G 55

Formerly plinthed at Rockingham

G 55 plinthed at Rockingham; the date is thought to be about 1965.

The loco is displayed sans connecting rods, and the old loco is clearly popular with local children!

This photo was kindly contributed by Warwick Madden (from his father's slide collection).

Builder	Neilson & Co, Glasgow, Scotland
Builder’s Number & Year	4833 of 1895
Wheel Arrangement	2-6-0

This handsome 2-6-0 loco entered Western Australian Government Railways (WAGR) service in November 1895, receiving the road number G 55. The WAGR G-class comprised both 2-6-0 and 4-6-0 versions of this classic Beyer Peacock & Company design, G 55 being an example of the 2-6-0 version, and the first of a batch of 12 built by Neilson & Co in 1895.

Originally devised as mixed-traffic main line locos, the class were inevitably superseded by more modern locomotive designs as the decades passed, but some but found a niche role in jetty shunting. Following WAGR retirement, many found further use in private timber and firewood supply operations, while others served on the North Australia Railway during World War 2.

G 55 was among the last G-class in WAGR traffic when withdrawn in August 1963, although a handful remained in jetty shunting until the late 1960’s – indeed sisters G 123 and G 233 passed gracefully into heritage use and were never withdrawn! G 55 was saved by the WAGR and prepared for static display prior to being placed in a park at Rockingham in March 1965. Unfortunately, it was subsequently cut up for scrap.

Further information about the date and circumstance of this locomotive's unfortunate demise would be appreciated.

G 55 painted and lined in preparation for static display and awaiting transport to Rockingham, circa 1965.

As can be seen, the loco was already missing its connecting rods at this stage.

Image used with permission of the Rail Heritage WA archive:

http://railheritagewa.org.au/archive_scans/displayimage.php?pid=10371

(Image reference T01762, original photographer – E. Woodland.)

G 55 seen at Rockingham in June 1969.

Image used with permission of the Rail Heritage WA archive:

http://railheritagewa.org.au/archive_scans/displayimage.php?pid=24609

(Image reference T05063, original photographer – M. Searle.)

References

a	A. Gunzburg 'A history of WAGR steam locomotives', published by ARHS (Western Australian Division) 1984.
b	Gray. W. K., 'Guide to Rail Transport Museum, Bassendean, Western Australia', Australian Railway Historical Society W. A. Division, First Edition November 1999.

Page updated: 26 November 2023

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