New Zealand EB class locomotive

The New Zealand EB class locomotive was a class of five battery electric (later diesel-electric) locomotives built to perform shunting duties at the workshops of New Zealand's national rail network.

Introduction

The first was built in 1925 and began its working life in Frankton, though four years later, it was transferred to Christchurch's Addington Workshops. That same year, four more were ordered and they were stationed at workshops around the country.

Conversion

New batteries were required in 1937, and although conversion into diesel-electric locomotives was proposed, rebuilding was not undertaken until the early 1950s. In their new guise, the locomotives survived well into the 1970s.

Withdrawal

The first to be withdrawn was EB 27 in 1976, and two years later, the class leader, EB 25, was also removed from service. It has been preserved by Auckland's Museum of Transport and Technology. The other three locomotives survived long enough to receive TMS numbers - EB 26 became EB 1809, EB 28 became EB 1815, and EB 29 became EB 1821. The latter two were withdrawn in 1980, but EB 1809, now stationed in Napier, was reclassified as a member of the TR class, TR 1003. After it was withdrawn, it was saved for preservation and is now serviceable at the Silver Stream Railway.

See also

• E class locomotive, the other, earlier example of a battery electric locomotive to operate in New Zealand

External links

• New Zealand Diesel and Electric Traction - E and EB classes
• 1930 photo of No.26 at Petone