Introducing the 300 Class Locomotives, a remarkable chapter in railway history. These narrow gauge Garrett locomotives made their debut on the Peterborough division on 19 March 1952. They quickly gained notoriety for their unreliability, much to the disdain of the engine crews. As the last of the 300 Class, number 305, arrived on 5 November 1952, little did anyone know that their short-lived reign had already been sealed. Explore the fascinating journey of the 300 Class through the eyes of Acting Loco Instructor Jack O’Dea (pictured), who documented the locomotive’s performance in his original handwritten report from 26 March 1952 (available here). Discover the captivating story behind these notorious locomotives and delve into the Lionel Noble Photo Collection for a glimpse into the past.
303 Class locomotive on Peterborough loco depot turntable, c. 1950s. Des Willis Collection.
300 Class rounding the embankment – referred to by railwaymen as Cape Horn – at Gumbowie, c. 1950s. Des Willis Collection.
300 Class locomotive at Oulnina on 226 up, September 6 1952
300 Class locomotive taking on water at Yunta, c. 1950s
Peterborough fireman W Kuhn next to 300 Class locomotive 302, 1952
Peterborough engineman Des Willis next to 300 Class locomotive 302, 1952
T Class locomotive 183 and 300 Class locomotive on the Peterborough division, c. 1950s
300 Class locomotive at Methuen, c. 1950s
300 Class lcomotive in the Cockburn yard, c. 1951
300 Class locomotive 300, 19 September 1951. John Borbas fireman, C. Mann engineman.
300 Class locomotive 301 on the main line at Terowie, c. 1951
300 Class locomotive in the Peterborough yard, c. 1951
300 Class locomotive 303 at Peterborough loco depot, c. 1951
300 Class locomotive 303 in the Peterborough yard, c. 1951
300 Class locomotive 302, c. 1950s
300 Class locomotive in Peterborough, c. 1950s. Des Willis Collection.
T Class and 300 Class locomotives at east end of Peterborough yard, c. 1950s. Des Willis Collection.
300 Class locomotive in Peterborough yard, c. 1950s. Des Willis Collection.
Two V Class locomotives entering the turntable at the Peterborough loco depot, c. 1950s. Stabled 300 Class locomotives in the background. Des Willis Collection.
300 Class locomotive on the Cockburn line, c. 1950s. Des Willis Collection.
300 Class locomotive 301 in Peterborough railway yard, c. 1950s. Fireman Cliff ‘Nugget’ Sleep. Des Willis Collection.
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This site is run by Lionel's son Jeff. Feel free to make contact through the adjacent form if you would like further information or requests for copies of photos.