Tuesday, November 24, 2015

NSW D59 class 2-8-2


The 20 of the D59 class were arguably among the most attractive steam locomotives to be used in the state. They were ordered from the Baldwin Locomotive Works, the design being a variation on the USATC S200 Class Mikado, a design which first appeared in 1941.

They entered service between August 1952 and March 1953, numbered 5901-5920. Originally oil burning, in 1961 it was decided to convert the majority of the class to coal burning. Although their light axle load made them available to a large proportion of the state, their sphere of operation had been limited by the location of oil fueling facilities.

Withdrawals took place between June 1969 and December 1972. Five are preserved, 5917 is operational. More

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