Featured Locomotive for January 2012
The Consolidation locomotive
This month we feature the K1353 D55 Class NSW GR of 1918 locomotive, a 2-8-0 also known as Consolidation. The design followed on from the TF Class 2-8-0, 1912, which was a development of the T Class of 1896. The T Class was developed in conjunction with Bayer Peacock & 280 were produced by five different builders, the last entered service in 1916. 10 of these locomotives were taken over by the British War Office and became ROD (Railway Operating Division) locomotives.
In 1912 the upgrade of the T was TF of which 190 were produced mainly by Clyde Engineering Co. The class were poor steamers and were gradually fitted with new superheating elements. These locomotives were superseded by the K1353 Class (D55) of 1918 of which 120 were built again at Clyde Engineering Co. So the linage of the Class covers 590 locomotives surely the biggest class of goods locos in Australia.
Our model is of 5620 the last of the K Class, it was scratch built by a deceased model maker and found its way into the collection in April 2011 - it is shown presently awaiting restoration.
The 5620 travelled 1,248,465km, it entered service 13th March 1925 and was withdrawn July 1960, sold for scrap 17th October 1960 at 35 years age. The famous Chifley engine is of this Class.
Technical Data
| Cylinders | 22 x 26ins | 555x660mm |
| Steam pressure | 160lbs sq/in | 1102kpa |
| Traction effect | 33600lbs | 149252n |
| Total heating area | 1756.9sq/f | 161.63sq/m |
| Super heating | 444.8sq/f | 40.93sq/m |
| Length OA | 60ft 10 3/4ins | 18561mm |
| Total weight incl. Tender | 127 1/2T | 120505kg |
| Tender coal | 13t | 13.208kg |
| Tender Water | 4000gl | 18000L |
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