The result is a locomotive that is extremely powerful for its size, and that will cope with sharp curves and steep grades with ease. None of these features are found in normal steam locomotives. The driving wheels are mounted in two four-wheel bogies so that they can easily follow sharp curves in the track.

From there the drive is transmitted to the small driving wheels through rotating shafts, universal joints, and bevel gears. Instead they drive a cross shaft near the centre of the locomotive. The distinctive feature of the Climax locomotive is that the cylinders do not directly connect to the driving wheels. It was built in 1928 by the Climax Manufacturing Company, Corry, Pennsylvania, USA, for the Forests Commission of Victoria. These locomotives were usually somewhat peculiar - made to cope with arduous, rough conditions, rather than speed.Ĭlimax locomotive No.1694 is the only one of these locomotives to survive intact. In all about fifty steam locomotives are known to have worked on Victorian timber tramways. Many had wooden rails, and horses provided haulage. These tramways were generally very rough, steeply graded, sharply curved, and of narrow gauge. 1694 in active service on special occasions - stored at Emerald StationĬlimax locomotive No.1694 is a miraculous survivor of a rare breed of steam locomotive.įor about 100 years from the mid-1850s sawn timber was carted from Victorian sawmills to the nearest railway station by timber tramway. Users are advised to contact the source organisation to discuss appropriate reuse.Ĭlimax geared locomotive No. Reuse of any Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander material on this site may require cultural clearances. The length of this time varies and is determined by the community. Users of this site should be aware that in many areas of Australia, reproduction of the names and photographs of deceased people is restricted during a period of mourning. These views are not necessarily the views of Victorian Collections. Or recorded but may not be considered appropriate today.

Some material may contain terms that reflect authors’ views, or those of the period in which the item was written Content also may include images and film of places that may cause sorrow.

Please be aware that this website may contain culturally sensitive material - images, voices and information provided by now deceased persons.Ĭontent also may include images and film of places that may cause sorrow.Īboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website may contain culturally sensitive material - images, voices and information provided by now deceased persons. We celebrate the history and contemporary creativity of the world’s oldest living culture and pay respect to Elders - past, present and future. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the place now called Victoria, and all First Peoples living and working on this land.

Victorian railways locomotive drawings