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NZR WE class

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NZR WE class
WE class No. 198
Type and origin
Power typeSteam
BuilderNZGR Addington Workshops
Build date1902, 1943
Total produced3
Specifications
Configuration:
 • Whyte4-6-4T
Gauge3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm)
Driver dia.42.5 in (1.080 m)
Adhesive weight35 long tons (36 t)
Loco weight55.2 long tons (56.1 tonnes; 61.8 short tons)
Fuel typeCoal
Firebox:
 • Grate area17.5 sq ft (1.63 m2)
Boiler pressure180 lbf/in2 (1,241 kPa)
Heating surface1,037 sq ft (96.3 m2)
CylindersTwo, outside
Cylinder size16 in × 22 in (406 mm × 559 mm)
Performance figures
Tractive effort15,780 lbf (70.19 kN)
Career
OperatorsNZR
LocaleWest Coast
DispositionWithdrawn, Scrapped

The NZR WE Class were rebuilt from earlier Sharp Stewart 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 until 1964.[1]

See also

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References

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Bibliography

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  • Stewart, W. W. (1974). When Steam was King. Wellington: A. H. & A. W. Reed Ltd. ISBN 978-0-589-00382-1.
  • Palmer, A. N.; Stewart, W. W. (1965). Cavalcade of New Zealand Locomotives. Wellington: A H. & A W. Reed. ISBN 978-0-207-94500-7.