SLR Class 63

SLR Class 63
Number(s)	63-76
Location	Sierra Leone
Technical specifications
Type	Garratt Locomotive
Serial number(s)	7707-7726
Order number	11169
Manufacturer(s)	Beyer, Peacock and Company
Build date	1955-1956
Total produced	14
Classification	63
Wheel arrangement	4-8-2+2-8-4
Axles	14
Dia. of Drivers	18.80 ft (5.73 m)
Weight	148,512 lbs (67,364 kg)
Rail gauge	2 ft 6 in (762 mm)
Valve gear	Walschaerts
Cylinders	Four, Outside
Boiler pressure	175 psi (12.10 kPa)
Bore stroke	16 in (406 mm)
Dia. x stroke	12.63 in (321 mm)
Firegrate area	22.50 sq ft (2.09 m²)
Fuel capacity	Water: 1,920 gal (7.27 ML) Fuel: 4.40 gal (4 MT)
Heating area	1,102 sq ft (102.38 m²)
Performance figures
Tractive effort	23,009 lbs (10436.72 kg)
Axle load	11,200 lbs (5,080 kg)
Service information
Operator(s)	Sierra Leone Government Railway
Operator(s)	Sierra Leone Government Railway
Running numbers	63-76
Disposition details
Preserved	1
Number scrapped	13

The SLR Class 63 was a class of 4-8-2+2-8-4 Garratt steam locomotives built by Beyer, Peacock and Company for the Sierra Leone Government Railway (SLR) in West Africa. They were used primarily for goods traffic.

Description

World War II placed great demands on Sierra Leone's railway, and its importance was demonstrated by the railway being supplied with a number of new locomotives. To further increase capacity, five of the earlier Class 50 2-6-2+2-6-2 Garratts were converted to a 2-8-0+0-8-2 wheel arrangement, so as to increase adhesion. Experience with these modified Garratts influenced the final steam class purchased by the railway.

14 of these powerful double mountain Garrats were introduced on the line in 1956. They represented an increase of 35% in power over the Class 50. They travelled over 30 lb/yard (15 kg/metre) rail and up grades as steep as 3.3%. SLR's main line covered 227 miles from Freetown inland which began with 22 miles (35 km) that the author Durrant described as the "most difficult" that included a steeply graded section where Garratts and banked trains run through the streets." Durrant also pointed out that these were the smallest eight-coupled Garratts ever produced.

Each leading bogie of both engine units incorporated roller bearings. All the edges of Belpaire fireboxes, and tank corners had a rounded "streamlining" look, although the 33" drivers didn't provide much opportunity for speedy work. These engines had a maximum axle load of 11,200 lb (5,080 kg), similar to the earlier locomotives. However, the tonnage rating up the 2% grade increased from 200 to 270 metric tons.

All but one of the class were cut up following the railway’s closure in 1974.

Stock list

Image	No.	Build date	Manufacturer	Notes
	63	1955	Beyer, Peacock and Company	Withdrawn and scrapped.
	64	1955	Beyer, Peacock and Company	Withdrawn and scrapped.
	65	1955	Beyer, Peacock and Company	Withdrawn and scrapped.
	73	1955	Beyer, Peacock and Company	On static display at the Sierra Leone National Railway Museum.

Bibliography

Preserved Sierra Leonean Locomotives
Sierra Leone Government Railway (SLR)	0-4-0ST	No. 10 'Nellie'
	Class 81	No. 81 • No. 85 (W&LLR No. 14)
	Class 63	No. 73
	Class 101	No. 105 • No. 107
	Class 120	No. 123 • No. 133