Victorian Railways initially numbered passenger and goods locomotives separately. The engines were numbered 2–6 (sharing numbers with the V Class goods locomotives). This was changed in the late 1860's to odd numbers for goods locomotives and even numbers for passenger locos with these locomotives taking the even numbers 2–10.[4] This odd and even system remained in use until 1912. In 1886, they were allocated to Class J.
Production
The five locomotives were built in 1859 with builder's numbers 110–114 at an average cost of £3774-3-7 for each loco. They arrived in Port Phillip in March 1860.[4]
In about 1872, they were rebuilt to 2-4-0 wheel arrangement to improve adhesion and allow greater tractive effort to cope with heavier loads and steeper gradients on the new routes.
Over the years they were fitted with various alterations to the cabs. There were also various upgrades over the years; with constant improvements to safety — these including things like updates to safety valves (and domes), smokeboxs and chimneys (with spark arrestors), and brakes.
At some point before 1894 they were reboilered and the new boiler pressures varied from 120–130psi.[4] J6 received another two boilers, the first in 1896, and again in 1908.[4]
In 1908–09 J4 and J6 were modified for motor service. This involved fitting air brakes and cowcatchers, reducing the size of the tenders (using spare 4 wheel versions from previously scrapped locomotives), and the addition of footplats and handrails on the tenders to allow guards to return to the engine while the train was moving.[5]
Accidents
11 April 1895 - J4 broke driving wheels at Lancefield[4]
Demise
J2 and J8 were withdrawn in 1904. In 1907, the cylinders and frame of J10 were used as a stationary engine at Newport Workshops to drive forging machines.[4]
J4 sold to Mr Findlay of Serviceton for £700 in 1912. After being withdrawn from service in 1912, J6 was used as a hot water engine until being reported as broken up on 19 February 1916. It reappeared as a hot water engine at Geelong and last reported in a boiler test on 9 March 1917.[5]
Dee; et al. (1981). Power Parade. Melbourne: VicRail Public Relations Division. p. 3. ISBN0-7241-3323-2.
Cave, Norman; Buckland, John; Beardsell, David (2002). "Chapter 4". Steam Locomotives of the Victorian Railways. Vol. 1: The First Fifty Years. Melbourne, Vic: ARHS Victoria Division. pp. 23–33, 35. ISBN1876677384.
Specific
^ abcdefghijklVictorian Railways Rolling Stock Branch: Diagrams & Particulars of Locomotives, Cars, Vans & Trucks (1904 ed.). Vic: Victorian Railways. 1904. p. 4.
^ abcdefghijklCave, Norman; Buckland, John; Beardsell, David (2002). Steam Locomotives of the Victorian Railways. Vol. 1: The First Fifty Years. Melbourne, Vic: ARHS Victoria Division. p. 35. ISBN1876677384.
^ abcdefghiVictorian Railways Rolling Stock Branch: Diagrams & Particulars of Locomotives, Cars, Vans & Trucks (1914 ed.). Vic: Victorian Railwaysas reproduced by the ARHS Victoria Division in 2008. 1914. p. 6. ISBN9781920892173.
^ abcdefghijklmCave, Norman; Buckland, John; Beardsell, David (2002). "Chapter 4". Steam Locomotives of the Victorian Railways. Vol. 1: The First Fifty Years. Melbourne, Vic: ARHS Victoria Division. ISBN1876677384.
^ abCave, Norman; Buckland, John; Beardsell, David (2002). Steam Locomotives of the Victorian Railways. Vol. 1: The First Fifty Years. Melbourne, Vic: ARHS Victoria Division. pp. 169–170. ISBN1876677384.