CLIMAX 1203
Type: Climax
Number: 1203Wheel Arrangement: 0-4-4-0T
Builder: Climax Manufacturing Company, USA
Year Built: 1913
Weight: 25.4 Tonnes (24.9 Tons)
Coal Bunker Capacity: 1 Tonne (0.9 Ton)
Water Capacity: 2800 Litres (615 Gallons)
Boiler Pressure: 828 kPa (120 psi)
HISTORY
1913 - 1915 Potate Timber Co, Matapuna
1916 - 1938 Pukuweka Sawmills, Mananui
1939 - 1944 Ellis & Burnand, Mananui
1944 - 1953 Ellis & Burnand, Mangapehi
1953 - 1963 Ellis & Burnand, Ongarue
1963 - 1968 Idle, Ongarue
1968 - 1980 Stored Shantytown
1980 - 1987 Restored Shantytown
1987 - 2002 Operational, Shantytown
2002 Stored, Shantytown
The average life span of Climax locomotives, Worldwide, was around 43 years, for an engine that pounded the rails worse than a track tamper, it is surprising how long they lasted. Most of the Climax's in NZ suffered similar fates, with this pounding huge stresses were put on the frame, with most breaking them at some stage during their working lives. Mill engineers spent long hours in getting these locos running again after the frame broke, it normally involved strengthening work. Another similar problem was the drove shaft breaking.
Climax 1203 was the last of its type to retire from working in the New Zealand Bush. In January 1963 Climax 1203 did her last shunt at the Ongarue mill.
1913 - 1915 Potate Timber Co, Matapuna
1916 - 1938 Pukuweka Sawmills, Mananui
1939 - 1944 Ellis & Burnand, Mananui
1944 - 1953 Ellis & Burnand, Mangapehi
1953 - 1963 Ellis & Burnand, Ongarue
1963 - 1968 Idle, Ongarue
1968 - 1980 Stored Shantytown
1980 - 1987 Restored Shantytown
1987 - 2002 Operational, Shantytown
2002 Stored, Shantytown
The average life span of Climax locomotives, Worldwide, was around 43 years, for an engine that pounded the rails worse than a track tamper, it is surprising how long they lasted. Most of the Climax's in NZ suffered similar fates, with this pounding huge stresses were put on the frame, with most breaking them at some stage during their working lives. Mill engineers spent long hours in getting these locos running again after the frame broke, it normally involved strengthening work. Another similar problem was the drove shaft breaking.
Climax 1203 was the last of its type to retire from working in the New Zealand Bush. In January 1963 Climax 1203 did her last shunt at the Ongarue mill.
Information:
Era of the Bush Tram, Paul Mahoney
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Climax crossing Street
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Climax 1203 at Photo Stop
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