NZR WE class

NZR W^E class

Type and origin Power type Steam Builder NZGR Addington Workshops Build date 1902, 1943 Total produced 3

Specifications Configuration 4-6-4T Gauge 3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm) Driver diameter 42.5 in (1.080 m) Adhesive weight 35 long tons (36 t) Loco weight 55.2 long tons (56.1 tonnes; 61.8 short tons) Fuel type Coal Firebox:  • Firegrate area 17.5 sq ft (1.63 m^2) Boiler pressure 180 lbf/in^2 (1,241 kPa) Heating surface 1,037 sq ft (96.3 m^2) Cylinders Two, outside Cylinder size 16 in × 22 in (406 mm × 559 mm)

Performance figures Tractive effort 15,780 lbf (70.19 kN)

Career Operators NZR Locale West Coast Disposition Withdrawn, Scrapped

The NZR W^E Class were rebuilt from earlier Addington built B class locomotives. In service, the first two were tried on the Rimutaka Incline, however, they lacked the required adhesion on the 1 in 15 (6.67%) grade. They were later transferred to Greymouth for use on the Rewanui Incline, where they were far more successful, on the line's 1 in 25 (4%) grade. It is not known if they ever operated on the Roa Incline. The three We class locomotives lasted into the 1960s.

References

• W.W.Stewart, When Steam Was King, REED, 1970