F163 – History

F163 is one of nine surviving members of its class and the only one in mainline running condition. This particular engine has been operational, except during overhauls etc, since it was first used on the NZR in 1881. This locomotive was kept by NZR as part of its heritage fleet until 1993, when it was handed to the Rail Heritage Trust. In 2002, the F-group joined with Feilding Steam Rail to become the Feilding and Districts Steam Rail Society, and F163 was relocated to the Feilding depot. F&DSRS are the current caretakers of F163.

1880 – 1965 NZR Service
1963 Named Ivanhoe
1965 – 1973 Arthur’s Pass, Stored
1973 – 19XX NZR, Special Service
1993 Rail Heritage Trust
2002 moved to Feilding and District Steam Rail Society
Owned by the Rail Hertiage Trust