NZR S class

The NZR S class was a class of seven 0-6-4T single Fairlie steam locomotives used in New Zealand.

NZR S class
Type and origin
Power typeSteam
BuilderAvonside Engine Co., England[1]
Build date1880-1881
Specifications
Configuration:
​
 • Whyte0-6-4T
Gauge3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm)
Driver dia.36.5 in (0.927 m)
Adhesive weight23 long tons (23 t; 26 short tons)
Loco weight37.5 long tons (38.1 t; 42.0 short tons)
Firebox:
 • Firegrate area		14 sq ft (1.3 m2)
Boiler pressure160 psi (1,103 kPa)
Heating surface664 sq ft (61.7 m2)
CylindersTwo, outside
Cylinder size13 in × 16 in (330 mm × 406 mm)
Performance figures
Tractive effort9,480 lbf (42.17 kN)
Career
OperatorsNew Zealand Railways Department
Number in class7

The locomotives were ordered by the New Zealand Railways Department (NZR) in 1880, and delivered from the Avonside engine works in 1881–1882. They were considerably larger than the earlier R class, and all saw service in the Wanganui district, with its abundance of sharp curves and grades. These two classes of Single Fairlies were considerably more popular with the engine crews than their older Double Fairlie counterparts, which often suffered frame breakages whilst operating in the Wanganui district.

In the 1880s despite complaining of a lack of motive power, the residing chief mechanical engineer T.F. Rotheram arranged the shipment of three of this class to the Western Australian Government Railways (WAGR) in 1891,[1] where they were classified as the I class. They remained in service for WAGR until 1900.[2]

References
  1. Lloyd 1974, p. 27.
  2. Palmer & Stewart 1965, p. 50.

Bibliography
  • Lloyd, W. G. (1974). Register of New Zealand Railways Steam Locomotives 1863-1971 (2nd ed.). ISBN 0-9582072-1-6.
  • Palmer, A. N.; Stewart, W. W. (1965). Cavalcade of New Zealand Locomotives. Wellington: A H. & A W. Reed. ISBN 978-0-207-94500-7.
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