Introduced: 1939
Number in Class: 6
Locomotive Specifications
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| Engine Weight: 94.8 tons |
Tender Weight: 52.9 tons | Total Weight: 147.7 tons | Adhesive Weight: 56.0 tons |
| Length over Buffers: 69' 8" |
Total Wheelbase: 61' 10½" |
Engine Wheelbase: 34' 10" |
Coupled Wheelbase: 14' 3" |
| Tender Wheelbase: 18' 2" |
Driver Wheel Dia.: 54" | Cylinders HP: Two - 20" x 26" |
Cylinders LP: |
| Grate Area: 47.7 sq ft | Evaporative Area: 1984 sq ft |
Superheated Area: 485 sq ft |
Working Pressure: 200 psig |
| Tractive Effort: 30815 lbs f |
Coal Capacity: 7.5 tons | Oil Capacity: | Water Capacity: 5000 gals |
| Remarks: The 'Kb' class is essenially a 'Ka' class fitted with a trailing truck two-cylinder booster engine, able to be cut in at low speed, giving an increase in tractive effort, for starting, of 6,000 lbs f. They were used on the Midland Line between Springfield and Arthur's Pass between 1939 and 1968 in freight train service. The booster enabled the 'Kb' to haul 550 ton westbound freight trains - twice the load for an 'Ab'. Like the 'Ka' the earlier models of 'Kb' had the streamilne shrouding, later discarded when the feedwater heater was replaced with an exhaust steam injector. The 'Kb' remained a coal-burner throughout its life. |
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