Written By: Alex Thorn
Photos By: Chris Nuthall
Page Last Updated: 17/9/20
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Locomotive Info:
Type: Electric Number Built: 12 Loco Length: 11.07 Meters Weight: 50 tonnes Engine: GE Horsepower: 620 Max Speed: 65 km/h |
E1106 next to 2CM in the Jolimont yards. (24/5/85)
Photo By: Chris Nuthall |
In the early 1920s and the Melbourne electric suburban system taking shape, the Victorian Railways decided that metropolitan goods services should also use electric traction. In 1923, the first electric locomotive was completed at Newport Workshops, with GE electrical equipment being installed at Jolimont Workshops. Later that year, the unit was completed and classified as 1100.
E1109 shunting a refurbished Harris train at Jolimont. (20/10/83)
Photo By: Chris Nuthall |
E1109-E1106 together at Jolimont. (24/5/85)
Photo By: Chris Nuthall |
Soon after, 1101 joined it in service mainly shunting Flinders Street yards. They were then permitted on suburban goods trains around the system and deemed an overall success. The two locos were of a ‘steeple cab’ design, having a centre cab for bi-directional running and a sloped nose at each end. From 1927, a further 10 units were ordered to Newport Workshops for VR. This new order however would incorporate a box design so a second pantograph could be installed. The first of these numbered 1102 entered service in 1928. All units were painted in an all-over black paint job.
The fleet had work supplied throughout the 1930s on suburban goods and shunting duties, displacing many older steam locomotives from this work. They were rarely used on passenger work as their low maximum speed made them inefficient for that purpose. In the 1940s and 50s, there was still plenty of work provided to the fleet.
In 1955, the two ‘steeple cabs’ were withdrawn from service and scrapped. The remaining box type locomotives continued in service and were very popular with VR crews.
When the final E class steam locomotives were retired in the early 1960s, VR decided that their classification should carry over to the electric locomotives. All of the units received an E in front of their number so they became the new E class. During this decade, The Es would enter Gippsland on the newly electrified route as shunting units at Warragul. From 1965, all Es would end up wearing the standard VR blue and gold scheme too.
The fleet had work supplied throughout the 1930s on suburban goods and shunting duties, displacing many older steam locomotives from this work. They were rarely used on passenger work as their low maximum speed made them inefficient for that purpose. In the 1940s and 50s, there was still plenty of work provided to the fleet.
In 1955, the two ‘steeple cabs’ were withdrawn from service and scrapped. The remaining box type locomotives continued in service and were very popular with VR crews.
When the final E class steam locomotives were retired in the early 1960s, VR decided that their classification should carry over to the electric locomotives. All of the units received an E in front of their number so they became the new E class. During this decade, The Es would enter Gippsland on the newly electrified route as shunting units at Warragul. From 1965, all Es would end up wearing the standard VR blue and gold scheme too.
E1106 with a Harris set Jolimont. (23/3/84)
Photo By: Chris Nuthall |
E1106-V56 with a transfer to Newport at Jolimont. (22/8/84)
Photo By: Chris Nuthall |
In the 1970s, the E class were proving themselves to be insufficient to the growing goods travel on the suburban system. This growth wouldn’t last long however, with road transport gradually taking away from rail. Many of the E class were also in a poor state as they were around 50 years old with constant service. Various members were withdrawn and scrapped in the early 80s, with a number of railfan trips also taking place is it became known that their days were numbered. A handful of Es struggled on in service on the remaining suburban goods services. By 1984, all units were out of service.
During 1986, E1106 and E1106 re-entered service for The Met as shunters at Jolimont Workshops with both becoming the final electric locomotives withdrawn from active service the Victorian system in 1988.
Today, E1102 is on static display at the ARHS North Williamstown museum, in its original black scheme. E1106, E1108 and E1109 would find themselves with Steamrail (Elecrail) however none have been restored to date. The rest of the fleet have been scrapped.
During 1986, E1106 and E1106 re-entered service for The Met as shunters at Jolimont Workshops with both becoming the final electric locomotives withdrawn from active service the Victorian system in 1988.
Today, E1102 is on static display at the ARHS North Williamstown museum, in its original black scheme. E1106, E1108 and E1109 would find themselves with Steamrail (Elecrail) however none have been restored to date. The rest of the fleet have been scrapped.
E1109 with a wagon loaded with sleepers at Jolimont. (27/3/84)
Photo By: Chris Nuthall |
E1106 with an N set at Jolimont. (26/8/83)
Photo By: Chris Nuthall |
Locomotive Status
Click on underlined Road No. for more photos
Road No. |
Livery |
Owner |
Service Life |
Current State |
1100 |
Black |
Victorian Railways |
20 Jul 1923 - 1954 |
Scrapped |
1101 |
Black |
Victorian Railways |
Aug 1923 - 1954 |
Scrapped |
Black |
AHRS |
22 Dec 1928 - Mar 1983 |
Preserved - Static |
|
E1103 |
VR Blue & Gold |
Victorian Railways |
21 Jun 1929 - 3 Jun 1980 |
Scrapped |
E1104 |
VR Blue & Gold |
Victorian Railways |
14 Jul 1929 - 1 Sep 1980 |
Scrapped |
E1105 |
VR Blue & Gold |
Victorian Railways |
31 Jul 1929 - 28 Dec 1980 |
Scrapped |
E1106 |
VR Blue & Gold |
Steamrail |
1929 - Unknown |
Stored |
E1107 |
VR Blue & Gold |
Victorian Railways |
10 Sep 1929 - 1981 |
Scrapped |
E1108 |
VR Blue & Gold |
Steamrail |
1 Oct 1929 - Oct 1981 |
Stored |
VR Blue & Gold |
Steamrail |
1929 - Unknown |
Under Restoration |
|
VR Blue & Gold |
Victorian Railways |
12 Nov 1929 - Jul 1982 |
Scrapped |
|
VR Blue & Gold |
Victorian Railways |
10 Dec 1929 - 1981 |
Scrapped |
Information sourced from Power to the Rails by John Scott and Vicsig