| Driving Wheels | 2ft 6ins |
| Weight | 11 tons |
| Boiler Pressure | 120psi |
| Cylinders | Outside – 8in x 15in |
| Tractive Effort | 3,072 lbf |
The New Zealand Railway (NZR) A class of 1873 consisted of three types of locomotives with similar specifications but different details. The earliest and most numerous were built by Dübs in Glasgow in 1873 who supplied 12 locomotives. The Yorkshire Engine Company in Sheffield supplied another 2 in 1875. The details above are for the Dübs engines.
The locomotives were initially ordered by the Public Works Department for use in the construction of lines in Canterbury and Taranaki. They were not just used by the Public Works Department; the New Zealand Government Railways also utilised the class to operate revenue services on smaller branch lines.
The locomotives quickly became outmoded for use on the lines they helped build and only one remained in government service by 1905. It was used on the Piha Tramway and later on NZR’s Stores Branch Piha Tramway. By 1906 all Dubs A class locomotives were out of service for NZR.
Whilst the locomotives were too small for operating on the NZR they were ideally suited to use on bush tramways and small private industrial sidings. Many members of the class survived for decades in private use.
This locomotive (A65) was built by Dübs in Glasgow in 1873 for service with the NZR.
In 1896 the locomotive was sold to John Harrison at Aratapu where it remained until 1901 when it was purchased by NZ White Pine at Naumai.
In 1917 it was sold to Stuart & Chapman at Ross where it remained until 1959. In 1936 it was converted to being a diesel powered locomotive.
Only the chassis of the locomotive remains and it is stored at Shantytown Heritage Park.
Five other A class locomotives built by Dübs in 1873 are preserved in New Zealand
- Works number 647 – 67
- Works number 648 – 66
- Works number 651 – 64
- Works number 655 – 193
- Works number 656 – 62
Preserved Outside Britain – By Country
Preserved British Steam Locomotives 