GER / ETAT / Ouest Tank 0-6-0T
Exhibited for the first time at the 1889
Paris Exhibition, this class of 0-6-0 tank engine was built by Messrs.
Fives-Lille for the French Western Railway Company [Chemin de Fer de
L'Ouest], and saw use for some years working local traffic on lines with
steep gradients and on the Paris-St. Germain line.
Later in 1900, when the Chemin de Fer de
L'Ouest Company took over the 'ETAT' region railway, these little
locomotives, having been renumbered, could be seen on the famous 'Ceinture'
[Belt] railway.
Toward the beginning of the 20th century,
the British company of Messrs. Holden was commissioned by the Great Eastern
Railway Company to manufacture very similar locomotives. The Aster model,
although not being exactly made to prototype, looked beautiful in the GER
ultramarine blue livery and correct lettering.
The Aster model locomotive has a
single-acting oscillating cylinder, and is fitted with equipped with
flywheel and reduction gearing. Great ease of handling is assured via the
use of a single operating lever that controls steam admission as well as
changing directions. This is an ideal locomotive for light passenger, goods
trains or shunting duties.
