the boiler bands, steam dome casing and leading edge of the Belpaire firebox were polished brass and the wheels and frames were varnished.

Although reported to 'curve well and ride easily', and possessed of relatively large driving wheels, they were not a success on the Canterbury plains as intended.

According to driver Jack Ewart: "... she [the U class] failed when the Canterbury Nor'wester was blowing and would not stand thrashing and consequently lost time."

The remains of the chassis from U194 was stored at Waitara, as part of the ill-fated Hooterville Heritage Charitable Trust depot.

Hooterville owner Tony Bachelor fell victim to Donald Rea, who was later arrested for (allegedly) defrauding $26.1 million from investors (including the trust).