A metal giant slumbers in Edwardes Park, the A2 964 Steam Locomotive. It stands as a testament to a bygone era of steam and steel, a relic of Victorian Railways’ golden age. The A2 964 Steam Locomotive isn’t just a hunk of metal; it’s a time machine, whispering stories of a time when steam ruled the rails.
The A2 964 Steam Locomotive is one of the famed A2 class, a family of 4-6-0 express passenger locomotives designed to conquer Victoria’s mainline services. These powerful engines were built at Newport Workshops, answering the call for faster, more efficient transport. The A2 class was a marvel of engineering, with high wheels and elegant proportions that made them the backbone of the Victorian Railways passenger fleet. They were designed to eliminate the need for double-heading lighter locomotives, showcasing the innovative spirit of Victorian Railways engineers. The A2 964, specifically, belonged to the later batch of “Walschaerts” A2s. These locomotives boasted superheated boilers, outside Walschaerts valve gear, larger cylinders, and higher boiler pressure than their predecessors, the A1 class.
Now, here’s a curious detail about the A2 964 Steam Locomotive. It was one of only five A2 class locomotives fitted with distinctive Boxpok wheels. These wheels, with their unique design, set them apart from their brethren. The A2 964 began its life in 1921 as A2 1064, built at Newport Workshops. A few years later, in 1924, it was renumbered to A2 964. The A2 class, including our A2 964, were eventually superseded by the newer R-class 4-6-4 locomotives and the rise of diesel locomotives in the 1950s. The A2 964’s service ended in January 1964 when it was officially written off by Victorian Railways.
Instead of being scrapped, the A2 964 found a new home in Edwardes Park, Reservoir, a Melbourne suburb. Here it stands, a silent guardian of the past. Climb the steps, peer into the driver’s cabin, and imagine the thrill of commanding this iron horse. Feel the ghost of steam and the vibrations of the tracks beneath you as the A2 964 races through the Victorian countryside. The A2 964 Steam Locomotive is more than just a preserved engine. It’s a living piece of history, a monument to innovation, and a window into the past.