Model steam locomotive J1210 with tender

item details

NameModel steam locomotive J1210 with tender

ProductionNorth British Engineering Company; manufacturer(s); 1939; Glasgow

Classificationmodels, trains, steam locomotives

Materialsbrass, steel, glass, paint

Materials SummaryPainted steel with glass and brass components

DimensionsOverall: 150mm (height), 580mm (length), 100mm (depth)

Registration NumberT000639

Credit lineNew Zealand Rail Railway Model Collection. Gift of New Zealand Rail, 1993

Overview

In 1993, just before it was privatised, New Zealand Rail Ltd gifted its collection of heritage models to Te Papa.

J class locomotives
Following the successful introduction of K class locomotives in the 1930s, New Zealand Railways saw the need for modern, powerful locomotives that could run on its secondary lines, which were more lightly constructed than the main trunk lines. The result was the J class, designed by New Zealand Railways' engineers. The J class locomotives' power output was about midway between that of the AB and K class locomotives. Great efforts were made to reduce weight, and the locomotives were given a thoroughly modern look by fitting a streamlined cowling to the front and to the top of the boiler.

Forty J class locomotives were built in 1939 by the North British Locomotive Company, Glasgow. All reached New Zealand by early 1940, in time to play an extremely important part in New Zealand Railways' effort during World War II. After the war, the streamlining was removed because it made access difficult for maintenance staff. J class locomotives remained in service until the early 1970s.