Robert Stephenson & Company     Works No 2593    Class F   F233       0-6-0ST      New Zealand Government Railway    Gauge 3ft 6in

Weight20t 5cwt
Driving Wheels3ft 0½ins
Boiler Pressure160psi
CylindersOutside – 10½in x 18in
Tractive Effort6,960lbf
Valve GearStephenson

This locomotive class F was built by Robert Stephenson & Company in Darlington in 1885 for the New Zealand Government Railway.

88 members of the class were acquired by the Government and by various private railways, notably the Westport Harbour Board and the Thames Valley & Rotorua Railway (TVRR). They were built in Britain.

  • 26  by Avonside Engine Co
  • 21 by Dübs & Co
  • 12 by Neilson & Co
  • 12 by Robert Stephenson & Company
  • 11 by Yorkshire Engine Company
  • 5 by Vulcan Foundry
  • 1 by Black, Hawthorn & Co

The F class was the first important class of steam locomotive built to operate on New Zealand’s railway network after the national gauge of 3 ft 6 in was adopted. They were ordered by the central government between 1872 and 1888. Three prototypes were built by Neilsons of Glasgow in 1872.

The locomotives were capable of hauling light passenger trains at speeds up to 70 km/h (43 mph) or pull up to 800 tonnes of freight on flat trackage.

Originally the design was meant for use on the Southland Railways but they operated essentially everywhere on New Zealand’s railway network doing a variety of jobs. As the main lines were extended and loads increased larger and more powerful locomotives were required and the F class locomotives were consigned to branch line and shunting duties.

By the 1940s most of the remaining members of the F class were concentrated at Christchurch, Invercargill, and Greymouth where they were still used for shunting duties. The short wheel-base meant that could operate where there were tight curves and limited clearance. Many of the locomotives were then replaced by diesel shunters.

The last allocation for the F class was at Lyttelton, where their short wheelbase allowed them to run over the sharp curves on the wharfs.

This locomotive (F233) was withdrawn from service with NZR in April 1936 and sold to Auckland Farmers Freeezing Co. Ltd at Southdown in Auckland where it operated until 1960.

The locomotive is now owned by the Railway Enthusiasts Society and based at Glenbrook Vintage Railway where it is awaiting restoration.

Apart from this locomotive eight members of the F class have been preserved

Four members of the F class remain as parts only

  • F12 – Built by Yorkshire Engine Company as works number 241 in 1874

This locomotive was taken out of service in 1957 and sold to Waitaki Farmers Freezing Company for use at their Pukeuri works, near Oamaru. It was used there until 1968. Since arriving at Ferrymead the locomotive has been used for parts for both F13 and F111 at Ocean Beach Railway. The cab is owned by the Ocean Beach Railway, Dunedin for use on F 111, and the rest of the locomotive is stored at Ferrymead as a source of spare parts for F 13.

This locomotive has largely been scrapped and only the chassis remain

  • F162 – Built by Built by Dübs & Co as works number 1363 in 1880

This locomotive was withdrawn from service with NZR in May 1932. In 1939 it was converted to a diesel whilst based at AFFCO in Auckland.

  • F216 – Built by Neilson & Company as works number 3751 in 1888

This locomotive was the last class F built and started its life with the Kaihu Valley Railway. It was converted to a diesel at AFFCO at Horotin in 1936. In January 1993 it was purchased by NZR. It is now at the Bush Tramway Club at Pukemiro

  • F228 – Built by Built by Dübs & Co as works number 1365 in 1880

This locomotive was withdrawn from service with NZR in November 1935 and sold to Auckland Farmers Freezing Co. Ltd at Moerewa. In 1936 it was converted to use petrol. Only the chassis remain

Preserved Outside Britain – By Country

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