"OPOSSUM"
Type: Side/Saddle Tank
Builders Number: -
Wheel Arrangement: 0-4-0T
Builder: Lion Foundry, Wellington
Year Built: 1875
Weight: 8 Tons
Coal Bunker Capacity:
Water Capacity: ?
Boiler Pressure: 100 psi
HISTORY
Builders Number: -
Wheel Arrangement: 0-4-0T
Builder: Lion Foundry, Wellington
Year Built: 1875
Weight: 8 Tons
Coal Bunker Capacity:
Water Capacity: ?
Boiler Pressure: 100 psi
HISTORY
This engine was one of three built by the E.W.Mills Lion Foundry
in Wellington. It was intended to be used on the Foxton railway, but as
traffic was increasing on this it was not needed so it was shipped to
Greymouth. In Greymouth it was used on harbour works until 1911 when it
was put up for tender. It was sold to a local saw miller who was starting
up a new sawmill at Gladstone. Here it worked for nearly 50 years before
being put on display in Greymouth. It sat unprotected for years, breathing
in the fumes and soot of her grandchildren. In 1986 it was deemed unsafe
by the council, they were planning on scrapping it. Shantytown was approached
and it was delivered there later that year. It still sits at Shantytown
to this day. Awaiting her turn to be restored.
PHOTO: Shows Opossum while working for Ogilvies, at their Gladstone mill.
PHOTO: Shows Opossum while working for Ogilvies, at their Gladstone mill.