b15class

Steam locomotive, 1900-1910

from State Library of Queensland

• Vesna Verencevic said:

  On 13 January 1897, Walkers Limited completed their first steam locomotive, with a very successful trial run to Howard and return. This engine became known as a B15 class 4-6-0 tender design, and allocated QR No. 299, Walkers Limited works No. 1. The 'B' signifies three driving axles and the '15' is the cylinder diameter in inches. The Walkers Limited design was similar to that of locomotives imported from England, but they were fitted with much-improved cabs and were the first engines built for the Queensland Railways to come ready fitted with the Westinghouse automatic brake system. Builders plates were fitted to each side of the tender as well as each cab side, and in addition, a large circular maker's plate (complete with 5 point star and the words 'Walkers Limited Engineers') was carried on the smokebox door similar to early American engines. Source: maryboroughwhistlestop.org.au/299.html