Due to a shortage of suburban engines in the Sydney area and the availability of surplus C79 class tender engines, it was decided to experimentally convert one of the tender locomotives to a tank type engine in 1896. The conversion proved successful and a further 19 had been converted at Eveleigh Railway Workshops by 1902.[1][2][3][4]
Following the delivery of C30 class locomotives from 1903, they were transferred to Newcastle suburban traffic and when replaced there, were allocated minor roles such as working the Carlingford, Morpeth and Warren branches. Two were sold to East Greta Mining & Railway Company, one to Ashtonfields Colliery, Thornton and a fourth scrapped.[4]
1307 by the New South Wales Transport Museum, initially at Enfield Locomotive Depot, then Thirlmere from 1975, transferred to Yass Railway Heritage Centre in 1999[6]
1308 by the New South Wales Transport Museum, initially at Enfield Locomotive Depot, then Thirlmere from 1975, transferred to Valley Heights[7]
References
^Metropolitan Locomotives in Australia The Railway Magazine issue 463 January 1946 page 59