Tr 54 is an early example of the rail tractor concept. Built in 1937 by Hudswell, Clarke of England, it was originally in service with New Zealand Public Works during construction of the Christchurch-Picton line, and was purchased by New Zealand Rail in 1950. After service at Addington (Christchurch) and Greymouth, Tr 54 was donated to Ferrymead Railway in 1966, where it served for many years as the shop shunter.
The smallest locomotive on the Ferrymead Railway, it weighs only four tonnes. It is powered by a Paxman Ricardo diesel engine of 40 hp driving through a 3 speed gearbox with a top speed of 15 km/h. It is now stored unserviceable.
