[3] The R class locomotives were built at Avonside's Bristol factory and then shipped to New Zealand, with all entering service by early March 1880.

They were allocated to depots across the country, and during their working life operated almost all types of services from premier passenger trains to shunting tasks.

On 23 March 1907, R 28 was running the Boat Train to the wharf at Lyttelton to connect with the Wellington ferry when it ran the stop-block.

The driving frame, wheels and engine took a dive into Lyttelton harbour, but because of the design, the rest of the locomotive remained on the wharf.

[5][6] Three R class locomotives went to the Manawatu County Council for use on the Sanson Tramway, two of which were given away free by NZR for use as spares.