NZR WEclass

NZR WEclass
WEclass No. 198
Type and origin Power type Steam Builder NZGRAddington Workshops Build date 1902, 1943 Total produced 3
Specifications Configuration: ​ •Whyte 4-6-4T Gauge 3 ft 6 in(1,067 mm) Driverdia. 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: ​ • Grate area 17.5 sq ft (1.63 m2) Boiler pressure 180 lbf/in2(1,241 kPa) Heating surface 1,037 sq ft (96.3 m2) 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Career Operators NZR Locale West Coast Disposition Withdrawn, Scrapped

TheNZR W^EClasswere rebuilt from earlierSharp StewartbuiltB classlocomotives. In service, the first two were tried on the Rimutaka Incline, however, they lacked the requiredadhesionon the 1 in 15 (6.67%)grade.They were later transferred toGreymouthfor use on theRewanui 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 theRoa Incline.

The three We class locomotives lasted until 1964.

See also

• NZR W class
• NZR W^Aclass
• NZR W^Bclass
• NZR W^Dclass
• NZR W^Fclass
• NZR W^Gclass
• NZR W^Wclass
• NZR W^S/ W^ABclass
• Locomotives of New Zealand

References

Bibliography

• Stewart, W. W. (1974).When Steam was King.Wellington:A. H. & A. W. Reed Ltd.ISBN978-0-589-00382-1.
• Palmer, A. N.; Stewart, W. W. (1965).Cavalcade of New Zealand Locomotives.Wellington:A H. & A W. Reed.ISBN978-0-207-94500-7.