Sunday, June 7, 2026

NZR B306 at Reefton with a works train on the West Coast, 1950s


The B class was a 4-8-0 type of which 10 were built between 1899 and 1903. It looks like the engine crew are engaged in cleaning out the tubes, which involves this process:

* The crew opens the firebox door to access the boiler tubes.
* The fireman turns on the draft blower to create strong suction through the boiler.
* Sand, compressed air, or specialized lances are introduced into the firebox.
* The draft pulls the cleaner violently through the tubes, knocking off hard carbon.
* The loosened debris is safely blown out of the smokestack.

For lots more get the book New Zealand Railways 1950s steam in colour

No comments: