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South Maitland Railway Pty Ltd No. 31 10-class 2-8-2T |
This photo is kindly provided by Chris Stratton and shows SMR31 and SMR22 at the South Maitland Railway's East Greta depot and workshop on 24 April 1983.
Steam operations on the SMR finished later that year.
This locomotive was built by Beyer Peacock & Co as their builder's number 6295 of 1926, becoming No.31 of the South Maitland Railway Pty Ltd's very successful "10-class" 2-8-2T locomotives. (a) No.31 was the final additional order by the SMR for additional 10-class locomotives, taking the class to a total of 14 examples. (c)
The 10-class locomotives became surplus to requirements following the cessation of steam haulage on the remaining portions of the South Maitland Railway system in 1983 and closure of the Richmond Vale Railway in 1987. Fortunately the 10-class locomotives and the South Maitland Railway running shed were classified by the National Trust and the entire class passed into preservation. (b)
SMR 31 is now held by the Hunter Valley Railway Trust and kept at the Rothbury Riot Railway, Branxton, together with sisters SMR 17, 20, 23, 26, 27 and 28. She retains the lined green livery worn during her final years with the South Maitland Railways. (b)
Unfortunately the Rothbury Riot Railway is not open to the public and hence the SMR 10-class locomotives stored at this location remain out of public sight. Perhaps one day one of these locomotives could be placed on loan at the NSW Rail Transport Museum, Thirlmere or other suitable museum. (c)
References
| a | McNicol, S. 'Coals to Maitland', Railmac Publications, 1982. |
| b | Continental Railway Journal' No.136 Winter 2003/04, published by Continental Railway Circle, page 102 |
| c | Personal comment or observation. |
Page updated: 2 November 2010
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