J CLASS – HISTORY
The J class locomotives were built by the UK firm, Vulcan Foundry of Newton-le-Willows, Lancashire in 1953 and 1954. They were primarily intended for use as light goods engines. The class used many features of the K class, but unlike the K, were designed for possible conversion to standard gauge. No locomotives were converted in service.
A total of 60 locomotives were built of which the first thirty (J500 to J529) were coal burners and the final thirty (J530 to J559) were oil burners.
The J class were the last steam locomotives to enter Victorian Railways service in 1954 and they quickly replaced the ageing D2 and D3 locomotives on many branch lines. Their light maximum axle load (14.7 tonne) and length (they could be turned on a 53 foot turntable) meant they could be used over the entire VR rail network. They had a maximum permissible speed of 80km/h (50 mph).
The Js were the last class of steam locomotive to remain intact on the VR during the transition from steam to diesel. Scrapping began with J523 in November 1967, but many were put into storage for use during heavy wheat harvests. The last operational locomotive was J549 which was used intermittently as a yard pilot until 1972. J538 was the last locomotive scrapped in June 1978.
Several locomotives escaped scrapping. These include:
- J512 - undergoing conversion to standard gauge at Seymour Rail Heritage Centre
- J515 - operational at Victorian Goldfields Railway, Maldon (on lease from the Seymour Rail Heritage Centre)
- J536 - long term restoration project at 707 Operations, Newport West Workshops
- J516 - awaiting restoration at the Yarra Valley Tourist Railway, Healesville
- J541 - operational at Victorian Goldfields Railway, Maldon
- J549 - under overhaul at Victorian Goldfields Railway, Maldon
- J556 - static exhibit at ARHS Museum, North Williamstown
Last Updated: 08 January 2008
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