O&K Mallet

O&K Mallet

Orenstein & Koppel, Magnet No.3, Mallet

The 2ft gauge Magnet Tramway on the West Coast of Tasmania commenced operations in 1902 using one of the very few mallet type locomotives used in Australia. After finding success with the first mallet (Magnet No.1) a second was ordered and entered service in 1907, operating as Magnet No.3 (builder No. 2609). The tramway continued operation until 1932 carrying Silver Lead Ore to a siding connected with the Emu Bay Railway.

The Mallet

The cylinder arrangement is unusual in mallets, in that the cylinders are at the ends of the loco rather than both to the front or in the centre of the loco.

Like all true mallets it is a 4 cylinder compound with high pressure cylinders on the rear engine unit which is rigid with the chassis and the boiler. The front engine unit is pivoted on the front of the rear engine unit and carries the weight of the front of the boiler on a flat sliding bearing above the front wheels. This articulation allows this effectively eight coupled engine to negotiate very tight curves down to 65 feet radius on the 2 foot gauge. The partly used exhaust steam from the rear high pressure cylinders is carried to the front low pressure cylinders by pipes and flexible joints thus re-using the steam to further benefit, before being exhausted to atmosphere via a flexible pipe connecting the smokebox. The valve gear used by O & K on the mallet is quite simple and is known as Marshal Gear.

After closure of the Magnet Tramway, The two Mallets were purchased by Great Boulder Gold Mines Pty Ltd. for ore haulage at Kalgoorlie. No.3 was pressed into service, however No.1 was eventually cannibalised for spare parts to keep No.3 operating. In the last years of operating it ran on only the front engine unit effectively making it a 0-4-4. It was withdrawn from operation in 1962 with the arrival of a new "Planet" diesel locomotive (also now owned by BBR).

The locomotive was later purchased by Lew Whiteman and added to his collection where it was put on display alongside ex Western Machinery Co. Krauss 0-4-0, on his Caversham property (Whiteman Park) at Mussel Pool. This, and other land held by a variety of private owners, was purchased by the State Government in 1978 and combined to form Whiteman Park.

Early in 1984, Lew Whiteman advised that WALRPA was being given the Krauss and Mallet locomotives that had formed an entry statement into Mussel Pool for many years.

Thus the care of the Mallet was passed on to the BBR for future restoration to working order. It was relocated to the depot during Easter 1985. Believed to be the only remaining Mallet in Australia.

Currently the Mallet is stored in a adjoining shed to the BBR Loco Shed with minimal restoration occurring due to other priorities. The BBR Committee is seeking funding for further restoration through Lotteries and Heritage grants.

Much has been done on the Mallet with the chassis currently in a complete overhauled running condition and able to be operated on Air. "Ready to Go".

The Boiler has had work on firebox plates, wrappers etc as well as general cleaning, preservation and is ready for tubing. A main issue yet to be solved with the boiler is the lack of two sight glasses which are now required under the current boiler codes.

These pics below show the current status of the Mallet on 13th Jan 2007

We just need the $$$$ and time to make it go.

In June 2007, WALRPA received a certificate of classification for the Mallet from the National Trust of Australia (WA).

The certificate states

“This Classification recognises the heritage significance of Magnet No. 3, Mallet Steam Locomotive Whiteman Park - 14th May 2007

The certificate is the culmination of the work done by Ross Parker and David Whiteford in conjunction with Phillipa Rogers (ARHS) whose input has been invaluable

Classification of the Mallet will be instrumental in obtaining funds to complete the restoration of the locomotive.

Webmaster N. Blinco