Introduced: 1915
Number in Class: 141
Locomotive Specifications
|
2. North British Locomotive Co., Glasgow, Scotland (83) 3. A & G Price Ltd., Thames (20) |
| Engine Weight: 51.3 tons |
Tender Weight: 33.4 tons | Total Weight: 84.7 tons | Adhesive Weight: 29.9 tons |
| Length over Buffers: 62' 5" |
Total Wheelbase: 52' 6" | Engine Wheelbase: 27' 1" | Coupled Wheelbase: 10' 0" |
| Tender Wheelbase: 14' 0" |
Driver Wheel Dia.: 54" | Cylinders HP: Two - 17" x 26" |
Cylinders LP: |
| Grate Area: 33.0 sq ft | Evaporative Area: 1148 sq ft |
Superheated Area: 204 sq ft |
Working Pressure: 180 psig |
| Tractive Effort: 20030 lbs f |
Coal Capacity: 4.0 tons | Oil Capacity: | Water Capacity: 3500 gals |
| Remarks: Introduced in 1915 to replace the 'A' class compounds on the heaviest duties, it was a simple superheated "Pacific" of novel appearance, a feature being the cylindrical Vanderbuilt tender. In their prime the 'Ab' class handled all principle express trains, and until the advent of the 'K's and 'J's they were also the standard class of main-line freight locomotive. The 'Ab' was a very successful engine performing well over a range of freight and passenger duties. For its relatively modest size, it is believed to have been the first locomotive in the world capable of developing one horsepower for every 100lb of engine weight. Ballast blocks and increased loading on the leading bogie and a reduction on the trailing bogie, meant some weight re-distribution on the coupled axles. Eleven more were rebuilt from 'Wab' class 1947 - 1957. |
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Mainline Steam, Paramata - Ab 663 "Sharon Lee", NZR Addington #188/1917 Operating Pleasant Point Railway, Pleasant Point - Ab 699, A&G Price #94/1922 Operating Kingston Flyer, Kingston - Ab 778, NZR Addington #235/1925 Stored Kingston Flyer, Kingston - Ab 795, NZR Addington #252/1927 Stored Glenbrook Vintage Railway, Auckland - Ab 832, North British #23190/1925 Awaiting Restoration |
