An extract from a July 1979 issue of The Railway Magazine describing the world’s first Garratt locomotive and its restoration at York. The text includes details of its history, design, and technical specifications.
The world’s first Garratt locomotive
THE world’s first Garratt locomotive—built in Manchester seventy years ago for service in Tasmania—has been formally presented “on extended loan” to the National Railway Museum at York by the Festiniog Railway, which acquired it in 1966. The 2ft.-gauge 0-4-0+0-4-0 was officially accepted by the NRM Keeper, Dr. John Coiley, from FR Chairman Mr. John Routly at a brief ceremony in the museum on April 9.
Photo: Paul Francis Photography
Origins and design
No. K1 was one of two such locomotives supplied to the Tasmanian Government North East Dundas Tramway by Beyer Peacock & Co. Ltd. (Nos. 5292/3) from its Gorton, Manchester, works in 1909 to the patent of Herbert William Garratt. His method of producing locomotives with articulated frames able to operate on sharply-curved track was to mature from this small start into designs for giants that were ordered for many countries and still perform impressively in Africa.
From the history of steam through to 21st century rail transport news, we have titles that cater for all rail enthusiasts. Covering diesels, modelling, steam and modern railways, check out our range of magazines and fantastic subscription offers.
Preservation history
After their line was closed, in 1930, the Tasmanian narrow-gauge engines rested in a shed at Zeehan until 1947, when K1 was repurchased by Beyer Peacock and shipped back to England, where it was placed on exhibition at Gorton. When these works closed in 1966, the Festiniog Railway forestalled enthusiasts and bought it for eventual use between Porthmadog and Blaenau Ffestiniog.
Restoration at York
Since arrival at York, the Garratt has been restored by the NRM in the grey livery carried when it left the maker’s works. It is mounted on a short section of FR track on one of the museum’s historic wagons, which enables it to be moved around the main hall—until the time is ripe for its return to its Wales for restoration to steaming.
Technical features
Besides being the first of their kind, Nos. K1/2 were unique in two other respects. They were the only compound Garratts; and the only examples with cylinders at the inner ends of the bogies rather than the outer. The two high-pressure cylinders measure 11 in. diameter by 16 in. stroke and the two low-pressure 17 in. x 16 in. Tractive effort is 14,380 lb. at 75 per cent. of the boiler pressure of 195 lb. per sq. in. Coal and water capacities are 1 ton and 840 gal. respectively. Total weight in working order 10 tons 33.54 tons and the overall length
This article is available to subscribers of The Railway Magazine, along with every article from issues dating back to the 1800s! To subscribe, visit https://www.classicmagazines.co.uk/the-railway-magazine
