NZR DSB class

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New Zealand DSB class
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-Mechanical/Hydraulic
BuilderDrewry Car Co (25), Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (3)
Build date1954-1967
Specifications
Configuration:
 • AAR0-6-0
Gauge1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)
LengthDrewry: 8.8 m (28 ft 10 in)
Mitsubishi:8.5 m (27 ft 11 in)
Loco weight37 tonnes (36 long tons; 41 short tons)
Prime moverDrewry: National M4AA7;
later: Caterpillar D343TA
Mitsubishi: Caterpillar D343TA
Performance figures
Maximum speedDrewry: 39 km/h (24 mph);
later: 57 km/h (35 mph)
Mitsubishi: 56 km/h (35 mph)
Power output195 kW (261 hp)later: 263 kW (353 hp)
Mitsubishi:280 kW (380 hp)
Career
OperatorsNZGR, New Zealand Railways Corporation
Number in class28
NumbersTMS numbers: 1003-1290
Road numbers: 300-327
LocaleAll of New Zealand
First runAugust 1954
Last runApril 1989
Current ownerAvon Engineering (1), Mainline Steam Heritage Trust (1)
Disposition1 preserved, 27 scrapped

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]

Introduction[edit]

In 1950, NZR placed an order for 25 DSB shunting locomotives.[1] They were built by the Drewry Car Co. between 1954 and 1956.[1] The first three DSB class locomotives were commissioned in August 1954. The DSB are a larger and more powerful locomotive than the DS and DSA 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[edit]

In line with NZR's policy of rationalising locomotive classes, the DSB class was entirely withdrawn by the end of the 1980s.[2]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

References[edit]

Footnotes[edit]

  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 DSB

Citations[edit]

  1. ^ a b c Palmer & Stewart 1965, p. 147.
  2. ^ a b Parsons 2002, p. 26.
  3. ^ "Railfan". Vol. 2, no. 2. Triple M Publications. March 1996. ISSN 1173-2229.

Bibliography[edit]