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Running number: Aa1071
Designed by: New Zealand Railways
Built at: NZR Petone workshops
Date built: 1909
Builders diagram: 4440
Date entered service: October 1909
Date withdrawn: c1977
Returned to heritage operation:
Current condition: Certified by Ontrack for main line running.
Weight in working order: 23.2 tonnes
Overall length: 52 feet 6 inches
Bogies: X25140 with SKF roller bearing axleboxes.
Aa 1071, a 50 foot open platform wooden carriage was built at the Petone Workshops in Octtober 1909, as a second class, centre-lavatory, non-smoker with steel underframe and electric lighting. Most of the timber used in the body was kauri. The exterior paint colour was "Pullman Green", with chrome yellow lining.
In 1917 Aa1071 had suburban running rights between Te Aro and Upper Hutt, and
also between Auckland and Onehunga, Papatoetoe and Henderson.
A double lavatory and steam heating were fitted in 1925. In July 1932, Aa1071
was allocated to Thorndon for use as a Main Trunk second class car. It was
transferred to Auckland in May 1935, and in April 1941 had its original seats
replaced with Scarrett type seats.
At the Otahuhu Workshops in September 1950, Aa1071 was altered to a second class suburban car with 51 seats and an end lavatory. It continued to work in the Auckland district. In 1967 its ends were strengthened.
In 1973 Aa1071 was operating in the Taumarunui-Stratford area, and was reported to be in good running order.
Back in Auckland Aa1071 was listed for condemning in November 1976. It was saved from destruction when it was bought by Steam Incorporated, and it arrived at Paekakariki on 30th may 1977. After extensive renovation work it was eventually returned to main line excursion duties.
Steam Incorporated is indebted to Juliet Scoble for this information.
Updated 22 Jan 2009