Picture courtesy Kevin Patience ©2003
 
 

East African Railways and Harbours Corporation

5918 Mount Gelai

Beyer-Garratt Mountain Class 4-8-2+2-8-4

Introduced in 1955, these magnificent locos were the largest, heaviest and most powerful steam locos ever to be operated on the metre gauge. Capable of hauling a 1200 ton load up a 1 in 75 gradient the 34 members of the class, numbered 5901 - 5934, were named after the highest peaks in East Africa. Mount Gelai was withdrawn in 1980 and entered the museum under its own steam.

After 21 years as a static exhibit, Mount Gelai has been restored to full working order.

Leading Dimensions
Boiler Pressure	225 lbs/sq.in
Grate Area	72 sq.ft
Heating Surface	4284 sq.ft
Cylinders	20½ in x 28 in
Driving Wheel diameter	4 ft 6 in
Weight	251.7 tons
Tractive Effort	83350 lbs
Water Capacity	8600 gals
Fuel Capacity	2700 gals

This set of images © Graeme Wall, 2005

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