NZR WAB class
| NZR WAB class | |
|---|---|
kW)[1] | |
| Tractive effort | 22,250 lbf (99.0 kN)[1] |
| Career | |
|---|---|
| Number in class | 30 (16 WAB+14 WS) |
| Numbers | 687 - 798 |
| Locale | All of New Zealand |
| First run | 1918 - 1926 |
| Retired | 1967 - 1972 |
| Scrapped | 1969 - 1972 |
| Current owner | Feilding and District Steam Rail Society (1) |
| Disposition | Scrapped, three preserved |
The NZR WAB class locomotives were
AB class 4-6-2 Pacific locomotive. Initially, the locomotives were separated into two classes, designated WAB for mainline work and WS for suburban work.[2]
The remaining locomotives were kept in service until the last days of steam, operating short-haul mainline freight services and fast suburban services, particularly in
Ohai Railway Board in Southland for running heavy coal trains. The locomotives were progressively withdrawn in the 1960s.[2]
Introduction
The first locomotives, WS 686 and WAB 687, were built from the boilers, frames and engine units initially destined for AB 666 and AB 667. These entered service in 1917, WS 686 in
Waitematā) to Papakura suburban services.[4] Between 1947[5] and 1957, 11 WAB class were converted to AB class,[6] following Wellington electrification,[7] to reduce axle loads, for use on lighter lines.[8]
Preserved locomotives
Only three examples of the class remain, with two in their original form as WABs:
- WAB 794 was donated by the Ohai Railway Board in 1968 to the New Zealand Railway and Locomotive Society and was moved to the Ferrymead Railway, and displayed for the Rail 125 celebrations in 1988.[9] The locomotive has since been restored and is preserved at Feilding, and has been used on mainline excursions and also on the regular Wellington - Auckland Overlander service.
- WAB (former WS) 800 is owned by the Waikato Branch of New Zealand Railway and Locomotive Society and was stored for many years at the Te Awamutu Railway Museum. Following the negotiation of a lease agreement, the engine has been moved to the Glenbrook Vintage Railway for eventual restoration to working order.
- AB (former WAB) 795 is preserved at Kingston, for use on the "Kingston Flyer".
See also
- NZR W class
- NZR WA class
- NZR WB class
- NZR WD class
- NZR WE class
- NZR WF class
- NZR WG class
- NZR WW class
- Locomotives of New Zealand
References
Citations
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n "Wab794 - Technical Information". Feilding and District Steam Rail Society. Retrieved 26 October 2014.
- ^ a b Palmer & Stewart 1965, p. 106.
- ^ "New locomotives. Evening Post". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 24 July 1922. Retrieved 20 June 2024.
- ^ "Improved facilities to Auckland's suburban railways". kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz. 10 August 1922. Retrieved 20 June 2024.
- ^ "New locomotives. Otago Daily Times". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 8 May 1947. Retrieved 20 June 2024.
- ^ "Ab... Made History. Press". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 26 August 1969. Retrieved 20 June 2024.
- ^ "FDSR - Wab794 Information". steamrail.org.nz. Retrieved 20 June 2024.
- ^ "First express ran seventy years ago. Press". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 6 September 1948. Retrieved 20 June 2024.
- ^ Cavalcade125 1988, p. 10.
Bibliography
- Barry, Colin; Brouwer, John; Dash, Colin; Dickenson, Peter; Shalders, Bruce (1988). Cavalcade 125. Ferrymead 125 Committee. Retrieved 22 March 2019.
- Palmer, A. N.; Stewart, W. W. (1965). Cavalcade of New Zealand Locomotives. Wellington: ISBN 978-0-207-94500-7.
External links
Wikimedia Commons has media related to NZR Wab class.
- NZ Steam locomotives - WAB class
- Feilding and District Steam Rail Society
- Railway preservation in New Zealand
