JGR Class A3

JGR Class A3
Taiwan Railway No. 9 (ex JGR No. 7) in February 2011
Technical specifications
Serial number(s)	834 – 835
Manufacturer(s)	Avonside Engine Company
Build date	1871
Total produced	2
Classification	2-4-0T
Dimensions	26 ft × Unknown × 11 ft 10 in
Rail gauge	3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm)
Service information
Years in-service	14 October 1872 – 1900
Running numbers	6 – 7
Disposition details
Preserved	1 (none operational)
Number scrapped	None (1 lost)

The JGR Class A3 (originally the JGR Class C) is a 2-4-0T Porter-type side tank steam locomotive built for the JGR in 1871.

History

Little is known about the service history of the A3s. Two locomotives, No. 6 and 7, were imported from the Avonside Engine Company in the United Kingdom into Japan for use on the JGR in 1872. These were some of the first locomotives used on the JGR; these were one of five types imported into Japan for operation on their railways, and one of ten total operating throughout Japan. The locomotive began operation on 14 October 1872 with the opening of Japan's first railway line; October 14 is celebrated as Railway Day in Japan even today to commemorate the line's opening. The locomotives were retired in 1900; as they were retired before the establishment of a formal rule regarding locomotive naming, they never received an official class number (i.e. 9600).

Upon their retirement in 1900, both locomotives were shipped to Taiwan for use on their railroad between 1900 and 1901. However, only No. 7 arrived on Taiwanese soil; No. 6 appears to have been lost in a marine accident during transit. When the locomotive arrived in Taiwan, No. 7 was classified as the Class A2-4-0T (A standing for Avonside) and was renumbered to 9; the locomotive was reclassified as the Class E9 in 1906 and was retired in 1925.

The locomotive was considered an important part of Taiwanese history and was earmarked for preservation by the Taiwanese Governor's Office; the locomotive was later placed in the Taihoku New Park (now named the 228 Peace Memorial Park) and has remained there ever since. No. 9 was moved into a dedicated display hall in 2003, and remains there as of 2018; the locomotive is displayed next to Class 1 locomotive No. 1.

Preservation

The following Class A3 locomotives have been preserved:

Number	Manufacturer	Date manufactured	Serial number	Date withdrawn	Location	Notes
7	Avonside Engine Company	January 1871	835	September 1901 (JGR) 1926 (TRA)	228 Peace Memorial Park, Taipei, Taiwan	Displayed under enclosed shelter in TRA 9 guise; displayed next to TRA 1