Introduced: 1876

Number in Class: 2

P Class Register

Locomotive Specifications

Builder:   James Davidson & Co., Otago Foundry, Dunedin

Engine Weight:     12.0 tons	Tender Weight:	Total Weight:    12.0 tons	Adhesive Weight:     12.0 tons
Length over Buffers:	Total Wheelbase:	Engine Wheelbase:	Coupled Wheelbase:
Tender Wheelbase:	Driver Wheel Dia.:    28"	Cylinders HP:     Two - 8" x 15"	Cylinders LP:
Grate Area:    3.5 sq ft	Evaporative Area:     161 sq ft	Superheated Area:	Working Pressure:     120 psig
Tractive Effort:    3328 lbs f	Coal Capacity:     tons	Oil Capacity:	Water Capacity:     gals

Remarks:    Two locomotives ordered by the Otago Provincial Council in 1875 were built by James Davidson & Co., of the Otago Foundry in Dunedin and delivered to the Otago Railways in 1876, named Weka and Kiwi. They were 12-ton 0-6-0 saddle tank locomotives that became the NZR's 'P' class in 1877, and were erected using parts imported from the Hunslet Engine Co., England. They were quite small engines, even by the standards of the day. Weka went on to be used by the Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company on construction work, while Kiwi found its way to various sawmills in the North Island.