NZR Y class

Content sourced from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

NZR Y class

The NZR Y class was a small group of three 0-6-0T steam tank locomotives built by Hunslet Engine Company in 1923 for New Zealand’s Public Works Department (PWD). They were originally numbered 542–544 by the PWD and used for construction work around Auckland. Between 1938 and 1945 NZR bought them in two batches and they later served as shunters for the Mechanical Branch. In 1952 they were classified as the Y class, though they kept their old PWD numbers.

Fate and service
- NO 544 was loaned to the Whakatane Board Mills in 1949 for the Matahina Tramway. In NZR service they mainly worked in Auckland. They were withdrawn from regular service in 1957–1958.
- NO 543 stayed in NZR service until February 1958, then sat in storage before being sold for scrap in 1964.
- NO 542 was sold in 1957 to Wilsons (NZ) Portland Cement Works for use on their private railway near Portland. It worked there until 1985, then was bought by MOTAT and restored to working order.

Preservation
- Y 542 has survived and is preserved by MOTAT. It is based at the museum’s Western Springs site and runs occasionally.

Specifications (brief)
- Configuration: 0-6-0T, gauge 3 ft 6 in
- Driver diameter: 40 in
- Length: about 22 ft 10 in
- Weight: about 23 long tons
- Fuel: coal; Water: 500 imperial gallons
- Boiler pressure: 160 psi
- Cylinders: two outside, 13 in × 20 in
- Valve gear: Walschaerts
- Brakes: Westinghouse compressed air
- Tractive effort: about 10,140 lbf

In summary, the Y class were small, utilitarian shunters built for early public works use, later operated by NZR, and after fleeting private-industry service, one was saved for preservation and is now seen at MOTAT.