Introduced: 1892

Number in Class: 11

Wa Class Register

Locomotive Specifications

Builder:   NZR Addington (5)   NZR Hillside (6)

Engine Weight:     37.2 tons	Tender Weight:	Total Weight:    37.2 tons	Adhesive Weight:     26.2 tons
Length over Buffers:     29' 4"	Total Wheelbase:    22' 3"	Engine Wheelbase:    22' 3"	Coupled Wheelbase:     8' 6"
Tender Wheelbase:	Driver Wheel Dia.:    39 3/4"	Cylinders HP:     Two - 14" x 20"	Cylinders LP:
Grate Area:    12.5 sq ft	Evaporative Area:     740 sq ft	Superheated Area:	Working Pressure:     160 psig
Tractive Effort:     12623 lbs f	Coal Capacity:    1.8 tons	Oil Capacity:	Water Capacity:     800 gals

Remarks:     Described as a goods tank engine for heavy gradients, the 'Wa' was introduced in 1892. It was very similar to the 'W' but with slightly bigger driving wheels. The locomotives performed excellent work on steeply graded sections of the NZR such as Wanganui, New Plymouth, Napier, Gisborne, and in the South Island on the Huruniu-Bluff section. An additional four were rebuilt from old class 'J' 2-6-0. One at Hillside, one at Newmarket, two at Petone.

Preserved Locomotive   Gisborne City Railway,    Gisborne -     Wa 165,     NZR Hillside #19/1897   Operating