NZR E Class (1872) - Note On The Use of The E Classification

Note On The Use of The E Classification

The E classification was used a number of times for locomotives, in the case of Double Fairlies for two different types of locomotives, built by Vulcan in 1872 and Avonside in 1875. The Avonside locomotives were the first Double Fairlies to be classed E, with the Vulcan locomotives gaining the E classification upon being incorporated into the Government system not long after. As at the time separate classification systems existed for the different sections, the Vulcan pair assumed the E classification independently of the Avonside locomotives. Upon the general re-numbering of 1888-90 only “Josephine” of the Vulcan pair was still in service and retained the E classification, but load schedules would have differentiated between the South Island Vulcan Fairlie and the North Island Avonside Fairlies. As “Josephine” never ventured to the North Island in NZR service, the E classification would not have been an issue despite their being two distinct types of locomotive.