Built: 1880 by Dubs and Co, Glasgow, Scotland

Configuration:

 0-6-0 ST (Saddle Tank)

Gauge:

  3ft 6in 

Bore and Stroke

10 ½ x 18 inches

Axle loading:

6 ¾ tons

Driving Wheels:

 36 ½ inches

Heating Surface:

 385 sq feet

Superheater:

  Not applicable

Steam Pressure:

 160 psi max

Grate Area:

 9 ½ sq feet

Coal Load:

 1 ton

Water Load:

 450 gallons

Tractive Effort:

 6960 lbs

Valve Gear Type:

  Stephenson 

Weight:

 20 ¼ tons

Adhesive Weight:

 20 ¼ tons

Length:

 23ft 10½in

Operating Speed:

 30 mph (48km/h)

Approx Power:

  250 – 300bhp max (under ideal operating conditions)

This is one of nine surviving members of its class and the only one in mainline running condition. There were eighty-eight of these locomotives produced. They were used for mainline running in their heyday and some members of this class had the longest running careers of all steam locomotives in New Zealand. Some were still in active service in the 1960’s as shunting locomotives with Harbour Boards and freezing works etc. This particular engine has been operational except for overhauls etc since it was first used on the NZR in 1881. This class of locomotive is restricted to about 50km/h because of the small size of its driving wheels which effectively ‘gears’ it down. This locomotive was kept by NZR as part of its heritage fleet until 1993, when it was handed to the Rail Heritage Trust. In 2001, F163 was relocated to the depot of the Feilding and District Steam Rail Society (F&DSRS). F&DSRS are the current caretakers of F163