Fairlie R28

This R28 Steam Engine was designed by Robert Fairlie for the tight corners in the tracks where the engine began its career, and created by the Avonside Engine Company during 1878 in England for New Zealand Railway (NZR), which at the time had just been born. It's the sole survivor of the 18 made, being 1 of 3 left in the world and the only 1 left in New Zealand. The R28 engine entered service in Dunedin during 1879. It was later used at the Port of Lyttleton in 1907, 5 years later it was returned to Dunedin. 3 years after that it worked in Oamaru. In 1922 it returned to work in Christchurch and Lyttelton. In 1934 it ended service for the (NZR) and was sold to the Timaru Harbour Board and worked until 1940. In 1944 it was sold to the Morris family of Reefton and worked at Burkes Creek Colliery (BCC). 3 years later it came into the ownership of the State Mines Department, still working at BCC. The locomotive finally retired in 1948 and was abandoned on the old Burkes Creek line. In 1960 Reefton Station Master, Mr Crompton made an attempt to save the engine. In the same year it was gifted to the Inangahua County Council (ICC) on behalf of the people of Reefton and the ‘Single Engine Fairlie Group’ was formed. The next year the engine had been moved to the Reefton playground by rail to Church Street, behind the Union Parish. Due to ongoing deterioration the engine had to be moved in 1982 under shelter where you can see it today, in the grassed recreation area where it is safe from rain and tiny children's feet. In 1987 the engine became an asset to the Buller District Council with the dissolution of the ICC. The R22 boiler is currently in Christchurch at the Canterbury Steam Preservation Society.