MGWR Class E

The MGWR Class E was a small 0-6-0T steam locomotive class designed in 1891 by Martin Atock, then locomotive superintendent of the Midland Great Western Railway, and twelve engines were built, nine by Kitson and Company and three by Sharp, Stewart and Company. After the railway merged into Great Southern Railways in 1925 they became Class 551 or J26, and they were also known as the Irish Terrier class. They were first intended for shunting around the Dublin Broadstone terminus, and further engines were ordered for rural and small branch line work around Killala, Achill, Clifden, Athboy and Kingscourt. Their low axle loading gave them good utility and they were often popular, although after 1920 they had to leave the Achill branch when it was restricted for six-wheel coupled locomotives. Three engines, 553, 555 and 560, were fitted with enlarged cabs and modified footsteps so that they could carry an additional ton of coal on the Waterford and Tramore section.