Archival, photographic and oral history research
Research pages will be added on a regular basis, presenting findings and discoveries of primary source research.
5. Dumping documentation
Research at National Archive, Christchurch, uncovered documents detailing how Wb 292 and Wb 299 came to be dumped into Coal Creek, Sedddonville, West Coast of New Zealand. Added 9 September 2002.
4. Bunker modifications
Illustrated note on modifications that were made to increase bunker capacity for the Wb class. Added 31 August 2002.
3. Wb 299 survives scrapping
Wb 299 twice survived scrapping, at the end of first boiler life, and in 1955.
2. Wb 298 hits landslip
A report was published in the Evening Post on 28 August 1899, describing the derailment of Wb 298 near Pakuratahi tunnel, north of Upper Hutt.
1. Wb 298 different appearance
Wb 298 had a distinctive appearance. The only member of her class to sport a standard NZR cowcatcher, manufactured from plate steel.
Next page: New and Revised
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Page last updated 8 September 2002. © Hugh McCracken
