NZR Ja class
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| NZR JA class | |
 JA 1271 with excursion consist climbing the Opapa incline. Photo by Joseph Christianson |
|
| Power type | Steam |
|---|---|
| Builder | NZGR Hillside Workshops (35) North British Locomotive Works, Scotland (16) |
| Build date | 1946-56 |
| Configuration | 4-8-2 |
| Gauge | 3' 6" ft, 1067mm |
| Wheel diameter | 54" |
| Wheelbase | 34' 10" ft |
| Length | 66' 11½" ft |
| Weight on drivers | 44.45 tons |
| Total weight | 109.45 tons |
| Fuel type | Coal, Oil |
| Tender capacity | 4000 gals water, 6 tons coal, 1350 gals Oil |
| Boiler pressure | 200 psig |
| Feedwater heater | ACFI |
| Top speed | 70 mph |
| Tractive effort | 24960 lbf |
| Career | New Zealand Railways Department |
| Number in class | 51 |
| Number | 1240 - 1290 |
| Locale | All of New Zealand |
| First run | 1946 - 1956 |
| Retired | 1967 - 1971 |
| Scrapped | 1969 - 1972 |
| Current owner | Mainline Steam, Steam Incorporated |
| Disposition | Withdrawn, 7 preserved |
The NZR JA class were a type of 4-8-2 steam locomotive used on the New Zealand railway network. The class were essentially an improved version of the J class, but unlike the earlier class the JAs were built without streamlining. These locomotives became the mainstay of the South Island system and were rated to haul 1000 ton freight and 400 ton passenger trains on easy grades. JA 1274 was the last class member to be built, entering service in December 1956. It was the last steam locomotive built by NZR and the last steam locomotive to enter service in New Zealand. Slightly under fifteen years later, it was officially withdrawn on 16 November 1971, though no train in regular service had been hauled by steam since the previous month.
The North British 16 were all oil fired and fitted with a Stones headlight and generator, they were used exclusively in the North Island. They were numbered from 1240 - 1290. Ja 1275 is preserved by Les Hostick and leased to Mainline Steam, Auckland and has been restored to operating condition.
[edit] Preserved Locomotive List
- JA 1240 - Mainline Steam
- JA 1250 - Glenbrook Vintage Railway
- JA 1260 - Plains Vintage Railway
- JA 1267 - Te Awamutu (Stored)
- JA 1271 - Steam Incorporated
- JA 1274 - Dunedin (Otago Settlers Museum)
- JA 1275 - Mainline Steam (North British Oil Fired)
[edit] External links
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