New South Wales Z26 class locomotive

New South Wales Z26 class
Class Z26 Locomotive
Type and origin Power type Steam Builder Dübs and Company Total produced 20
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte 2-6-2T  • UIC 1'C1'nt Gauge 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge Driver dia. 4 ft 0 in (1.219 m) Adhesive weight 88,000 lb (39,916 kg; 40 t) Loco weight 146,000 lb (66,224 kg; 66 t) Fuel type Coal Firebox:  • Firegrate area 21 sq ft (2.0 m2) Boiler pressure 150 psi (1.03 MPa) Heating surface 1,345 sq ft (125.0 m2) Superheater None Cylinders Two, outside Cylinder size 18 in × 26 in (457 mm × 660 mm)
Performance figures Tractive effort 22,380 lbf (99.6 kN) Factor of adh. 3.49
Career Operators New South Wales Government Railways Class I17, Z26 from 1924 Numbers 17-22, 103, 127-129, 292, 293, 391, 394, 397-402 (2601–2620 from 1924) Disposition 2 preserved, 18 scrapped

The 26 class (formerly I.17 class) was a class of steam locomotives built by Dübs and Company for the New South Wales Government Railways of Australia.

Dübs and Company were contracted to supply 20 large mineral tank locomotives, the design of which included the fitting of a Webb radial axle at the bunker end. The locomotives were delivered in the early months of 1892.

Originally intended for assisting freight trains over the Blue Mountains line, they were found unsatisfactory due to insufficient water capacity and inflexibility around tight curves. Several were sent to Waterfall for working coal and blue metal trains. Shunting at Darling Harbour and Alexandria goods yards was the duty of the remainder of those based in Sydney. Others were stationed at the old Hamilton locomotive depot for working trains from the interchange with the South Maitland Railway at East Greta to Newcastle.

Although replaced in 1905 by larger locomotives between Waterfall and Sydney, they continued to haul coal hopper wagons to Waterfall and, additionally were used to assist northbound trains through Otford Tunnel. At holiday times, some of these locomotives were transferred to working picnic trains to The National Park.

During the 1920s most of the class was withdrawn. After several years out of use, were returned to traffic as shunters, particularly at western centres such as Lithgow, Bathurst and Orange. Several were sent to Albury to assist at this busy break-of-gauge station and others to Port Kembla.