4-6-0 Steam Locomotives in Australia

Class C ("Baby Yanks") (Locobase 12595)

Data from Baldwin Locomotive Works Specification for Engines as digitized by the DeGolyer Library of Southern Methodist University Volume 24, p.179; and "WAGR C class" in Wikipedia at [], last accessed 25 January 2025.. (Thanks to Ivo Rutishauser for his email correcting the works numbers and noting the Midlands shops conversion of this class to 4-6-2s.) Works numbers were 20152-20158 in February 1902 and 20170-20174 in March.

The WAGR ordered these dozen Ten-wheelers in September 1901 following the arrival of the Ec class Vauclain compound Pacifics ("Bull Yanks") a year before (Locobase 4085). Reflecting their place on the roster as reduced-weight, simple-expansion "Baby Yanks", the specification also insisted "give particular attention to obtaining even distribution of weight. Max weight on heaviest driving axle not to exceed 21,800 lb [9,888 kg]. Average weight per driving axle must not exceed 21,200 lb [9,616 kg]."

Anticipating later adoption worldwide, the order included outside constant-lead radial valve gear to operate 8" (203 mm) piston valves.

Following WAGR's preference for the axle loadings achieved using six axles instead of five, Midland shops began converting the C 4-6-0s into Ca Pacifics in 1908. Photographs suggest little was changed other than adding an axle under the firebox.

The shops would later install superheaters, which created Class Cs.

Class G - second (Locobase 9563)

Data from Howell, Comparative Statistics of the Australasian Railways, Journal of the Royal Statistical Society, March 1899, pp. 96-97.

When the G-class Moguls (Locobase 9562) proved too light-footed forward to remain on the tracks, the WAGR modified the design, substituting a bogie for the Bissel truck. They remained in mainline service for only a short time, but achieved much longer careers as timberline locomotives.