NZR Q class (1878)

Not to be confused with NZR Q class (1901).

NZR Q Class (1878)
Type and origin Builder Rogers Build date 1878 Total produced 2
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte 2-4-4T Gauge 3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm) Driver dia. 48 in (1.219 m) Adhesive weight 14.2 long tons (14.4 t; 15.9 short tons) Loco weight 29 long tons (29.5 tonnes; 32.5 short tons) Fuel type Coal Firebox: ​  • Grate area 8 sq ft (0.74 m2) Boiler pressure 130 lbf/in2 (896 kPa) Heating surface 424 sq ft (39.4 m2) Cylinders Two, outside Cylinder size 11 in × 158 in (279 mm × 4,013 mm)
Performance figures Tractive effort 4,062 lbf (18.07 kN)
Career Operators Rakaia & Ashburton Forks Railway, NZR Class Q Number in class 2 Numbers 17, 51 First run August 1879 Last run March 31st 1897 (51) March 31st 1901 (17) Disposition Both scrapped

The NZR Q class were a pair of 2-4-4T type tank engines built by Rogers Locomotive and Machine Works in New Jersey. They were similar, in appearance, to the earlier K class of the same manufacturer and were purchased by the Rakaia & Ashburton Forks Railway Company for working their newly constructed railway to Methven from Rakaia, which later became the Methven Branch. Q 51 was withdrawn in 1897 while Q 17 lasted until March 1901 with its number used for a UB class locomotive in April.

Table of withdrawals

Year	Quantity in service at start of year	Quantity withdrawn	Locomotive numbers	Notes
1897	1	1	51
1901	2	2	17

See also

• NZR Q class (1901)
• NZR K class (1877)
• Locomotives of New Zealand

References

Bibliography

• Stewart, W. W. (1974). When Steam was King. Wellington: A. H. & A. W. Reed Ltd. ISBN 978-0-589-00382-1.
• Palmer, A. N.; Stewart, W. W. (1965). Cavalcade of New Zealand Locomotives. Wellington: A H. & A W. Reed. ISBN 978-0-207-94500-7.