NZR DSB class

The NZR DSB class locomotive[nb 1] is a type of shunting locomotive introduced to New Zealand's national rail network in 1954 by New Zealand Railways (NZR).[1]

New Zealand D^SB class
Type and origin Power type Diesel-Mechanical/Hydraulic Builder Drewry Car Co (25), Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (3) Build date 1954-67
Specifications Configuration: ​  • AAR 0-6-0 Gauge 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) Length Drewry: 8.8 m (28 ft 10 in) Mitsubishi:8.5 m (27 ft 11 in) Loco weight 37 tonnes (36 long tons; 41 short tons) Prime mover Drewry: National M4AA7; later: Caterpillar D343TA Mitsubishi: Caterpillar D343TA
Performance figures Maximum speed Drewry: 39 km/h (24 mph); later: 57 km/h (35 mph) Mitsubishi: 56 km/h (35 mph) Power output 195 kW (261 hp)later: 263 kW (353 hp) Mitsubishi:280 kW (380 hp)
Career Operators NZGR, New Zealand Railways Corporation Number in class 28 Numbers TMS numbers: 1003-1290 Road numbers: 300-327 Locale All of New Zealand First run August 1954 Last run April 1989 Current owner Avon Engineering (1), Mainline Steam Heritage Trust (1) Disposition 1 preserved, 27 scrapped

Introduction

In 1950, NZR placed an order for 25 D^SB shunting locomotives.[1] They were built by the Drewry Car Co. between 1954 and 1956.[1] The first three D^SB class locomotives were commissioned in August 1954. The D^SB are a larger and more powerful locomotive than the D^S and D^SA classes and were used all over New Zealand. A second batch of three locomotives built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries was introduced in 1967.[2]

The Drewry type B-2 had a cover-plate over the locomotive's jackshaft to prevent staff from being caught by the jackshaft while riding on the cab steps.

By the end of their lives, 12 DSBs were repainted in the "International Orange" livery.

Withdrawal

In line with NZR's policy of rationalising locomotive classes, the DSB class was entirely withdrawn by the end of the 1980s.[2]

As of July 2014 only one has been preserved, DSB313 was purchased in January 1991 by the Mainline Steam Heritage Trust for shunting at their Parnell depot.[3]

Footnotes

1. Following the introduction of TMS in 1979, the class classification was capitalised, whereas previously the second letter was a smaller capital letter, that is D^SB

References

1. Palmer & Stewart 1965, p. 147.
2. Parsons 2002, p. 26.
3. "Railfan". 2 (2). Triple M Publications. March 1996. ISSN 1173-2229. Cite journal requires |journal= (help)

Bibliography

• Parsons, David (2002). New Zealand Railway Motive Power 2002. New Zealand Railway and Locomotive Society. p. 64. ISBN 978-0-908573-78-3.
• Palmer, A.N.; Stewart, W.W. (1965). Cavalcade of New Zealand Locomotives. A H. & A W. Reed. ISBN 9780207945007.