MGWR Class E

The MGWR class E was a small 0-6-0T steam locomotive class designed in 1891 by Martin Atock, the then locomotive superintendent of the Midland Great Western Railway (MGWR) and twelve engines were built. After the MGWR was merged into Great Southern Railways (GSR) in 1925 they were designated Class 551 or J26.[1] They were also known as the Irish Terrier class.[2][3]

MGWR Class E
MGWR Class E at Athboy, Co. Meath
Type and origin Power type Steam Designer Martin Atock Builder Kitson and Company (9), Sharp, Stewart & Co. (3) Serial number Kitson 3370–3372, 3380–3382, 3527–3329 Sharp, Stewart: 3693–3695 Model 1891–1893 Total produced 12
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte 0-6-0T  • UIC C n2t Gauge 5 ft 3 in (1,600 mm) Driver dia. 4 ft 6 in (1.372 m) Loco weight 35 to 36.8 long tons (35.6 to 37.4 t) Fuel type Coal Firebox:  • Firegrate area 13 sq ft (1.2 m^2) Boiler pressure 150 psi (1.03 MPa) Heating surface:  • Tubes 667 sq ft (62.0 m^2)  • Firebox 50 to 72 sq ft (4.6 to 6.7 m^2) Cylinders Two, inside Cylinder size 15 in × 22 in (381 mm × 559 mm)
Performance figures Tractive effort 11,688 lbf (51.99 kN)
Career Operators MGWR → GSR → CIÉ Class MGWR: E GSR/CIÉ: 551 or J26 Numbers MGWR: 106–117; GSR: 551–562 Official name GSR Class 551 or Class J26 Nicknames Irish Terrier Withdrawn 1954–1963 Disposition All scrapped

Locomotives

Class E locomotives

MGWR No.	MGWR Name	GSR No.
106	Lark	551
107	Robin	552
108	Swallow	553
109	Fly	554
110	Bat	555
111	Wasp	556
112	Hornet	557
113	Gnat	558
114	Stork	559
115	Achill	560
116	Cong	561
117	Moy	562

Design and historical development

The MGWR Class E were initially intended for shunting around the Dublin Broadstone terminus. Further locomotives were ordered for rural and small branch line work around Killala, Achill, Clifden, Athboy and Kingscourt.[1]

After the grouping of 1925, the Great Southern Railways classified them Class 551 or Class J26, and fitted them with new smokeboxes, safety valves and chimneys. The nameplates, builder’s plates and sandbox numbers were removed at this time and replaced with a numberplate.[2]

After 1920 they were forced to move from the Achill branch when that became restricted for 6 wheel coupled locomotives.[1]

Their low axle loading gave them good utility and they were often popular, though some duties stretched their abilities.[3]

Three engines, 553, 555 and 560 were fitted with enlarged cabs and modified footsteps. This enabled an additional ton of coal to be carried and they successfully worked on the enclosed Waterford and Tramore section.[3][1]

Model

An etched-brass kit of the Class E / J26 has been produced by Studio Scale Models including brass etches and cast white metal parts.[4]

See also

• Diesel Locomotives of Ireland
• Multiple Units of Ireland
• Coaching Stock of Ireland
• Steam locomotives of Ireland

References

1. Beaumont, Jonathan (2002). Rails to Achill. pp. 20, 61, 90, 91. ISBN 978-0853615880.
2. "Midland Great Western Railway". Archived from the original on 18 September 2016. Retrieved 10 October 2017.
3. Clements, Jeremy; McMahon, Michael (2008). Locomotives of the GSR. Colourpoint Books. pp. 191–192. ISBN 9781906578268.
4. "Loco Kits and Accessories". Studio Scale Models. E class J26 (K04) Brass Kit. Archived from the original on 22 May 2020. Retrieved 22 May 2020.