Model steam locomotive

Te Papa's collection of model locomotives and rolling stock is largely the work of craftsman and railway enthusiast Frank Roberts (1882-1963). Born in 1882, Roberts spent seventeen years as a cleaner, fireman, and driver for the Railways Department. He and his brother Jack then became partners in an electrical firm, although much of Roberts' time was spent developing a garden railway at his home in Epsom, Auckland.

An accurate record
Roberts built 1:24 scale models of New Zealand steam locomotives. He worked from photographs, close observation, and his own memories, rather than from plans. His model locomotives and his brother George's models of rolling stock provide an accurate record of the equipment of the Railways Department from the 1870s to the 1930s.

Centennial highlight
The high point of Roberts' career as a model maker came when he was commissioned by the Railways Department to operate a large working layout at the Centennial Exhibition (1939-1940) in Wellington. Thousands of visitors saw the model railway, and many considered it the Exhibition's greatest attraction.

Acquisition
In 1950, Roberts sold his models to the Railways Department. They were widely exhibited for many years, and Roberts was employed to maintain them to museum display standard. In 1993, just before it was privatised, New Zealand Rail Ltd gifted its collection of heritage models, including more recent work by other model makers, to Te Papa.

C class locomotives
Frank Roberts made this model of New Zealand Railways' C class 0-4-2ST saddle-tank locomotive C 194 in 1934. Between 1873 and 1875, sixteen C class locomotives were built in Scotland by Neilson Company and Dubs Company. Early New Zealand railway lines were lightly constructed and could not support the weight of large locomotives. C class locomotives were small and intended for use during railway construction work. They were later used for running short-distance trains. By 1922, all C class locomotives had been withdrawn from service with New Zealand Railways. Some continued working for the Public Works Department and private industry.

C 132 is preserved in working order at the Silver Stream Railway, Upper Hutt.
C 126 is partially restored at Westport.