Build date 1873 Driver dia. 36 in (0.914 m) | Configuration 4-4-0T | |
Builder Black, Hawthorn & Co (4) Adhesive weight 13.2 long tons (13.4 t; 14.8 short tons) Loco weight 18.2 long tons (18.5 tonnes; 20.4 short tons) | ||
The NZR G Class was a class of four saddle tank locomotives from English builders Black Hawthorn in the early 1870s. Like the similarly sized D class, they were an attempt to produce a passenger version of the already highly successful F class.
Contents
Origin and design
The G class were ordered by the Canterbury Provincial Council. They were derived from the F class, replacing the first of the three driving axles with a four-wheel bogie. It was hoped that the reduced rigid wheelbase would allow the locomotive to provide higher speed passenger services. The type suffered from lack of weight on the driving axles, a driver stating that "it took the 'G' all its time to push its front bogie along, let alone pull a load". They were followed by the L Class which were a more successful attempt to produce a faster F Class.
Service
In the early 1890s the locomotives were progressively transferred to the Picton section, where it was felt that they had been relegated to get rid of them from the busy Hurunui-Bluff section.
Withdrawal & Disposal
All of the locomotives were withdrawn between 1915 and 1919 and were sold for further service in industry.