NZR WG class

NZR W^G class

Type and origin Power type Steam Builder NZGR Build date 1910-1912 Total produced 20

Specifications Configuration 4-6-4T Gauge 3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm) Driver dia. 45 in (1.143 m) Adhesive weight 29.7 long tons (30.2 t) Loco weight 50.5 long tons (51.3 tonnes; 56.6 short tons) Fuel type Coal Firebox:  • Firegrate area 16.9 sq ft (1.57 m^2) Boiler pressure 200 lbf/in^2 (1,379 kPa) Heating surface 738 sq ft (68.6 m^2) Cylinders Two, outside Cylinder size 14 in × 22 in (356 mm × 559 mm)

Performance figures Tractive effort 15,330 lbf (68.19 kN)

Career Operators NZR Locale All of New Zealand

1917 photo 480 was built by New Zealand Railways at Hillside (maker's no 104/10), went into service in October 1910. It was altered for use on the Rimutaka Incline to assist the "Fell" locomotives cope with the military traffic to and from the NZEF training camp at Featherston. The cowcatchers were altered to clear the high Fell centre rail, and it had an acetylene headlamp arranged to follow the alignment of the track on curves. Written off in June 1969, and preserved at Glenbrook. http://mp.natlib.govt.nz/detail/?id=37199

The NZR W^G class was a development of the preceding W^F class of all purpose tank locomotive. Later in their careers some (14) were rebuilt as W^W class.

References

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