In 1950, NZR placed an order for 25 DSB shunting locomotives.[1] They were built by theDrewry Car Co. between 1954 and 1956.[1] The first three DSB class locomotives were commissioned in August 1954. The DSB are a larger and more powerful locomotive than theDS andDSA classes and were used all overNew Zealand. A second batch of three locomotives built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries was introduced in 1967.[2] Included with the three Mitsubishi DSB class were two additional locomotives for theOhai Railway Board at Ohai, Southland.[citation needed]
The Drewry type B-2 had a cover-plate over the locomotive'sjackshaft to prevent staff from being caught by the jackshaft while riding on the cab steps.
By the end of their lives, 12 DSBs were repainted in the "International Orange" livery.
^Following the introduction ofTMS in 1979, the class classification was capitalised, whereas previously the second letter was a smaller capital letter, that is DSB
