G 233 on Busselton Jetty (photo E Woodland, ARHS archives)
G Class Locomotive
G 233 on Busselton Jetty (photo E Woodland, ARHS archives)
The G class locomotives were the first class of locomotive on the WAGR to be purchased in large quantity. A Beyer Peacock design, the first locomotive was purchased second hand from C&E Millar in 1889. The first G class was a small 2-6-0 tender locomotive of similar layout to the A Class, but with a higher tractive effort and steaming capacity. Following testing of the first G class a further forty seven locomotives were purchased from various sources between 1894 and 1899.
The locomotives served well on the early railway as mainline units, however they had a tendency to derail when running at high speed. In 1897 twenty two 4-6-0 locomotives of the same outline were purchased from Dubs & Co to overcome this problem. With the rapid expansion of the WAGR around the turn of the century the G class were displaced from mainline service by the arrival of heavier locomotives. Many of the WAGR locomotives were sold to timber contractors for use on timber lines. Those retained by the WAGR found use on light branchlines as well as shunting and jetty use. The final locomotives were withdrawn in the 1950's and 1960's apart from two which were retainer by the WAGR for vintage trains.
G 233 was built by James Martin & Son and introduced into service in 1889. Between 1909 and 1943 the locomotive operated the isolated Hopetoun to Ravensthorpe railway. The locomotive was out of use from 1935 with the closure of the railway until 1943 when it was recovered for use on the main system. G 233 was preserved by the WAGR for use on vintage trains, and is currently at Midland workshops undergoing boiler repairs.