| Weight | 20t 0cwt |
| Driving Wheels | 3ft 0ins |
| Boiler Pressure | 130psi |
| Cylinders | Outside – 10½in x 18in |
| Tractive Effort | 4,893lbf |
This locomotive was one of ten built by the Avonside Engine Company at Bristol in 1877 for the New Zealand Railways (NZR). All ten locomotives entered service the following year – this one in September 1878 as L207.
The engines were used on the Auckland and Wellington section of the railway although they were not used to haul passenger trains for long as they were too small as traffic increased.
NZR rebuilt seven of the locomotives in an attempt to improve their performance. They were initially given a leading bogie which turned the engines into 4-4-0T locomotives and then 4-4-2T when larger coal bunkers were fitted. Three locomotives including this one (507) were unmodified and all three save since been preserved.
The three unmodified engines were sold to the Public Works Department (PWD) in 1901 where L207 was renumbered L507. PWD undertook most major construction work in New Zealand, including roads, railways and power stations.
In 1931 the locomotive was owned by New Plymouth Harbour Board.
In 1954 the locomotive was purchased by Wilsons Portland Cement Co Ltd. It was stored from 1967 until 1971 when it was acquired by the Museum of Transport and Technology Operational MOTAT for use on the Western Spring Railway at Auckland.
The locomotive was overhauled and steamed again in 2008 in the North Island Main Trunk centennial celebrations.
In 2018 the locomotive was retubed at MOTAT.
This locomotive is one of three L class locomotives built by Avonside Engine Company in 1877which have been preserved. The other two are.
- L208/PWD L508 – Works number 1206
- L219/PWD L509 – Works number 1207
Preserved Outside Britain – By Country
Preserved British Steam Locomotives 