Introduced: 1932
Number in Class: 30
Locomotive Specifications
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| Engine Weight: 85.6 tons |
Tender Weight: 50.0 tons | Total Weight: 135.6 tons | Adhesive Weight: 54.25 tons |
| Length over Buffers: 69' 8" |
Total Wheelbase: 61' 10½" |
Engine Wheelbase: 34' 10" |
Coupled Wheelbase: 14' 3" |
| Tender Wheelbase: 18' 2½" |
Driver Wheel Dia.: 54" | Cylinders HP: Two - 20" x 26" |
Cylinders LP: |
| Grate Area: 47.7 sq ft | Evaporative Area: 1933 sq ft |
Superheated Area: 485 sq ft |
Working Pressure: 200 psig |
| Tractive Effort: 30815 lbs f |
Coal Capacity: 7.75 tons | Oil Capacity: 1570 gals | Water Capacity: 5000 gals |
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Remarks:
In 1930 it became clear that the 'Ab' class Pacifics would have to be replaced on the heaviest and fastest trains in the North Island.
The requirement was for a non-articulated locomotive developing 50 per cent more power. The design prompt resulted in the 'K' class and the massive boiler dictated that a 4-8-4 wheel arrangement would be necessary.
It was a masterpiece of design, for within the restricted confines of the NZR loading gauge (maximum height above rail 11' 6"; maximum width 8' 6") was built a locomotive developing a tractive effort of 30,815 lb,
yet having an axle loading of only 14 tons. Features of the 'K' were roller bearing axle-boxes on all axles, Commonwealth cast-steel firebox cradle and rear engine truck, power reversing gear, grease-lubricated
floating bronze bushes on the side rods, twin Westinghouse air-compressors, a mechanical lubricator, and an air-operated firedoor.
These magnificent locomotives had very little in the way of teething troubles and were extremely successful in passenger and freight work over difficult country.
All K class engines were converted to oil burning bewteen 1947 and 1953. The 1960s saw the introduction of diesel-electric main-line locomotives and the last K's were withdrawn in 1964. |
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Mainline Steam, Wellington - K 911, NZR Hutt #288/1934 Stored |
