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The Tumultuous Life of ‘Heavy Harry’

In the annals of Australian railway history, there stands a formidable giant, a true testament to the ingenuity and ambition of the Victorian Railways – the H class steam locomotive, affectionately known as “Heavy Harry.” Among its kin, H220 emerged as the largest non-articulated steam locomotive ever built in Australia and held the title of the heaviest steam locomotive to grace the tracks of Victoria.

Design and Construction

The genesis of Heavy Harry can be traced to the drawing boards of Victorian Railways’ design office. Conceived with a purpose, H220 was crafted at the Newport Workshops in Melbourne, boasting a distinctive 4-6-4T wheel arrangement. This colossus measured an impressive 23.2 meters in length and tipped the scales at a staggering 260 tonnes.

Victorian Railways H220 'Heavy Harry' at work on the Melbourne to Albury railway line.

Service History

H220’s maiden voyage into service in 1941 marked the beginning of a storied career. Initially tasked with hauling express passenger trains between Melbourne and Ararat, Heavy Harry also found itself at the helm of the prestigious Overlander service, connecting Melbourne and Adelaide. However, its sheer weight proved a challenge, limiting its widespread use due to bridge constraints on the Victorian Railways network.

Upon launch, The Herald newspaper wrote:

‘Heavy Harry’ Enjoys Day Out
“Heavy Harry,” the most powerful locomotive yet constructed in Australia, was officially “launched” today. It was built at the Newport workshops. To engineers, englneman and railroaders generally this new “H” class engine is a fine achievement. The layman who finds something fascinating in trains will be impressed by many of its features. The total weight ol the new engine and tender Is 260 tons. The first locomotive designed and constructed by the Victorian Railways about 40 years ago— the Dd type weighed only 90 tons.

Public Inspection
Features of the new railroad giant are:

• Novel brake gear on the tender, fitted with special valves to enable the brake pressure on the tender wheels to be automatically reduced as the level of the water in the tender is reduced. This restricts the possibility of skidding.
• A mechanical stoker, which conveys coal from tender to grate.
• Duplex blast pipes and chimneys, designed to improve draught and reduce back pressure.
• The “H” class engine will be used for fast interstate goods work on the Melbourne-Albury line. It will be of the utmost value in meeting the ra- pidly increasing demand upon the Railways service.

“Heavy Harry” will be exhibited to the public at No. 6 platform, Spencer Street, on Saturday, February 15 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on the Sunday following from 2p.m. to 5.30 p.m.

Admission will be by silver coin which will swell the Railways’ patriotic fund.

The Herald (Melbourne, VIC), Friday 7 February, 1941
H220

Retirement and Preservation

As the winds of progress swept in, H220 faced retirement in 1958. Its resting place became the Newport Workshops, until 1972 when it found a new home at the Victorian Railways Museum. Heavy Harry now stands proudly on display, a relic of a bygone era, with its imposing presence captivating visitors from around the globe.

Significance

Heavy Harry occupies a significant chapter in the story of Australian railways. A marvel of its time, it symbolises the zenith of steam locomotive technology in Victoria. The locomotive not only serves as a testament to engineering prowess but has also become a cherished tourist attraction, a living reminder of the golden age of steam travel.


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