During the 1870s, the railway network in New Zealand was a fragmented system of light railway lines built in rough country where short,steep grades andtight curves were common. The Fairlie type ofsteam locomotive was well-suited to working in such conditions. Earlier double-ended engines (known as Double Fairlies) suffered from frame breakages while operating in theWanganui region, leading to the requirement for conventional engines with Fairlie's maneuverability. TheAvonside Engine Company ofBristol, England was able to solve the problem by providing both theR and S classes of Single Fairlies, 18 of the former in 1878-79 and 7 of the latter in 1880-81.[2]
The S class locomotives were manufactured with Avonside's works numbers 1279-1285. They were considerably larger than the R class, weighing six tons more and carrying two tons more water.[3]
The locomotives were introduced into service between 1882 and 1887 and soon gained a reputation for being good steamers. Originally assigned within theWhanganui district as well as the Wellington-Summit section of theRemutaka Ranges, they were also utilized in theTaranaki andWairarapa districts. Their smooth ride and roomy cab made them popular with engine crews over their older Double Fairlie counterparts.[4]
In 1891, despite complaints of a lack of motive power, the residentchief mechanical engineer T.F. Rotheram made arrangements to ship three locomotives (Nos. 215-217) to theWestern Australian Government Railways (WAGR).[1][5] These were later known as the I class Nos. I25-I27 on the WAGR roster and continued in service until 1900.[6] Over time, the remaining four members of the class were gradually phased out from NZR service, with one being withdrawn in March 1922, and the other three in March 1927. One, No. 212 was given away at no charge to the Manawatu County Council'sSanson Tramway for use as a spare.[5]
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