Rebuilds
In 1937 the three ill-fated Garratts were dismantled at Hutt Workshops, and some parts were incorporated into six G class three-cylinder Pacific locomotives constructed at Hillside Workshops. The engines were provided with an AB class boiler, a new roller bearing trailing truck was fitted, also a new cab, and a Vanderbilt tender of similar design to that of the AB class - although of larger and all-welded construction. All bogies on the engine and tender were equipped with roller bearings, and other modern equipment included power reversing gear and exhaust-steam injectors. The three cylinders retained their conjugated valve gear from the Garratts, but this gear was rather light in construction and gave persistent trouble in maintaining the correct settings. The locomotives were used in the South Island mainly on the Christchurch to Arthur's Pass section of the Midland line and mainly in freight service. The class was far from popular and their shortcomings far too numerous to justify the high cost of major improvements.
Read more about this topic: NZR G Class (1928)
Famous quotes containing the word rebuilds:
“Really, there is no infidelity, nowadays, so great as that which prays, and keeps the Sabbath, and rebuilds the churches. The sealer of the South Pacific preaches a truer doctrine.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)