Perhaps a tragic accident can lead to a story of hope and resilience. That’s the story of K-183. This Victorian Railways K class locomotive has seen both tragedy and triumph. K-183 is a symbol of dedication of railway preservation.
Today we stand before K-183. It represents a significant piece of Victoria’s railway history. The K class locomotives were branch line steam locomotives. They ran on Victorian Railways from 1922 to 1979. They were known for their versatility and dependability. 53 K-class locomotives were built. An impressive 21 have survived into preservation.
K-183 itself was built in 1943 at the Victorian Railways’ Newport Workshops. This was during World War II. It was designed for branch-line work. These locomotives were crucial for hauling goods and passengers across Victoria’s vast network.
K-183 spent time plinthed in a park at Yarragon. It was later swapped for K 162 in 1982. Steamrail Victoria restored it for mainline excursions. It was normally stored at Newport Workshops.
Tragedy struck on October 13, 2002. K-183 was involved in a level crossing accident outside Benalla. A B-Double semi-trailer failed to clear the crossing. Three of the footplate crew were killed. A fourth was severely injured. The accident caused extensive damage to K-183. It was stored at Newport Workshops for many years.
But the story doesn’t end there. After a 19-year hiatus, K-183 was repaired. It returned to service. Mainline test runs occurred in late 2021. This marked a new chapter for the locomotive. It also honored those who lost their lives in the accident.
K-183 hit a truck whilst running a wedding charter on the 13th of October, 2002. The accident caused K-183 to be out of service and stored until June 2020. It was moved to the West Block of Newport Workshops under the care of Steamrail for assessment of damage and commencement of restoration. It returned to the mainline. Test runs were around September 2021 alongside in October. Later after the test runs, it was joined with K153.
The K class was designed to be lighter. It has a 13+1⁄2 long tons axle load and 50 ft wheelbase. It was able to run on even the lightest lines on the VR 5 ft 3 in system. The K class could be turned on the smallest 53-foot turntables. Although designed as a goods locomotive, its maximum permissible speed was raised for branchline passenger service.
The K class was updated into the J class 2-8-0. It was the final class of steam locomotives to be introduced to the Victorian Railways.
Before its initial restoration, the engine had been plinthed at Yarragon. The Shire of Narracan had selected that engine specifically. It believed it to have spent a majority of its life in the region. In 1992, K 183 re-entered service under Steamrail. The tender formerly attached to K 162 was used. It was in a dark blue with yellow lining livery.
Today, K-183 stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of railway preservation. It reminds us of the dedication of those who keep these historical machines running. K-183 is more than just a locomotive. It’s a living memorial to Victoria’s rich railway heritage.