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NZR EO class (1923)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| NZR EO class (1923) | |
| Power type | Electric |
|---|---|
| Builder | English Electric, United Kingdom |
| Build date | 1923 |
| UIC classification | Bo-Bo |
| Gauge | 3' 6" ft, 1067mm |
| Length | 11.7 m |
| Total weight | 50 t |
| Electric system | Otira Tunnel 1,500 V DC |
| Traction motors | 4 |
| Top speed | 64 km/h |
| Power output | 510 kW / 688 hp |
| Tractive effort | 63 kN |
| Career | New Zealand Railways |
| Class | EO |
| Number in class | 5 |
| Number | 2 - 6 |
| Locale | Otira - Arthur's Pass |
| First run | 1923 |
| Last run | 1968 |
| Disposition | Withdrawn; 1 preserved |
The NZR EO class of 1923 were electric locomotives used on the steep Otira to Arthur's Pass section of the Midland Line. They were primarily for pulling trains through the 8.5 km Otira Tunnel to avoid the buildup of steam, smoke and soot.
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When the Otira tunnel was being built, steam locomotives were not considered for use in the tunnel, because smoke would build up in the tunnel and be difficult to clear. Tenders were received from English Electric, and a company in New York. Due to the economic situation at the time, the tender was given to English Electric[citation needed]. And so on the 10 April 1923, six electric locomotives arrived, numbered E1 to E6.
They were later reclassified EO to avoid confusion with the EC class locomotives.
The locomotives coped well in service, and from 1942 it became standard practice to run three locomotives together with only two pantographs up, and have their pantographs linked by jumper cables. This was deemed dangerous however, and soon each locomotive ran with its own pantograph up. This often resulted in heavy sparking. Once it became normal to run three locomotives together, they were altered to a single cab design.
There were replaced in April 1968 by the EA class locomotives. EO3 was preserved at the Ferrymead Railway.
There is also a model of EO3 in Nelson, New Zealand, which was built by Norm Spedding. It is 7 1/4 inch gauge, and is capable of pulling about six passengers with the driver.
- Pasrsons, David, New Zealand Railway Motive Power 2002, (2002), Chapter 1, ISBN 0-908573-78-2
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