The original Eo class were New Zealand Railway's first electric locomotives and were also one of the early orders for the newly formed English Electric Co, This began a long association with that company which is still in force. They were purchased to operate trains over the steeply graded 1 in 33 section between Otira and Arthur's Pass which includes the 8 km Otira Tunnel.
Typically the Eo's operated in groups of three when hauling steam powered freight and passenger trains through the tunnel. Following dieselisation in the 60s, the Eo's continued on freight services until 1968 when the five new locomotives from Toshiba (originally known as the Ea class and later as Eo see below) took over the run.
Eo 3 arrived at Ferrymead in 1972 and was restored to operating order in 1977. The locomotive has had the (removed) cab restored to the original style and carries its original number E 3 on that end of the locomotive. Eo 3 received a Restoration Award from the National Federation of Railway Societies in 1996.
