Locomotive No. 7, later named "Sir H. Ralph Hone," was a 4-6-4T steam engine built by the Hunslet Engine Company of Leeds, England, in 1912. It was initially acquired by the North Borneo Railways (NBR) and commenced service that same year, operating passenger routes between Jesselton (now Kota Kinabalu) and Papar. Originally named "Kinabalu," its service was disrupted during World War II due to damage. After restoration efforts in 1952, the locomotive resumed passenger operations in 1953. The re-engagement was inaugurated by the then-Governor of North Borneo, Sir Ralph Hone, leading to the locomotive being renamed in his honor. In 1958, its role shifted to freight services until 1968, when underframe damage led to its retirement. The locomotive was subsequently entrusted to the Sabah Museum, where major conservation work was undertaken in 1987, culminating in its display at the museum in 1989.

Sir Herbert Ralph Hone (1896–1992) was a distinguished British colonial administrator and military officer. Born in Hove, Sussex, he served in various capacities throughout his career, including as Attorney General in multiple territories and as Governor and Commander-in-Chief of North Borneo from 1949 to 1954. His tenure in North Borneo was marked by efforts to rehabilitate the region following the Japanese occupation and to bolster its export industries.

Today, the "Sir H. Ralph Hone" locomotive is exhibited at the Sabah State Museum in Kota Kinabalu, serving as a testament to the region's rich railway heritage.

Lokomotif No. 7 Sir Ralph Hone

Lokomotif ini dibeli pada tahun 1912 oleh North Borneo Railways (NBR) dan berkhidmat di Borneo Utara dengan nama KINABALU sebagai keretapi penumpang antara Jesselton dan Papar. Perkhidmatannya terhenti semasa Peperangan Dunia Kedua akibat kerosakan yang teruk. Pembaikan dilakukan pada tahun 1952 dan pada tahun 1953 perkhidmatannya disambung semula dan dilancarkan oleh Gabenor Sir Ralph Hone. Nama lokomotif itu ditukar kepada Sir Ralph Hone sempena nama Gabenor tersebut.

Lokomotif ini digunakan sebagai keretapi penumpang (1953) dan keretapi barang (1958). Perkhidmatannya ditamatkan pada tahun 1968 disebabkan keretapi rangka badan bahagian bawah. Kemudiannya diserahkan kepada Muzium Sabah untuk penjagaan dan pemeliharaan. Hasil kerjasama antara Muzium Sabah dan Jabatan Keretapi Negeri Sabah, kerja pemeliharaan yang menyeluruh dilakukan pada tahun 1987. Lokomotif ini kemudian diangkut ke kawasan Kompleks Muzium Sabah untuk dipamerkan pada tahun 1989.

Spesifikasi Lokomotif

Jenis	4.6.4
Pembuat	Hunslet Co. Ltd., Leeds, England
Perkhidmatan	Keretapi penumpang (1912-1957) Keretapi barang (1958-1968)
Cara Berfungsi	Dijalankan oleh kuasa wap
Keupayaan Menarik	Landasan Utama: 152.41 tan metrik (150 tan) Kawasan Lurah: 71.12 tan metrik (70 tan)
Muatan Tangki Air	3635 liter (800 gelen)
Muatan Bahan Api	4.3 meter padu (152 kaki padu) kayu
Ukuran	Berat: Tanpa isian: 27.26 tan metrik (27 tan 3 hwt. 2 krt.) Dengan isian: 34.37 tan metrik (33 tan 16 hwt. 3 krt.) Tinggi: 3.16 meter (10 kaki 4.5 inci) (dari rel ke cerobong) Lebar: 2.13 meter (7 kaki) Panjang: 10.6 meter (34 kaki 8 inci) (dari 'cowcatcher' ke 'cowcatcher')

LOCOMOTIVE NO. 7 SIR RALPH HONE

This locomotive was bought by the North Borneo Railways (NBR) and commenced service in North Borneo in 1912 as a passenger train between Jesselton and Papar. It was called "KINABALU". Its service was disrupted during the Second World War due to damage. Restoration work was done in 1952, and in 1953 it was reengaged as a passenger train. The reengagement was inaugurated by the Governor Sir Ralph Hone, and hence the locomotive was named in honour of him. In 1958 its service was changed to a goods train. In 1968 its service was put to an end due to underframe damage, then handed to the Sabah Museum to take custody. Major conservation work was done in 1987 by the Sabah Museum with the cooperation of the Sabah State Railways Department. It was hauled to the Sabah Museum compound for display in 1989.

Specifications

Type	4.6.4
Maker	Hunslet Co. Ltd., Leeds, England
Service and Mode of Operation	Powered by steam, used as a passenger train (1912-1957) and goods train (1958-1968)
Traction Force	On main line: 152.41 metric tons (150 tons) (Jesselton - Beaufort) On gorge section: 71.12 metric tons (70 tons) (Beaufort - Tenom)
Water Tank Capacity	3636 litres (800 gallons)
Fuel	Firewood
Weight	Empty: 27.26 metric tons (27 tons 3 cwt 2 qrt) Loaded: 34.37 metric tons (33 tons 16 cwt 3 qrt)
Dimensions	Height: 3.16 metres (10 feet 4.5 inches) (from rail to funnel) Width: 2.13 metres (7 feet) Length: 10.6 metres (34 feet 8 inches) (cowcatcher to cowcatcher)

Photos of visits are encouraged but not required for this category.