By: Brian J. Pearce3rd Mar 2014 8:12PMThe caption originally described the Ka class as New Zealand Railways' most powerful locomotive; this was incorrect and has been deleted. Other NZR steam locomotives more powerful included the ill-fated Garratts of the 1920s-1930s, and the Kb class (with booster engaged).
Ka 935 entered service with New Zealand Railways in October 1941 and was written off in December 1967. It was purchased by the Society in January 1968 and moved to temporary storage at Te Awamutu. On 18 August 1972 the locomotive arrived by rail at the Society's interim site at Seaview, and was first returned to steam 22 September 1973. The locomotive was operated at Seaview about every three months until 1979. On 13 May 1984 - with other stored equipment - it was moved to the Silver Stream Railway where it has operated intermittently over the years.