WAGR D Class Steam Locomotive

The D class locomotive was built in 1884 by Hunslet Engine Company, Leeds. It entered service on 1 March 1884 as a jetty shunter on the Fremantle Long Jetty. When engine class designations were introduced in 1885, it was numbered D6.

History:
The tank engine D6 worked well on the long jetty being very maneuverable nad being able to pull/push trains three times it's own weight. However when Fremantle Harbour was completed and opened in 1897 the engine was rendered surplus to requirements and lingered around Fremantle either shunting or idle. It was sold in September of 1903 to the Leonora and Gwalia Tramway. Before it started operating there however it's saddle tank was cut open and the railing removed and replaced with large sheets of metal to create a larger more secure coal bunker atop the boiler. It's balboas spark arresting funnel was also removes and replaced with a more conventional funnel and a spark arrestor inside the smoke box. But then the tramway was electrified in 1908 and B6 or Leonora as it had been named or Little Tom was sold that same year to Bunning Brothers. Where it's saddle tank/Coal bunker was completely removed along with the boiler which was replaced by a new one. And it was fitted with a four-wheel tender of freelance design. It was taken out of service in 1951 and scrapped in 1959. D6 bears some resemblance to the Manning Wardle H Class 0-4-0ST locomotive and the January 1888 cab less 0-4-0 tank engine which was exactly the same thing but with no cab.

Known Numbers:
B6 'Leonora'