NZR K class (1877)

NZR K class (1877)
K 88 at The Plains Railway
Type and origin Power type Steam Builder Rogers Locomotive Works, New Jersey, USA Serial number 2454 - 2455 2469 - 2474 Build date 1877 – 1878
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte 2-4-2  • UIC 1'B1'n Gauge 3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm) Leading dia. 30.25 in (768 mm) Driver dia. 48 in (1,219 mm) Trailing dia. 30.25 in (768 mm) Length 45 ft 7 in (13.89 m) Adhesive weight 14.8 long tons (15.0 t; 16.6 short tons) Loco weight 23.3 long tons (23.7 t; 26.1 short tons) Tender weight 19.2 long tons (19.5 t; 21.5 short tons) Total weight 42.5 long tons (43.2 t; 47.6 short tons) Fuel type Coal Fuel capacity 2.2 long tons (2.24 t; 2.46 short tons) Water cap 1,250 imp gal (5,700 L; 1,500 US gal) Firebox:  • Firegrate area 8.8 sq ft (0.82 m2) (Original) 10.2 sq ft (0.95 m2) (Re-boilered) Boiler pressure 130 psi (896 kPa) (Original) 160 psi (1,103 kPa) (Re-boilered) Heating surface 589 sq ft (54.7 m2) Cylinders Two Cylinder size 12 in × 20 in (305 mm × 508 mm) Valve gear Stephenson Link Valve type Slide Valve travel 4 in (102 mm) Valve lap 0.9375 in (24 mm) Valve lead 0.09375 in (2 mm)
Performance figures Tractive effort 6,240 lbf (27.8 kN) (Original) 7,500 lbf (33 kN) (Re-boilered)
Career Class K Number in class 8 Numbers 87 - 88 92 - 97 First run 9 March 1878 Last run June 1927 Preserved 3 Disposition 3 preserved, 5 scrapped

8.8 sq ft (0.82 m²) (Original)

130 psi (896 kPa) (Original)

6,240 lbf (27.8 kN) (Original)

The NZR K class of 1877 was the first example of American-built locomotives to be used on New Zealand's railways. Their success coloured locomotive development in New Zealand until the end of steam.

In 1877, the new Chief Mechanical Engineer of the NZR, Allison D. Smith required some new motive power for the fledgling Government system. It had been intended to order more J Class locomotives which were of an English design. However, Mr Smith was adamant American locomotives would be much more suitable for New Zealand's conditions. His argument won, and an order was placed with the Rogers Locomotive Works of New Jersey, for two tender locomotives with a wheel arrangement of 2-4-2. Upon their arrival to New Zealand, the locomotives created quite a stir with their bar frames, 'Gothic' style wooden cabs, locomotive bell, ornate embellishments and, rakish appearances which were at odds with the traditional English locomotive appearance in New Zealand at the time and were described by one commentator as "a watch with all its works outside". In addition this first pair, K 87 "Lincoln" and K 88 "Washington", reputedly wore a 'kaleidoscope' of colours - green, blue, yellow, red, purple, and gold in addition to their Russian Iron boiler jackets. The Baldwin and Rogers locomotives reflected the styling adopted in the 1870s by American builders with elements from the Renaissance Revival and Neo Baroque architectural styles, and with Islamic e.g. Moorish (from Alhambra) influences. Bold colours and painted decorations were used.

After arrival in the South Island at Lyttelton, the locomotives were quickly put into service. K 87 "Lincoln" quickly distinguished itself by hauling the first bogie-carriage passenger train, and both the locomotives soon earned a reputation as fast and free runners, with mild coal consumption. K 88 "Washington" hauled the first train between Christchurch and Dunedin on the just-completed Main South Line, assisted by the Double Fairlie "Josephine" south of Oamaru until "Josephine" had to be taken off the train due to mechanical issues - caused by how K 88 was being driven by its driver. Six more of the class was ordered from the Rogers Locomotive Works, numbered from 92 through 97 before K's 87 and 88 had entered service - the former being ordered in January 1878 while the latter entered service in March 1878, such was Allison Smiths faith in the type of engine he had ordered. Allison Smiths faith was well placed with railway authorities regarding the first two K's as "infinitely superior to the English locomotives" in operation during the same period. The second batch of locomotives entered service in the South Island and contained almost no differences to the first two, albeit they weren't given names and there is no record of them wearing the "kaleidoscope" livery (it is likely K 87 and K 88 had been repainted by this time also). In 1883, due to its design characteristics, the K class was the only class of engine officially permitted to run at 35 miles per hour in ordinary service.