| New Zealand EO class (1923) | |
|---|---|
| Eo 3 running around a train at the Ferrymead Heritage Park. | |
| Power type | Electric |
| Builder | English Electric Dick Kerr Works, Preston, United Kingdom |
| Build date | 1923 |
| UIC classification | Bo-Bo |
| Gauge | 3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm) |
| Length | 11.7 metres (38 ft 5 in) |
| Weight on drivers | 50.0 tonnes (49.2 long tons; 55.1 short tons) |
| Locomotive weight | 50.0 tonnes (49.2 long tons; 55.1 short tons) |
| Electric system | 1500 V DC |
| Current collection method |
Pantograph |
| Traction motors | 4 |
| Top speed | 64 km/h (40 mph) |
| Power output | 510 kW (680 hp) |
| Tractive effort | 63 kN (14,000 lbf) |
| Class | EO |
| Number in class | 5 |
| Number | 2 - 6 |
| Locale | Midland Line between Otira and Arthur's Pass |
| First run | 1923 |
| Last run | 1968 |
| Scrapped | 1969 |
| Disposition | 4 scrapped 1 preserved |
The New Zealand EO class of 1923 were electric locomotives used on the steep Otira to Arthur's Pass section of the Midland Line. They were primarily for pulling trains through the 8.5 km Otira Tunnel to avoid the buildup of steam, smoke and soot.
Contents |
When the Otira tunnel was being built, steam locomotives were not considered for use in the tunnel, because smoke would build up in the tunnel and be difficult to clear. Tenders were received from English Electric, and a company in New York. Due to the economic situation at the time, the tender was given to English Electric. And so on 10 April 1923 six electric locomotives arrived, numbered EO 2 to EO 6 (1 was the Class E battery electric loco built in 1922).
They were later reclassified EO to avoid confusion with the EC class locomotives.
The locomotives coped well in service, and from 1942 it became standard practice to run three locomotives together with only two pantographs up, and have their pantographs linked by jumper cables. This was deemed dangerous however, and soon each locomotive ran with its own pantograph up. This often resulted in heavy sparking. Once it became normal to run three locomotives together, they were altered in 1940 to a single cab design.
There were replaced in April 1968 by the EA class locomotives. The EA class were later redesignated as EO class (of 1968).
EO3 was preserved at the Ferrymead Railway. There is also a scale model of EO3 in Nelson, New Zealand. It is 7ΒΌ inch (184 mm) gauge and is capable of pulling about six passengers with the driver.