History
In 1877, the new Chief Mechanical Engineer of the NZR, Allison D. Smith required some new motive power for the fledgling Government system. It had been intended to order more J Class locomotives which were of an English design. However, Mr Smith was adamant American locomotives would be much more suitable for New Zealand's conditions. His argument won, and an order was placed with the Rogers Locomotive Works of New Jersey, for two tender locomotives with a wheel arrangement of 2-4-2. Upon their arrival to New Zealand, the locomotives created quite a stir with their bar frames, 'Gothic' style wooden cabs, locomotive bell, ornate embellishments and, rakish appearances which were at odds with the traditional English locomotive appearance in New Zealand at the time. In addition this first pair, K 87 "Lincoln" and K 88 "Washington", reputedly wore a 'kaleidoscope' of colours - green, blue, yellow, red, purple, and gold in addition to their Russian Iron boiler jackets.
Read more about this topic: NZR K Class (1877)
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