Introduced: 1876

Number in Class: 3

Class A Mills Register

"Skunk" at Palmerston North in 1876.

Locomotive Specifications

Builder:    E.W. Mills, Lion Foundry, Wellington

Engine Weight:     6.0 tons	Tender Weight:	Total Weight:    6.0 tons	Adhesive Weight:    6.0 tons
Length over Buffers:	Total Wheelbase:	Engine Wheelbase:	Coupled Wheelbase:
Tender Wheelbase:	Driver Wheel Dia.:    24"	Cylinders HP:     Two - 8" x 16"	Cylinders LP:
Grate Area:     sq ft	Evaporative Area:     sq ft	Superheated Area:     sq ft	Working Pressure:    100 psig
Tractive Effort:     lbs f	Coal Capacity:     tons	Oil Capacity:	Water Capacity:     gals

Remarks:     Also designated Class 'A', three small tank locomotives were built by the Lion Foundry and were fitted with outside Stephenson link motion. Initially used on the Foxton line, they were relegated to shunting and ballast duties. Named, Skunk, Wallaby, and Opossum, Wallaby went to the Manawatu County Council for use on the Sanson Tramway, while Skunk and Opossum went to Greymouth for harbour construction work. Opossum, after extensive service on Olgivie's bush tramway, was displayed in Greymouth for many years. It has now been stored, with plans for some restoration, at Shantytown near Greymouth.