10 Class Locomotives is a Class of 14 2-8-2T steam locomotives built for the East Greta Coal Mining Company (later to be known as South Maitland Railways).
There were fourteen Class 10 (2-8-2) steam locomotives built and were operated by the South Maitland Railways (SMR), the largest and busiest private railway in Australia. These 14 identical locomotives were specifically designed, constructed, and purchased from the most famous locomotive construction company in the world at that time, Beyer Peacock, Gorton foundry, Manchester, England.
The locomotives were built between 1911 and 1926. The design of the locomotives are technologically significant and there are no other locomotives of this design in the world.
Members of this Class of locomotive were the last steam locomotives in commercial use in Australia. Of the original 14 locomotives No.10 and No.18 are the only locomotives operational, making them the only steam locomotive Class still surviving today in the world.
- No.10 built 1911 in service 1912. The oldest of all 10 Class Locomotives.
- No.18 built 1915 in service 1915.
No.10 and No.18 are a unique Class of locomotive designed specially to work the SMR line and did so commercially for 71 years. As a fully intact Class of locomotives this was a longevity unequalled in Australia.
The 10 Class locomotives are protected by the State Heritage Office and have the distinction of being the only steam locomotives listed on the State Heritage Register. They are also listed as significant items by the National Trust of Australia. They are located at their historical home at East Greta Junction (EGJ) in Telarah NSW.
The late Mr Milton Morris AO, affectionately known as “Mr Maitland” was a passionate 10 Class enthusiast and enthusiast of heritage trains generally. In the 1980’s Mr Morris was instrumental in driving the establishment of HVTC (Hunter Valley Training Company) to provide training for Apprentices and Trainees, and fill a skill shortage in the local work force.
Mr Morris had the foresight to recognise that the 10 Class Locomotives provided a training opportunity for apprentices undertaking fabrication and mechanical trades. An opportunity presented for HVTC to purchase the Locomotives from SMR. HVTC retained Numbers 10 and 18, and significant corporate and community support was garnered over the years by Mr. Milton Morris who raised $400,000 to bring the Loco engines to a high standard to operate on the main line.
The Locomotives no longer play a part in HVTC’s training. However, HVTC recognises the Historical significance and uniqueness of the 10 Class and has supported the establishment of a new independent, not for profit company (10 Class Locomotives Limited) to preserve and sustain the Locomotives for the enjoyment and education of current and future generations.
The restoration, preservation, and operation of the 10 Class Locomotives in their historical birthplace, East Greta Junction, is intrinsically linked to the history of Maitland.
The Maitland community recognise the history of steam in all its forms, formidably through the annual event Steamfest. The event celebrates Maitland’s rich steam and industrial heritage paying homage to the end of an industrial era and the men and women involved in its operation.
