K900 was the first of all the ‘K‘, ‘Ka' and ‘Kb' class locomotives manufactured in New Zealand. Thirty of these massive ‘K' class locomotives were built as the workhorses of the Main Trunk line. They remained in service until the introduction of the ‘Da' class locomotives in the 1950s. From the 1930s until the 1950s, locomotives like these would have transported almost everyone travelling between Auckland and Wellington and all the places in between.
Considered a masterpiece of design, K900 combines the best of American and British railway engineering with New Zealand innovation. The design allowed the locomotive to tow bigger loads than any of the earlier New Zealand locomotives and yet remain within the limits imposed by New Zealand tunnels, bridges and trackside structures.
K900 received its nickname 'The Killer' after it ran off the tracks at Mercer in 1940, killing both the driver and the fireman onboard. Originally built as a coal burner, the engine was converted to oil firing in 1950. K900 is one of just four ‘K' class locomotives to survive.
Specifications
| Type | 'K' Class Locomotive |
| Engine Type | Steam |
| Wheel Arrangement | 4-8-4 |
| Manufacturer | New Zealand Railways |
| Country Manufactured | Petone, New Zealand |
| Date | 1932 |
| Railway Company | NZR |
| Service Period | 1932 - 1967 |
| Tractive Effort | 30,815 tonnes |
| Axel Loading | 14 tonnes |
| Engine Capacity | 1425 horsepower |
