Austrian State 0-4-0 Locomotives in Austria

Class 185 (Locobase 10302)

Data from "An Austrian Light Locomotive," The Locomotive Magazine, Volume VIII [8] (11 April 1903), p. 250.

Locobase 9919 describes a German engine of similar size intended for the same service. This Austrian example was intended to compete with motor cars on some of the Austrian State Railways' branch lines. Notice that even in 1903, railroading observers could sense the threat that vehicles with greater freedom of movement might offer to the then-predominant form of land transportation. Indeed, the article describing the little locomotive commented: "The operating of this latest competitor for favor in branch line working will be watched with interest by railway officials confronted with the problem of economical working of light railways."

Unlike the German 2-2-0T, this engine. designed by Karl Golsdorf, had two driven axles and used a cross-compound cylinder layout. The profile stacked up and scrunched in, the result resembling a Fiat Topolino being squeezed by two buses.

In an attempt to match the readiness with which an automobile or truck could be made ready, Golsdorf designed a firebox made of sheet iron and lined with firebrick. Oil-firing using the Holden system of atomizer and burner created the fire. To start the locomotive heating in the morning, however, the operator placed a small amount of coal on the tiny grate. The coal fire served to raise steam as well as to heat the brick lining. Retaining the heat in the firebrick was enhanced by closing the damper.

In addition to the single engine delivered to the kKStB, the Sudbahn bought two to operate on its Laibach-Oberlaibach line. LM's 1903 report claimed that "this little engine" had taken two cars weighing a total of 22 tonnes (24.2 short tons) up a 1/2% grade at 65 kph. With about double the load (45 tonnes/49.5 short tons), the 185 mounted a continuous climb of 1% over 13 km (8.1 miles) at 13 kph (8.1 mph).;

Class 86 (Locobase 10601)

Data from "A Light Locomotive for Branch Lines, Austrian State Rys," The Locomotive Magazine, Vol XIII (15 January 1907), p. 6

This was an enlarged variant of the little compound locomotive shown in Locobase 10302. It was rated at 100 tons up a 1% grade with 10 carriages at 20 km/h (13 mph) and achieved a top speed of 75 km/h (46 1/2 mph) on the level with two coaches.