VR F class (EE) history

[David_Arblaster@nospam.dse.vic.gov.au (David A.)]

Can anyone recommend any decent references for the F class English
Electric shunters ? 

I had a very nice model of one a few years ago (Roco conversion with
brass cow catchers and so on) which I foolishly sold, thinking it
wouldn't be suitable for a branch line layout.  Now I find myself
missing the little snub nosed thing with its connecting rods.   I'm
consideration having a bash at one myself.

How far afield did they get from Melbourne ?  I seem to recall seeing
a photo of one at North Geelong.  Certainly in the days of steam there
were Es at Seymour, Ararat and a number of other large country
locations.  The Ws had a similar spread, although these were used on
actual trains as well, mainly on branch lines I think.  I did here
that Ws were tried on passenger trains when first introduced which
seems very far fetched.

I know some Fs were painted red with a yellow stripe for use in the
Spencer St passenger yards.  Some had headlights, some didn't, some
were bought second hand from the SEC.  Is there a definitive work ?

David A.



David_Arblaster@dse.vic.gov.au  | David Arblaster,
mercury@netspace.net.au         | Melbourne, Australia
"What does it mean when a man unearths an ancient urn but buries
 his thermos flask in the process ?"  Michael Leunig