M Class
By Alex Thorn
The two M class locomotives numbered M231 and M232 were built in Newport Workshops in 1959 to allow Victorian Railways to retire shunting steam locomotives. The locomotives were to be based at the workshops where they were built, with VR designing and constructing the locomotives by themselves.
The two diesel-hydraulic locomotives had a 150hp GM 6-71 engine installed with a unique sloped bonnet. Shunters steps were placed in front of the 0-6-0 wheel arrangement for the safety of operators and shunters, and the locomotives did not have headlights installed as they were not to be used in mainline service. Only marker lights were fitted. VR had approached the Australian Army, with intention of purchasing two tanks which would become the component basis of each locomotive.
When in service, the Ms did as they were intended, shunting rolling-stock and locomotives around the workshops for repairs and organising rakes. They wore an all-over dark red livery with a black underframe before M323 received VR blue and gold in the late 1960s. M321 would follow in later years also wearing the standard livery. Neither locomotive left Newport Workshops with the exception of M321 in 1960, when it travelled to Warragul to replace a steam locomotive shunter for around a week.
In late 1980, the locomotives were stored at Newport as a result of poor mechanical condition. However later in the same year, Brunswick Plaster Mills purchased M232 from VR. It would travel to the Nowingi line in north-western Victoria where it proved itself a success hauling gypsum trains along the 27km railway. In 1988, the railway closed and M232 returned to Newport. Both Ms were then owned by Steamrail who continue to own both to this day.
M231 has been retained in an operational condition for shunting purposes by Steamrail. It was first repainted in an orange livery, before returning to its original red and black livery. M232 is stored in a poor and unserviceable condition, however interestingly, M231 has worn the identification of M232 in recent times. Both are located at Newport Workshops.
The two diesel-hydraulic locomotives had a 150hp GM 6-71 engine installed with a unique sloped bonnet. Shunters steps were placed in front of the 0-6-0 wheel arrangement for the safety of operators and shunters, and the locomotives did not have headlights installed as they were not to be used in mainline service. Only marker lights were fitted. VR had approached the Australian Army, with intention of purchasing two tanks which would become the component basis of each locomotive.
When in service, the Ms did as they were intended, shunting rolling-stock and locomotives around the workshops for repairs and organising rakes. They wore an all-over dark red livery with a black underframe before M323 received VR blue and gold in the late 1960s. M321 would follow in later years also wearing the standard livery. Neither locomotive left Newport Workshops with the exception of M321 in 1960, when it travelled to Warragul to replace a steam locomotive shunter for around a week.
In late 1980, the locomotives were stored at Newport as a result of poor mechanical condition. However later in the same year, Brunswick Plaster Mills purchased M232 from VR. It would travel to the Nowingi line in north-western Victoria where it proved itself a success hauling gypsum trains along the 27km railway. In 1988, the railway closed and M232 returned to Newport. Both Ms were then owned by Steamrail who continue to own both to this day.
M231 has been retained in an operational condition for shunting purposes by Steamrail. It was first repainted in an orange livery, before returning to its original red and black livery. M232 is stored in a poor and unserviceable condition, however interestingly, M231 has worn the identification of M232 in recent times. Both are located at Newport Workshops.
Data Table
Loco |
In Service |
Owner |
Livery |
Status |
M231 |
04/59 |
Steamrail |
VR |
Preserved Operational |
M232 |
04/59 |
Steamrail |
Red |
Stored |
Credits:
Power to the Rails - John Scott
Wikipedia
Victorian Railways.net
Updated: 12/10/22
Power to the Rails - John Scott
Wikipedia
Victorian Railways.net
Updated: 12/10/22