New South Wales C35 class locomotive

The C35 class was a class of steam locomotives built by Eveleigh Railway Workshops between 1914 and 1923 for the New South Wales Government Railways in Australia. Despite their elegant, somewhat English looking appearance, they suffered a long period of teething troubles and were poor performers, especially on long climbs.[1]

New South Wales C35 class
Class C35 Locomotive
Type and origin
Power typeSteam
BuilderEveleigh Railway Workshops
Build date1914–1923
Total produced35
Specifications
Configuration:
 • Whyte4-6-0
 • UIC2'Ch
Gauge4 ft 8+12 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Driver dia.5 ft 9 in (1,753 mm)
Adhesive weight139,000 lb (63,049 kg; 63 t)
Loco weight183,000 lb (83,007 kg; 83 t)
Fuel typeCoal
Firebox:
 • Grate area31 sq ft (2.9 m2)
Boiler pressure180 psi (1.24 MPa)
Heating surface2,235 sq ft (207.6 m2)
Superheater:
 • Heating area545 sq ft (50.6 m2)
CylindersTwo, outside
Cylinder size22.5 in × 26 in
(572 mm × 660 mm)
Performance figures
Tractive effort29,186 lbf (129.8 kN)
Factor of adh.4.75
Career
OperatorsNew South Wales Government Railways
ClassNN1027, C35 from 1924
Numbers3501-3535 from 1924
Preserved3526
Disposition1 preserved, 34 scrapped

In service

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They took over hauling The Fish, from Sydney Central to Mount Victoria in June 1918 and the Caves Express on the same route in 1932. To operate this, 3506, 3526 and 3535 were painted in Caledonian Blue to match the carriages.[1]

After being replaced by 36 class locomotives on Southern and Western services, they were transferred to operate North Coast and Northern Tablelands express and mail trains until replaced by diesels in the 1950s. The first was withdrawn in February 1959. During the last years of service, they were confined to working both passenger and freight trains north of Gosford on the Main North line. The last was withdrawn in August 1968.[1][2]

Modifications

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In May 1935, an ACFI feedwater heater was fitted to 3508. It was apparently not a success as it was removed in 1939 and no other member was so fitted.[1]

From December 1937, the class was rebuilt with heavier frames, rebalanced driving wheels, new boilers and new cabs with more shelter, replacing their Great Western Railway look.[1][2]

Preservation

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3526 taking on water at the Hunter Valley Steamfest, Maitland
Preserved C35 class locomotives
Number Builder Year Owner Location Status References
3526 NSWGR 1917 Transport Heritage NSW Thirlmere Operational [3]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e Grunbach, Alex (1989). A Compendium of New South Wales Steam Locomotives. Sydney: Australian Railway Historical Society, NSW Division. pp. 158–163. ISBN 0-909650-27-6.
  2. ^ a b Oberg, Leon (1984). Locomotives of Australia 1850's - 1980's. Frenchs Forest: Reed Books. p. 123. ISBN 0-730100-05-7.
  3. ^ "Locomotive, Steam 3526 | NSW Environment, Energy and Science". www.environment.nsw.gov.au. Retrieved 9 May 2020.