| Driving Wheels | 4ft 0½ins |
| Weight | 80 tons |
| Boiler Pressure | 140psi |
| Cylinders | Outside – 18½in x 26in |
| Tractive Effort | 22,060 lbf |
This locomotive was built by the Hunslet Engine Company in Leeds in 1913 for the New South Wales Public Works Department as one of eight such locomotives. It was assigned the number PWD 5. The eight engines were acquired to work on construction projects including Coffs Harbour to Glenreagh, Glenreagh to Dorrigo and the Tumbarumba railway line between Humula and Tumbarumba.
In 1917 the New South Wales Government Railway (NSWGR) took over responsibility for railway construction and the locomotives passed into the ownership of the NSWGR. They became the G1204 class until 1924 when they were reclassified as Z27 locomotives. This locomotive was renumbered 1208 on acquisition by the NSWGR and then 2705 in 1924.
The locomotives were considered by the NSWGR to be too modern to be utilised on construction work and were transferred to more demanding duties. However they were found to be unsuitable for working lines which abounded in curves, having a tendency to shed their valve motion on anything other than the straightest of track. They were transferred to Narrabri West for use on the relatively straight and lightly-laid branch lines radiating through the cotton growing regions.
During the 1930’s the original Hunslet boilers were replaced with Z25 class locomotive boilers. In addition the smaller Hunslet bogie tenders were replaced by significantly larger NSWGR 3650 gallon tenders and no doubt the higher coal and water capacity proved useful for the long runs of the North-West branches.
The first withdrawal from service occurred in 1957 but one survived until 1966.
This locomotive was saved for preservation by the NSW Rail Transport Museum (NSWRTM) and retained at Enfield Depot in Sydney. It served on some vintage trains and early NSWRTM operations until retired for static display at Thirlmere in the 1970’s.
The locomotive was displayed as a static exhibit until restored to operation around 1994 when it was employed on Thirlmere-Buxton tourist trains.
It has subsequently received a heavy overhaul at Thirlmere.
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Preserved British Steam Locomotives 