![sectional drawing](./data/photos/MGWR_A_2.jpg)
sectional drawing
Locomotive Magazine, September 1901
The class A were the heaviest locomotives in Ireland at the time they entered service. Their job was to haul heavy express trains between the east and west coasts. Due to their high axle load, they could not be used everywhere. The first locomotive was rebuilt as early as 1916, with a superheater and larger cylinders. Due to differences, the rebuilt locomotives were designated as Class A1 or As. With the exception of one locomotive, all the others were only retired between 1954 and 1959. ![](./images/status_hasBaseData.png)