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| J class steam locomotives |
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| wheel arrangement: 2-8-0 |
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| Number in Class |
60 |
| Number group |
500 - 559 |
| Construction period |
1953 - 1954 |
| In service |
1954 - 1972 |
| Where built |
Vulcan Foundry U.K. |
| DIAGRAM |
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| Tractive effort |
29.460lb |
| GENERAL ARRANGEMENT |
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Downloads a 17MB pdf. |
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VR's last class of steam loco. The original order was for 50 locos which was increased to 60 after the VR sold 10 N class locos to S.A.R.
They were a more modern, gauge convertible K class with a high pitched boiler and wide firebox for possible gauge conversion. By the time they were delivered, dieselisation had commenced, thus condemning these unremarkbale locos to a short life. Cowcatchers were removed from mid 1966.
J 550 holds the distinction of being the very last revenue steam loco in service, it was rostered on the 6:00 am Bendigo pilot on May 25 1972. The next day it was placed in storage at Bendigo loco.
The first 30 (500 - 529) were coal burners, the last 30 (530 - 559) were oil burners. They saw service all over the state in secondary service.
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ABOVE: Brand new J 514 sits on the turntable at Newport workshops. As can be seen from the yet to be connected rods, the loco is still being fitted out prior to entering service. J 514 was placed on the register on May 27 1954. (photo by John Blakeborough, courtesy Bruce McLean collection)
ABOVE: J 505 at Warburton, date unknown.
ABOVE: J 534 at Traralgon turntable, Nov 7 1961.
ABOVE: Oil burning J 538 at Bendigo. March 1970
Photo courtesy John Ward.
The 2 page article. below, appeared in the May 1954 VR Newsletter
