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NZR EW class
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| NZR EW class | |
 EW 1805 with DC 4611 near Paekakariki. Photo by Alan Wickens |
|
| Power type | Electric |
|---|---|
| Builder | English Electric, United Kingdom |
| UIC classification | Bo-Bo-Bo |
| Gauge | 1067mm |
| Length | 18.9m (articulated) |
| Total weight | 76 tons |
| Electric system | 1,500v DC |
| Collection method | Pantograph |
| Top speed | 97 km/h |
| Power output | 1340 kW |
| Career | New Zealand Railways, Tranz Metro |
| Number in class | 7 |
| Number | 1800 - 1806 |
| Locale | Wellington region |
| First run | 1952 |
| Disposition | 2 preserved |
The NZR EW class locomotive was a class of electric locomotive used in Wellington, New Zealand. The classification 'EW' was due to their being electric locomotives allocated to Wellington. They were built by English Electric in 1952 and hauled mainly passenger trains on the region's 1500 V DC electrification, and banked trains between Paekakariki and Pukerua Bay.
They were the first class of locomotive in New Zealand to utilise the Bo-Bo-Bo wheel arrangement, the other classes being the DJ class and the EF class. In both cases, this wheel arrangement was used to provide a lower axle-load due to track conditions. The EW class is different though, as the locomotive is articulated in the middle over the centre bogie where as the two newer classes have sideplay in the centre bogie.
During the 1960s the tunnels on this section were lowered so that DA class diesel locomotives could handle trains all the way through to Wellington. With the introduction of the EM class units in 1982, the class was further displaced. An attempt was made to use two members of the class on the Otira - Arthur's Pass electrified section in the South Island, but nothing came of this. All were withdrawn from service by 1988. Two remain preserved today, one at Ferrymead in Christchurch and one at Mainline Steam in Plimmerton, north of Wellington.