MGWR Class E

MGWR Class E
MGWR Class E at Athboy, Co. Meath
Type and origin
Power type Steam
Designer Martin Atock
Builder Kitson and Company (9),
Sharp, Stewart & Co. (3)
Serial number Kitson 3370–3372, 3380–3382, 3527–3329
Sharp, Stewart: 3693–3695
Model 1891–1893
Total produced 12
Specifications
Configuration:
 ​
 • Whyte 0-6-0T
 • UIC C n2t
Gauge 5 ft 3 in (1,600 mm)
Driver dia. 4 ft 6 in (1.372 m)
Loco weight 35 to 36.8 long tons (35.6 to 37.4 t)
Fuel type Coal
Firebox:
 • Firegrate area		 13 sq ft (1.2 m2)
Boiler pressure 150 psi (1.03 MPa)
Heating surface:
 • Tubes		 667 sq ft (62.0 m2)
 • Firebox 50 to 72 sq ft (4.6 to 6.7 m2)
Cylinders Two, inside
Cylinder size 15 in × 22 in (381 mm × 559 mm)
Performance figures
Tractive effort 11,688 lbf (51.99 kN)
Career
Operators MGWR → GSR → CIÉ
Class MGWR: E
GSR/CIÉ: 551 or J26
Numbers MGWR: 106–117;
GSR: 551–562
Official name GSR Class 551 or Class J26
Nicknames Irish Terrier
Withdrawn 1954–1963
Disposition All scrapped
558 at Broadstone July 1959

The MGWR class E was a small 0-6-0T steam locomotive class designed in 1891 by Martin Atock, the then locomotive superintendent of the Midland Great Western Railway (MGWR) and twelve engines were built. After the MGWR was merged into Great Southern Railways (GSR) in 1925 they were designated Class 551 or J26.[1] They were also known as the Irish Terrier class.[2][3]

Locomotives

Class E locomotives
MGWR No.MGWR NameGSR No.
106Lark551
107Robin552
108Swallow553
109Fly554
110Bat555
111Wasp556
112Hornet557
113Gnat558
114Stork559
115Achill560
116Cong561
117Moy562

Design and historical development

The MGWR Class E were initially intended for shunting around the Dublin Broadstone terminus. Further locomotives were ordered for rural and small branch line work around Killala, Achill, Clifden, Athboy and Kingscourt.[1]

After the grouping of 1925, the Great Southern Railways classified them Class 551 or Class J26, and fitted them with new smokeboxes, safety valves and chimneys. The nameplates, builder’s plates and sandbox numbers were removed at this time and replaced with a numberplate.[2]

After 1920 they were forced to move from the Achill branch when that became restricted for 6 wheel coupled locomotives.[1]

Their low axle loading gave them good utility and they were often popular, though some duties stretched their abilities.[3]

Three engines, 553, 555 and 560 were fitted with enlarged cabs and modified footsteps. This enabled an additional ton of coal to be carried and they successfully worked on the enclosed Waterford and Tranmore section.[3][1]

Model

The Class E / J26 is currently available as a 00 gauge etched-brass kit from Studio Scale Models. It includes transfers, brass etches, most nameplates and cast white metal parts.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Beaumont, Jonathan (2002). Rails to Achill. pp. 20, 61, 90, 91. ISBN 978-0853615880.
  2. 1 2 "Midland Great Western Railway". Archived from the original on 18 September 2016. Retrieved 10 October 2017.
  3. 1 2 3 Clements, Jeremy; McMahon, Michael (2008). Locomotives of the GSR. Colourpoint Books. pp. 191–192. ISBN 9781906578268.
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