Locomotive 1905 is one of the original order for six (later increased to 18) 0-6-0 goods locomotives placed with Beyer Peacock & Co. of Manchester, England, in November 1875. The class was built to replace the earlier E17 class to handle the increasing goods traffic on the then rapidly expanding system. The new locomotives shared the long boiler and firebox behind the rear drivers, in common with the Stephenson patented long boiler of the E17 class. Completed early in 1877, the engine was shipped to Sydney on the vessel "Portia", arriving in June of that year.
Locomotive 1905 has historical significance as the first locomotive to cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge, hauling a work train. The class is associated with the expansion of goods traffic on the developing system and the need for increased power.
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