Introduced: 1878

Number in Class: 2

Class A Shanks Register

An artists impression of the Class A Shanks.

Locomotive Specifications

Builder:    Alexander Shanks & Sons, Arbroath, Scotland

Engine Weight:     10.0 tons	Tender Weight:	Total Weight:    10.0 tons	Adhesive Weight:    10.0 tons
Length over Buffers:	Total Wheelbase:     5' 7"	Engine Wheelbase:    5' 7"	Coupled Wheelbase:     5' 7"
Tender Wheelbase:	Driver Wheel Dia.:	Cylinders HP:     Two - 8" x 15"	Cylinders LP:
Grate Area:     sq ft	Evaporative Area:     sq ft	Superheated Area:     sq ft	Working Pressure:     psig
Tractive Effort:     lbs f	Coal Capacity:     tons	Oil Capacity:	Water Capacity:     gals

Remarks:     Two Shanks locomotives of the typical saddle-tank type were imported in 1878 for service on the branch lines in Southland between Makarewa, Riverton, and Otautau. These branch lines had been laid with light rail weighing only 28 lb per yard, so these 10-ton locomotives were quite suitable. One of these, 'A' 6, otherwise known as Mouse was in service during the late seventies and eighties, then was sold to a sawmilling firm. The other Shanks locomotive was sent to the West Coast, where it was later known as Kangaroo. It was used during construction of Greymouth Harbour Board contracts, then sold into the sawmilling business.