| 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 L208.
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 (508) were unmodified and all three save since been preserved.
The three unmodified engines were sold to the Public Works Department (PWD) in 1901 where L208 was renumbered L508. PWD undertook most major construction work in New Zealand, including roads, railways and power stations. L508 worked on various construction projects in the North Island between 1903 and 1931.
In 1931 the locomotive was sold to Wilson’s (NZ) Portland Cement.
In 1946 it was sold to Portland Cement Co in Whangarei where it stayed in service until 1964. It remained there until 1974.
In 1974 the locomotive was purchased by the Tauranga Historic Village where it worked for a further 14 years until the demise of the museum. It was then purchased by Shantytown Heritage Parkwith the assistance of lottery funding.
The Heritage Park opened in 1971 and consists of 30 re-created historic buildings making up a 19th-century gold-mining town.
After a complete overhaul the locomotive was returned to steam in 2002.
The locomotive’s boiler ticket expired in 2014
This locomotive has been overhauled (including the fitting of new tyres) and is currently in service.
This locomotive is one of three L class locomotives built by Avonside Engine Company in 1877which have been preserved. The other two are.
- L207/PWD L507 – Works number 1205
- L219/PWD L509 – Works number 1207
Preserved Outside Britain – By Country
Preserved British Steam Locomotives 