JGR Class A3

The JGR Class A3 (originally the JGR Class C) is a 2-4-0T Porter-type side tank steam locomotive built for the JGR in 1871.
==History==
Little is known about the service history of the A3s. Two locomotives, No. 6 and 7, were imported from the Avonside Engine Company in the United Kingdom into Japan for use on the JGR in 1872. These were some of the first locomotives used on the JGR; these were one of five types imported into Japan for operation on their railways, and one of ten total operating throughout Japan. The locomotive began operation on 14 October 1872 with the opening of Japan's first railway line; October 14 is celebrated as Railway Day in Japan even today to commemorate the line's opening. The locomotives were retired in 1900; as they were retired before the establishment of a formal rule regarding locomotive naming, they never received an official class number (i.e. 9600).
Upon their retirement in 1900, both locomotives were shipped to Taiwan for use on their railroad between 1900 and 1901. However, only No. 7 arrived on Taiwanese soil; No. 6 appears to have been lost in a marine accident during transit. When the locomotive arrived in Taiwan, No. 7 was classified as the Class A2-4-0T (A standing for Avonside) and was renumbered to 9; the locomotive was reclassified as the Class E9 in 1906 and was retired in 1925.
The locomotive was considered an important part of Taiwanese history and was earmarked for preservation by the Taiwanese Governor's Office; the locomotive was later placed in the Taihoku New Park (now named the 228 Peace Memorial Park) and has remained there ever since. No. 9 was moved into a dedicated display hall in 2003, and remains there as of 2018; the locomotive is displayed next to Class 1 locomotive No. 1.
==Preservation==
The following Class A3 locomotives have been preserved:
Number	Manufacturer 	Date manufactured	Serial number	Date withdrawn 	Location 	Notes
7 	Avonside Engine Company	January 1871 	835 	September 1901 (JGR)1926 (TRA)	228 Peace Memorial Park, Taipei, Taiwan	Displayed under enclosed shelter in TRA 9 guise; displayed next to TRA 1
==References==
Category:Steam locomotives
Category:JR Group trains
Category:Locomotives
Category:2-4-0 locomotives
Category:2-4-0 steam locomotives
Category:2-4-0T locomotives
Category:2-4-0T steam locomotives
Category:Built in 1872
Category:Four-coupled locomotives
Category:Side tank locomotives
Category:Tank locomotives
Category:Avonside locomotives
Category:Sole survivor
Category:Japanese locomotives
Category:Japanese steam locomotives