MGWR Class E

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]

MGWR Class E
MGWR Class E at Athboy, County Meath
Type and origin
Power typeSteam
DesignerMartin Atock
BuilderKitson and Company (9),
Sharp, Stewart & Co. (3)
Serial numberKitson 3370–3372, 3380–3382, 3527–3329
Sharp, Stewart: 3693–3695
Model1891–1893
Total produced12
Specifications
Configuration:
​
 • Whyte0-6-0T
 • UICC n2t
Gauge5 ft 3 in (1,600 mm)
Driver dia.4 ft 6 in (1.372 m)
Loco weight35 to 36.8 long tons (35.6 to 37.4 t)
Fuel typeCoal
Firebox:
 • Firegrate area		13 sq ft (1.2 m2)
Boiler pressure150 psi (1.03 MPa)
Heating surface:
 • Tubes		667 sq ft (62.0 m2)
 • Firebox50 to 72 sq ft (4.6 to 6.7 m2)
CylindersTwo, inside
Cylinder size15 in × 22 in (381 mm × 559 mm)
Performance figures
Tractive effort11,688 lbf (51.99 kN)
Career
OperatorsMGWR → GSR → CIÉ
ClassMGWR: E
GSR/CIÉ: 551 or J26
NumbersMGWR: 106–117;
GSR: 551–562
Official nameGSR Class 551 or Class J26
NicknamesIrish Terrier
Withdrawn1954–1963
DispositionAll scrapped

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 Tramore section.[3][1]

Model

An etched-brass kit of the Class E / J26 has been produced by Studio Scale Models including brass etches and cast white metal parts.[4]

See also

References
  1. Beaumont, Jonathan (2002). Rails to Achill. pp. 20, 61, 90, 91. ISBN 978-0853615880.
  2. "Midland Great Western Railway". Archived from the original on 18 September 2016. Retrieved 10 October 2017.
  3. Clements, Jeremy; McMahon, Michael (2008). Locomotives of the GSR. Colourpoint Books. pp. 191–192. ISBN 9781906578268.
  4. "Loco Kits and Accessories". Studio Scale Models. E class J26 (K04) Brass Kit. Archived from the original on 22 May 2020. Retrieved 22 May 2020.
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