Finally, the complete story of NZR’s most powerful conventional steam locomotive class has been documented.

Author Jonathan Shingleton details the operational constrictions of the Midland line, history leading up to the development of the K^B class, including proposals to transfer X class to the South Island and add boosters. Learn how Midland Line east-bound loads were governed by E^O haulage capacity through the Otira tunnel, the manufacture and bedding in of the K^Bs, their daily operation, the booster operation and maintenance, trailling of K^B operations out of Dunedin, a proposal to transfer all K^Bs to the North Island, and their eventual displacement onto the Main South Line. Detail of the K^B operations are neatly interspersed with crew accounts of operating the K^B class; the firemen, drivers and fitters. Complementing the text is a lavish selection of black and white and colour images from the era.

Portrait format, 157 black and white and 55 colour photographs, tables, 3 diagrams and map.

272 pages hardbound.

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