Beyer Peacock     Works No 2909   Class Y   82       2-6-0       South Australian Railways      Gauge 3ft 6in

Weight47 tons 15cwt
Boiler Pressure145psi
CylindersOutside – 14½in x 20in
Tractive Effort13,289lbf

The Y class were numerically the largest class of steam locomotive operated by the South Australian Railways (SAR). 129 were built between 1885 and 1898 of which Beyer, Peacock & Co built 50 at Gorton, Manchester. The remainder were built by James Martin & Co of Gawler (77) and the SAR’s Islington Railway Workshops (2).

Between 1904 and 1924, 48 locomotives were fitted with new Belpaire boilers and designated the Yx class.

The locomotives of Y class operated across all of the SAR’s narrow gauge network and were part of what became almost an Australian 3 ft 6 in standard. Locomotives of similar design served in large numbers as the Silverton Tramway Y class, Tasmanian Government Railways C class and Western Australian Government Railways G class, and also in Queensland and on the Emu Bay Railway and North Australia Railway.

The locomotives were popular with Western Australia timber concerns and some were sold for use on the timber tramways whilst others were sold to railway construction companies.

This locomotive (Y82) was withdrawn from service with SAR in April 1960. It was then plinthed at the Peterborough town pool and playground for 40 years.

In 2000 the locomotive was moved to Steamtown Peterborough workshop where it was restored. Following this it was placed on display under a weather roof in the Peterborough town centre.

There are two other Y class locomotives and one Yx class locomotive built by Beyer Peacock that have been preserved.

  • Y71 – Works number 2762
  • Y97 – Works number 3147
  • Yx86 – Works number 2913

There are also Y and Ts locomotives built by James Martin in Australia that have been preserved.

  • Y109 – Works number 8
  • Yx135 – Works number 37
  • Yx141 – Works number 43
  • Yx176 – Works number 178

There are three Y class 2-6-0 locomotives built by Beyer Peacock for the Silverton Tramway Preserved

  • Y1 – Works number 2971
  • Y11 – Works number 3535
  • Y12 – Works number 3536

Back to Locomotives

Back to Preserved Outside Britain – By Builder

Back to Preserved Outside Britain – Australia