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Yx 141 Restored to operation at the Pichi Richi Railway |
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This
photo is kindly provided by Glenn Harris and shows newly-restored Yx 141 in
steam at Quorn.
It is temporarily paired with
the tender of NM25 as reassembly continues.
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Builder |
James
Martin & Co, Gawler, SA |
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Builder’s Number & Year |
43 of 1892 |
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Wheel Arrangement |
2-6-0 |
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No. in class |
129 |
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Yx
141 was originally built as Y 141 to the design of the successful
Beyer-Peacock "Y class" 2-6-0 locomotives, which were built in
large numbers to become mainstays of the SAR narrow-gauge locomotive fleet at
that time. This
locomotive was later rebuilt by the SAR to "Yx" specification,
increasing the boiler pressure from 140psi to 185psi via a higher-pitch
Belpaire boiler, although saturated steam was retained. Following
withdrawal by the SAR, Yx 141 was plinthed in a park at Port Lincoln. Like many park engines, Yx 141 began to
deteriorate but fortunately it was obtained by the Pichi Richi
Railway in 1983 and transferred to Quorn, where it was placed in the
long-term storage shed to protect against further corrosion. The
Pichi Richi Railway subsequently began an initiative to restore Yx 141 to
operation. The locomotive was found to be in surprisingly good condition,
with the boiler and fittings only requiring cosmetic work. Apparently many of
Yx 141's fittings are common to the T class, and various parts bear stamps
from other SAR engines; the running gear came from Y 87, the driving axles
are from various manufacturers and years ranging from Krupp in 1888 to
Vickers & Sons and Maxim in 1905. The smokebox door is from a Z class,
and the regulator valve still had painted the address ex-stores in Islington
with the order number. Yx
141 passed its hydrostatic boiler test in January 2012, with the boiler
refitted to the frames for initial steam tests in March 2012. Unfortunately, a large crack was found in
the right hand cylinder casting during steam testing in early 2012, resulting
in a significant financial and schedule setback for the restoration project. Since
then time, patterns have been manufactured and two new cylinders cast,
machined and fitted to the locomotive, with restoration and reassembly work
continuing as funds and labour permit. The project has now finally came to
fruition, with Yx 141 in steam for trial running during August 2017. Here
is a wonderful Flickr album by ‘Alco961’ with many photos & mementos
showing Yx 141’s transformation from park furniture. Here is an
excellent YouTube video by Arnold Krueger showing Yx 141 steaming
through the Pichi Richi Pass on her test run of 30 August 2017. |
Glenn Harris has also provided
this view of the cowcatcher being fitted.
Yx141's tender chassis under
restoration in early 2012. Photo contributed by Glenn Harris.
Yx 141 under steam test at Quorn
in early 2012. Photo contributed by Glenn Harris.
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This earlier photo is kindly provided
by Glenn Harris and shows the frame and tender of Yx 141 under restoration at
Quorn. |
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Glenn Harris has kindly
provided this photo showing the first paint applied to Yx 141's frames. |
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Yx 141's pony truck under
restoration at Quorn; photo by Glenn Harris. |
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This image shows the frame and
boiler of Yx 141 under restoration at Quorn. Photo courtesy of Glenn
Harris. |
The
side rods were refitted for the first time on 9 May 2011, as seen in this
further view from Glenn Harris.
Pushing the engine unit up and
down the shed showed the rods to be running true with no tight spots.
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Photography in the PRR storage shed is challenging but I did manage to
take this photograph in 1996 showing the brass numbers and the workshop plate 'Rebuilt 1923 Islington
Works'. |
References
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a |
Fluck
R. E., Sampson R., & Bird K. J. 'Steam locomotives and Railcars of the South
Australian Railways', published by The Mile End
Railway Museum (SA) Inc, 1986. |
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b |
Information provided by D. Heah via email, 16 May 2015 |
Page updated: 5 November 2017
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