Introduced: 1873
Number in Class: 14
Locomotive Specifications
|
2. Yorkshire Engine Co., Sheffield, England (2) |
| Engine Weight: 11.0 tons |
Tender Weight: | Total Weight: 11.0 tons | Adhesive Weight: 11.0 tons |
| Length over Buffers: 18' 0" |
Total Wheelbase: 5' 7" | Engine Wheelbase: 5" 7" | Coupled Wheelbase: 5" 7" |
| Tender Wheelbase: | Driver Wheel Dia.: 30" | Cylinders HP: Two - 8" x 15" |
Cylinders LP: |
| Grate Area: 4.2 sq ft | Evaporative Area: 269 sq ft |
Superheated Area: | Working Pressure: 120 psig |
| Tractive Effort: 3072 lbs f |
Coal Capacity: 0.4 tons | Oil Capacity: | Water Capacity: 330 gals |
| Remarks: Described as "a most absurd-looking dwarf" or "a mere mite, a veritable toy Locomotive", they did surprisingly good work in branch-line and shunting duties. Once written off by NZR, they were put to good use by collieries, timber mills, freezing works, and harbour boards. Perhaps some of the hardest work entrusted to an 'A' was working for the Taupo Totara Timber Co's daily mixed train between Putaruru and Mokai in 1905-6; the line 50 miles in length, abounded in 1-in-30 grades and 1½-chain radius curves, along which the little 'A' gamely struggled, trailing a string of timber-laden flat cars with an old Wellington horse tram bringing up the rear. The 'A' class were ordered for use on the light 3 ft 6 in gauge branch lines in Canterbury. Most were sold out of NZR service by 1905 Also in the 'A' Class were three E.W. Mills locomotives and one Alexander Shanks 0-4-0 T engine, all classified 'A' |
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Plains Railway, Asburton - A 64, Dubs #651 Operating Otago Railway & Locomotive Society, Gore - Stored A 66, Dubs #648 Display Ocean Beach Railway, Dunedin - A 67, Dubs #647 Operating |
