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Home | Locomotive | NZR EW class
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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 All were withdrawn from service by 1988.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. |
