MGWR Class E

Midland Great Western Railway Class E
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: ​  • Grate area 13 sq ft (1.2 m2) Boiler pressure 150 psi (1.03 MPa) Heating surface: ​  • Firebox 50 to 72 sq ft (4.6 to 6.7 m2)  • Tubes 667 sq ft (62.0 m2) 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Career Operators MGWR → GSR → CIÉ Class MGWR: E GSR/CIÉ: 551 or J26 Numbers MGWR: 106–117; GSR: 551–562 Withdrawn 1954–1963 Disposition All scrapped

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 and twelve engines were built.

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.

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

Model

The Class E / J26 is currently available as a 00 gauge etched-brass kit from Studio Scale Models. It includes transfers, brass etches, most nameplates and cast white metal parts.

See also

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