C Class steam locomotive
C 1 Katie
| Builder: Robert Stephenson & Co Newcastle on Tyne |
| Coupled wheel diameter 3'0" |
| Total weight 25t 15.5cwt |
| Tractive effort 5,292 lb |
| Coal capacity 1.25 tons |
| Water capacity 950 gallons |
| Number in service 2 |
Locomotive number C 1 'KATIE' is the oldest locomotive in the collection. With sister engine number 2 she was ordered in 1880 from Robert Stephenson & Company of Newcastle on Tyne for the opening of the Fremantle to Guildford railway. The locomotives were built as 0-6-0 tank locomotives. The wood fuel initially used had to be stowed on the footplate which was inadequate for mainline running. C 1 was badly damaged in a crash near Boya in 1885, and was extensively rebuilt in 1887 with a 4-wheel tender and vacuum brake. As traffic increased, C1 was soon found to be too small and so she was sold in 1899 to the Westralian Jarrah Forests Ltd, Greenbushes where she was named "KATIE", and then other timber mills, being last used by Bunning Brothers at Nyamup. In 1956 the little engine was taken to the Midland Workshops and restored by the WAGR for static display. It was first displayed at Perth station during Royal Show week in 1956 and was placed in the Railway Exhibition Hall at the Claremont Showgrounds, in the care of Rail Heritage WA in 1959. In 1970 'Katie' was transferred to its permanent home at the Railway Museum at Bassendean.