GSR Class 850

GSR 850 Class
Type and origin
Power typeSteam
DesignerJ. R. Bazin
BuilderInchicore
Build date1928
Total produced1
Specifications
Configuration:
 • Whyte2-6-2T
Gauge5 ft 3 in (1,600 mm)
Leading dia.3 ft 1 in (940 mm)
Driver dia.5 ft 6 in (1,680 mm)
Trailing dia.3 ft 0 in (910 mm)
Length39 ft 2+12 in (11,951 mm)
Adhesive weight47.5 long tons (48.3 t)
Loco weight71 long tons (72 t)
Water cap.1,700 imp gal (7,700 L; 2,000 US gal)
Boiler pressure260 lbf/in2 (1.79 MPa)
Heating surface:
 • Firebox119 sq ft (11.1 m2)
SuperheaterBelpaire
Cylinders2
Cylinder size17+12 in × 28 in (444 mm × 711 mm)
Valve gearWalschaerts
Performance figures
Tractive effort17,700 lbf (78.73 kN)
Career
OperatorsGreat Southern Railways (GSR)
CIÉ
ClassP1 (Inchicore)
Power classH/HT
Number in class1
Numbers850
LocaleIreland
Withdrawn1955
[1]: 259–262 

The Great Southern Railways (GSR) Class 850 consisted of a single 2-6-2T tank locomotive built by Inchicore railway works in 1927, the sole example carrying the same number as the class. It was the first locomotive designed and built by the GSR since it was formed.[1]: 259–262 

Design

[edit]

The design incorporated elements while retaining some features typical of previous Inchicore engines. It was suggested that parts of the last unaccounted for Class 393 kit supplied from Woolwich may have been incorporated into the design.[1]: 259–262 

Service

[edit]

The locomotive worked DublinBrayGreystones services and particularly was noted for regular appearances on the 17:07 Greystones express and Dún Laoghaire pier for the boat connections. It also had a short spell on WaterfordLimerick services in the 1930s. The locomotive was powerful but was prone to a rolling motion at speed.[1]: 259–262  Number 850 was noted for long and frequent periods out of service for repairs.[2]

Incidents

[edit]

In 1946 the locomotive fell into the turntable pit outside the Dublin Harcourt Street railway station and required extensive repairs.[1]: 259–262 

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e Clements, Jeremy; McMahon, Michael (2008). Locomotives of the GSR. Colourpoint Books. ISBN 9781906578268.
  2. ^ Baker, Michael H.C. (20 June 1972). Irish railways since 1916 (1st ed.). Ian Allan. p. 73. ISBN 9780711002821.