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QR -  4-8-2 + 2-8-4   Beyer-Garratt  1009
 
 

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Artwork Info Artwork Size: 18 x 27 cm (7" x 11")

Artwork Media: Painting, Airbrushed ink & Acrylic

Artist / illustrator: Peter Nowak (aka "Wizard" - Wizard Graphics)

Owner: Artist

   
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Locomotive Info Queensland Railways -  4-8-2 + 2-8-4   Beyer-Garratt  1009

Though the Queensland Railways Beyer-Garratt locomotives were originally trialled on the Brisbane to Toowoomba route, they were found unsuitablew due to limited clearance within tunnels, and subsequently withdrawn from this section. Prior to 1956, they were however extensively used on the North Coast Line between Brisbane and Rockhampton (though not north of St Lawrence), after which they were mainly restricted to operation north of Bundaberg. Initially running between Rockhampton and Emerald on the Queensland Central Line, from 1957 this was extended to Bogantungan (the "Midlander").

Until 1955 a few QR Beyer-Garratt locomotives were in service at Mayne and some at North Bundaberg. In 1956 these were all were allocated to Rockhampton. Later years saw the QR Beyer-Garratt locomotives working the Moura coal trains via Mount Morgan, before the 'short line' to Gladstone opened. With the number Diesel locomotives increasing, Queensland Railways removed large numbers of the Beyer-Garratt locomotives from service (22 in June of 1968). Pulling the limestone trains between Tarcoola and Gladstone was one of their last regular routes.

Of the thirty Beyer-Garratt locomotives ordered by Queensland Railways, the first ten engines were constructed at Beyer Peacock & Co Ltd Works in Manchester, UK. The remainder were contracted to FRB (Societe Franco Belge de Materiel du Chemins de fer) at Raismes in France, when Beyer Peacock were unable to meet demand.

Unlike other Queensland Railways steam engines, the Beyer-Garratt locomotives were fitted with Ajax air operated butterfly fire doors, Hadfield power reversers, speedometers and later flow meters (fitted 1955).

Their attractive and highly distinguishable livery of Midland red, chrome yellow lining and large QR monograms was easily discoloured as a result of priming (where boiler water is carried over into the cylinders with potentially explosive consequences). Priming was an unfortunate and not uncommon problem for the QR Beyer-Garratt locomotives, which also led to considerably higher than usual maintenace costs. Sadly, later relegation to goods transport and reduced levels of cleaning saw their general appearance deteriorate even further.

   
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