Rhodesia Railways 16A class Zambia Railways 16A class National Railways of Zimbabwe 16A class
NRZ 16A class No. 612, at Thomson Junction, August 1992
Type and origin Power type Steam Builder Beyer, Peacock and Company Build date 1952–1953 Total produced 30
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte 2-8-2+2-8-2  • UIC 1'D1'+1'D1'h4 Gauge 3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm) Cape gauge Driver dia. 4 ft (1,219 mm) Length 82 ft 5 in (25.12 m) Fuel type Coal Fuel capacity 8.5 Tons Water cap. 5000 Gallons Firebox: ​  • Grate area 212 sq ft (19.7 m2) Boiler pressure 200 psi (1.38 MPa) Heating surface 212 sq ft (19.7 m2) ​  • Tubes and flues 2,131 sq ft (198.0 m2)  • Firebox 49 sq ft (4.6 m2) Superheater: ​  • Heating area 494 sq ft (45.9 m2) Cylinders Four Cylinder size 18 in × 24 in (457 mm × 610 mm) Train brakes Vacuum
Career Operators Rhodesia Railways Zambia Railways National Railways of Zimbabwe Class 16A Number in class 30 Numbers RR: 620–649 NRZ: Withdrawn 1990

The Rhodesia Railways 16A class, later Zambia Railways and National Railways of Zimbabwe 16A classes.

Design

The 16A class were, as might be excepted, a modernised version of the older 16th class. The design was thoroughly revised throughout and externally was notable for the "streamlined" tanks and bunkers, while the cab was widened to maximum possible below waistrail, with inwardly sloping panels above. Internally they had long travel, long lap, valve gear, roller bearings on pony truck axles, separate boxes on most, and higher boiler pressure. This latter gave them a tractive effort equal to the former 18th class, to which they were mechanically vastly superior.

Service

Rebuilding

In 1978 Rhodesia Railways began to rebuild its steam locomotive fleet. Between 1980 and 1983 the remaining Garratt locomotives were completely overhauled and had some modernisation, including the installation of roller bearings. The work was undertaken by private companies, especially the RESSCO works in Bulawayo.

References

• Durrant, A. E. Garratt Locomotives of the World.
• Eatwell, David (August 2011). "Hunting Garratts in Zimbabwe". Continental Modeller. Beer, Seaton, Devon: Peco Publications. pp. 516–521.
• Eatwell, David (September 2011). "Hunting Garratts in Zimbabwe". Continental Modeller. Beer, Seaton, Devon: Peco Publications. pp. 588–591.
• Turk, Andrew (February 1976). "Garratts Galore". Railway World: 76–78.
• Smith, J. D. H. "Rhodesia Railways steam locomotives". Standard Steam Locomotives. Retrieved 2012-09-27.
• "THE SMOKE THAT THUNDERS"A.E. DURRANT and published edition APG, 1997 ISBN 1-77901-134-2>

External links

Media related to Rhodesia Railways 16A class at Wikimedia Commons

External videos
Zimbabwe Steam: Bulawayo - Garratt City #1 - April 1997 A few scenes of Bulawayo in 1997 with Classes 14A, 15A and 16A Garratts at work on various duties around the city, along with shed and workshop scenes. (Time 12:16)

External videos
Zimbabwe Steam: Bulawayo - Garratt City #2 - April 1997 Some morning scenes at Bulawayo Steam Shed in 1997 with 14A, 15A and 16A Garratts leaving the shed. Then we see 15A 417 "Umathebene" hauling a goods train out to Cement and shunting the yard there. (Time 5:38)