The NZR T class was a class of steam locomotive used in New Zealand; of the "Consolidation" type, popular in North America, especially with the narrow gauge Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad.[1]

NZR T class
Goods train with T class locomotive leaving Lyttelton, ca. 1904
Type and origin Power type Steam Builder Baldwin Locomotive Works, United States Serial number 4660–4661, 4664-4667[1] Build date 1879 Total produced 6
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte 2-8-0  • UIC 1′D Gauge 3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm) Driver dia. 36 in (914 mm) Length 44 ft 10 in (13.67 m) Adhesive weight 23.0 long tons (23.4 t; 25.8 short tons) 24.7 long tons (25.1 t; 27.7 short tons) (reboilered) Loco weight 26.2 long tons (26.6 t; 29.3 short tons) Tender weight 16.0 long tons (16.3 t; 17.9 short tons) Fuel type Coal Fuel capacity 2.1 long tons (2.1 t; 2.4 short tons) Water cap. 1,300 imp gal (5,900 l; 1,600 US gal) Firebox:  • Firegrate area 15.7 sq ft (1.46 m2) Boiler pressure 130 psi (896 kPa) 160 psi (1,103 kPa) (reboilered) Heating surface 812 sq ft (75.4 m2) 920 sq ft (85 m2) (reboilered) Superheater None Cylinders Two, outside Cylinder size 15 in × 18 in (381 mm × 457 mm)
Performance figures Maximum speed 18 mph (29 km/h) Tractive effort 11,700 lbf (52.04 kN) 14,300 lbf (63.61 kN) (reboilered)
Career Operators New Zealand Railways Numbers 101–106 Locale All of New Zealand First run 1880 Disposition All scrapped

History

The Baldwin and Rogers locomotives reflected the styling adopted in the 1870s by American builders with elements from the Renaissance Revival and Neo-Baroque architectural styles, and with Islamic e.g. Moorish (from Alhambra) influences. Bold colours and painted decorations were used. Many Baldwin locomotives were in Olive Green ground colour, although the Baldwin N and O classes of the 1880s had Tuscan Red ground colour.[2]

In service

Because of its small diameter driving wheels, the T class was typically limited to a speed of 29 km/h (18 mph).[1]

Withdrawal and disposal

The first T class locomotive was withdrawn in 1922, with the last example withdrawn in 1924. Some managed to survive long enough to be dumped or have components dumped when the NZR started dumping locomotives for embankment protection in 1926.[1]

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