Jenkinson as tank versions of the AB class 4-6-2 Pacific locomotive.

WAB 794 was sold to the Ohai Railway Board in Southland for running heavy coal trains.

These entered service in 1917, WS 686 in Wellington and WAB 687 at Taumarunui in the central North Island.

Sixteen WAB class were built between 1918 and 1926: one at Addington (687), 12 at Hillside (786-795) and three at A&G Price (796-798).

In July 1922[3] the class was introduced on Auckland (until 1930 at Waitematā) to Papakura suburban services.