenger trains up the steep grade to Katoomba. After a service life of 50 years, it was then used by the NSW Rail Transport Museum until the 1980s. Boiler defects forced its retirement to Valley Heights Rail Museum where it is displayed as a static exhibit.
Locomotive 546l is rare. It is one of a few surviving locomotives of the T, TF and K classes that once numbered over 500.
5461
Valley Heights Rail Museum
"THE WORK HORSE: The ever expanding rail network in NSW at the start of the 20th century saw the need for larger locomotives, built for heavy goods service.
TF class was a further development of
the earlier, very successtul T class locomotives.
These TF locomotives saw service on most main lines in NSW, with only a few
lines being closed to them due to weight limits. Large numbers were allocated to country depots such as Bathurst, Lithgow, Goulburn and Broadmeadow.
A total of 190 of the class were built between 1912 and 1917 by local manufacturers: 160 by Clyde Engineering and 30 by Eveleigh Railway Workshops. Construction of the class by NSW manufacturers reflected the trend towards using local builders and the ongoing commitment to the development of local railway technology
5461 was built in 1916 at Clyde Engineering Granville and commenced service
as engine No 1174. Following a new numbering system introduced in 1924, its number was changed to 5461.
The majority of the class were built with or later fitted with superheating steam
technology
Superheating is where steam is returned to the firetubes and reheated to a higher temperature. This superheated steam produces more energy than normal steam, resulting in increased power.
While still under its former number of 1174, this locomotive gained the unenviable reputation for being the worst performing in the class due to its poor steaming efficiency. It was nearly impossible to maintain a good head of steam. Later it was established that its blast pipe did not line up with the chimney, resulting in a lack of draft for the firebox.
During their working life the whole TF class underwent mechanical changes, including the fitting of boilers suitable for the (D) 50. (D) 53 and (D) 55 class locomotives. This improved their overall performance, making them more productive.
5461 saw service all over NSW including periods here at Valley Heights during the 1950s, working as a pilot engine assisting goods (freight) and passenger trains up the steep grade to Katoomba. After a service life of 50 years, it was then used by the NSW Rail Transport Museum until the 1980s. Boiler defects forced its retirement to Valley Heights Rail Museum where it is displayed as a static exhibit.
Locomotive 546l is rare. It is one of a few surviving locomotives of the T, TF and K classes that once numbered over 500.