| Weight | 28t |
This locomotive was built in 1927 by Peckett & Sons at Bristol for Wilson’s (NZ) Portland Cement Ltd. It was the last of five locomotives built to this design by Peckett & Sons. Two of the other engines were delivered to Southern Ireland and were scrapped in the 1950s and two were sent to Borneo where they were scrapped around 1947.
A third locomotive had been ordered to be delivered to Sarawak in 1915 but due to a decline in the teak trade following the First World War the order was cancelled. In 1926 this unfinished locomotive was regauged to 3ft 6in to fit the New Zealand gauge before being completed in 1927. After it was purchased it was renamed from the intended name of Hata Hari to Gabriel after Mount Gabriel in Ireland.
This locomotive was one of a number of steam engines that were employed on the line that linked the limestone quarries with the Portland cement works, south of Whangarei and the deep water jetty the company built. There was also a connection to the North Auckland Line at Portland. It was considered to be the most extensive private railway in New Zealand.
In 1970 Wilsons (NZ) Portland Cement was taken over by the Golden Bay Cement Company and Winstone Ltd with each holding a 50% stake in the company. Golden Bay Cement Company became the sole owner in 1980.
The locomotive remained at Portland until 1985 although it is understood that the railway at the cement works was not used after 1977.
In 1985 the locomotive was donated to the Bay of Islands Scenic Railway.
At the Bay of Islands Scenic Railway a number of modifications have been made to the locomotive.
- re-instated round windows in the cab instead of the large square ones which assisted with vision in the cement works
- made a large spark arresting chimney to prevent lineside fires
- converted to burn waste sump oil
- fitted a straight chimney when the old spark arrestor was worn out. This chimney now serves as a donation box just inside the workshop.
- a serious rebuild in 2006 when changed back to coal firing, and fitted with another spark arrestor.
The locomotive returned to service in 2008 but is now stored as it requires an expensive overhauled which will include the fitting of a new boiler.
The locomotive has now been fitted with a new boiler and has been returned to service.
Preserved Outside Britain – By Country
Preserved British Steam Locomotives 