Victorian Railways R Class

The Victorian Railways R Class was a 4-6-4 'Hudson' type steam locomotive, meaning it had four leading wheels, six large driving wheels, and four trailing wheels. This wheel arrangement was chosen to provide stability at high speeds and support a large firebox for express passenger service.

The R Class was introduced into service in 1951, purpose-built to haul heavier and faster intercapital passenger trains across the Victorian rail network in Australia. They were designed to replace older locomotive classes on Victoria's premier express passenger routes.

The R Class locomotives had relatively short service lives on premier passenger trains because diesel-electric locomotives were introduced to the Victorian Railways network shortly after their 1951 debut, rapidly displacing steam from mainline duties. Several R Class units were later modified for branch-line service before final withdrawal.

Yes, a small number of R Class locomotives have been preserved by heritage railway organizations in Victoria, Australia. Notably, R 707 has been maintained in operational condition by preservation groups and has run on heritage railway lines.