The C30 locos were built to cater for the Sydney suburban network, but were gradually displaced with the advent of electrification in the 1920's. (Date anyone?) Many were converted into 4-6-0 tender locomotives (the C30T Class), but some survived for use as shunters, and on short country branches.

The "T" classification suffix for the tender version is somewhat unfortunate, as it conflicts with usage elsewhere in the world. Road numbers were not changed on conversion.

Having watched steam locos at Thirroul marshalling yards as a lad I remember the 30 class locos as a tanker being used on the "workers trains " from Pt. Kembla North station to Thirroul till the early 60s, also I could watch them trying to get up out of the Newbolds Bricks siding with waggons of bricks - priming all over the local washing.

A great site - my grandfather Claude Bell was Stationmaster at Helensburgh station in the 50s and I could tell every loco by its exhaust note climbing through through the cutting, my biggest thrill - as a 12 year old hopping a lift on a 30 class while it changed direction at Helensburgh station and trying to pull the throttle lever down!