| Driving Wheels | 3ft 0ins |
| Weight | 15 tons |
| Boiler Pressure | 130psi |
| Cylinders | Outside – 9½in x 18in |
| Tractive Effort | 4,693 lbf |
This locomotive was built by Neilson & Company in Glasgow in 1880 and entered service with New Zealand Railways (NZR) later that year. It was one of 35 class locomotives built as class D engines that were all withdrawn from service by the end of 1927.
The first eight members of the class which were supplied by Neilson & Company in 1874. Five more were supplied by Dübs in 1878 and then four from Neilson in 1878 and seven in 1880. Scott Brothers of Christchurch built ten in 1887 and one in 1890.
Interestingly these were the first class of locomotive built by Scott Brothers for the NZR and were one of only two New Zealand manufacturers to supply steam locomotives to NZR. The other was A & G Price of Thames.
The class was not particularly powerful and was employed on light duties, sometimes achieving speeds of 45 mph on level track They often saw service on commuter trains between Christchurch and Lyttelton until superior locomotives took their place. They were utilised at other major locations on the South Island’s east coast.
This locomotive was employed by the NZR until 1940 when it was sold to Taratu Coal at Lovellsa Flat in the Clutha district.
In 1940 the locomotive was sold to McDonalds Oamaru Lime which had been established in 1923.
In 1965 the locomotive was acquired by Ocean Beach Railway at Dunedin where it remained until it was loaned to the Lumsden Heritage Trust at Southland. Before going to Lumsden the locomotive was delivered to Bulleid Engineering, in Winton for restoration. Interestingly this business is located close to the Winton railway where the locomotive worked on for a period whilst with the NZR whilst based at Southland.
Six other class D locomotives have been preserved.in New Zealand
Neilson & Company
- Works number 1847 – 143
- Works number 2306 – 16
- Works number 2563 – 170
- Works number 2565 – 221
Dübs
- Works number 1164 – 50
Scott Brothers
- Works number 31 – 137
Preserved Outside Britain – By Country
Preserved British Steam Locomotives 