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Post by kiwithrottlejockey on Dec 13, 2012 13:20:26 GMT 12
Locomotive's restoration on track for war tributeBy KAY BLUNDELL - The Dominion Post | 8:23PM - Thursday, 13 December 2012 MILESTONE: The boiler of the locomotive Ab608 “Passchendaele” is lifted back on to its wheels at
the Steam Incorporated workshops in Paekakariki. — KENT BLECHYNDEN/Fairfax NZ.A MILESTONE in the restoration of a historic steam engine is another step towards Passchendaele firing back to life in time to play its part in upcoming World War I commemorations.
The boiler of Ab608 Passchendaele was lifted back on to its wheels at Steam Incorporated workshops in Paekakariki yesterday as an extensive 20-year, $350,000 rebuild nears completion. GLEAMING MACHINE: Ab608 “Passchendaele” in its heyday. — Photo: ALEANDER TURNBULL LIBRARY.The handsome locomotive was built in 1915 at Addington Railway Workshops in Christchurch and was the only steam engine to be officially given a name by New Zealand Railways in the 20th century.
In 1925 railways minister Gordon Coates agreed to a proposal to name the locomotive "in memory of those members of the New Zealand Railways who fell in the Great War". RESPECTFUL: One of the locomotive's nameplates (on display at Christchurch Railway Station) commemorating the battle.
— Photo: STEAM INCORPORATED.The train was retired in 1967, when its boiler required heavy repairs. It was subsequently given to the New Zealand Railways and Locomotive Society for preservation, arriving in Ferrymead, Christchurch, in 1978. In 1993 it was arranged for Steam Incorporated to take charge of its restoration.
Steam Incorporated president Peter Norman said getting the boiler back into its frame was a big step towards getting the locomotive going. "It is our passion. We will carry on reassembling the engine and hopefully have it running to coincide with World War I commemorations."
Steam Incorporated business manager John Bovis said they were discussing several ideas with the World War I committee, including using the steam engine in an exhibition train to stop at main centres around the country.
The Battle of Passchendaele in 1917 was a campaign by the British and their allies against the Germans near the Belgian city of Ypres. The darkest day in New Zealand's military history happened in the battle on October 12, when 846 soldiers were killed.www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/capital-life/8073135/Locomotives-restoration-on-track-for-war-tribute
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Post by Dave Homewood on Dec 13, 2012 16:44:34 GMT 12
It is great to see this is being restored. Thanks for posting Bruce.
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Post by John L on Dec 18, 2012 16:00:33 GMT 12
Being a train enthusiast as well, it's good to see the progress on this.
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Post by kiwithrottlejockey on Apr 8, 2014 16:55:34 GMT 12
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Post by mumbles on Apr 8, 2014 23:10:01 GMT 12
 Sorry, couldn't resist  |
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Post by kiwithrottlejockey on May 8, 2014 0:50:49 GMT 12
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Post by komata on May 8, 2014 13:22:46 GMT 12
Kiwithrottlejockey
Thanks for sharing. Terribly nostalgic, for one who knew them well. It was all rather a long time ago. . .
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Post by kiwithrottlejockey on Jun 19, 2014 0:34:09 GMT 12
Here is a video taken last Monday (16th June) showing Ab608 “Passchendale” undergoing testing in Horowhenua. The Da-class diesel-electric locomotive (a 1950s vintage machine) is running in dynamic brake to provide a load for the Ab and make it work really hard.
One of the first official duties for Ab608 will be in August when a re-enactment is going to take place at Masterton of Wairarapa troops heading off for overseas service in WWI. There is going to be a parade of military re-enactors and current serving soldiers, all dressed in period WWI uniforms, in the town square at Masterton, with the troops then marching along Perry Street to the railway station, where they will board a troop train hauled by Ab608 which will then depart heading north. There was a news story in the Wairarapa Times Age earlier in the week about the upcoming re-enactment, although unfortunately the story hasn't appeared online.
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Post by komata on Jun 19, 2014 7:13:33 GMT 12
KTJ
Many thanks for the clips and the updates. Always very interesting; Nice photography IMHO. Are you able to tell us where they were filmed ('Horowhenua' is such a large area). It's nice to see Passchendaele back out on the road, and she is certainly impressive, especially in the last section; in service, the Ab's always were 'fast on their feet' (although very hard to stop when backing-up...).
BTW, Can you tell me when the Da (a class that I used to work with) got her ditch lights and had a repaint?
Thanks again; more please.
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Post by kiwithrottlejockey on Jun 19, 2014 7:56:17 GMT 12
I understand the first part of that video clip was filmed on the Koputaroa Bank north of Levin, and that the high-speed run-past was near Forest Lakes Road between Otaki and Manakau.
It is normal practise to run-in newly overhauled steam locomotives by making them haul heavy loads and work really hard, but this can also be done by hauling diesel-electric locomotives in dynamic braking.
I don't know when Da1431 was repainted, but the ditch lights were fitted a couple of years ago. It is a Land Transport NZ requirement, although they can give a dispensation from that requirement, but that mostly applies to steam locomotives. Da1431 is owned by Steam Incorporated at Paekakariki.
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Post by komata on Jun 19, 2014 8:12:33 GMT 12
Koputaroa and Forest Lakes (the 'race track'); of course, I should have realised. Thanks.
In respect of the use of Dynamic Brakes to 'control' another locomotive: When you're out on the 'Main', the 'accidental' use of a Da's dynamic when the type is paired with a Ka can produce some 'interesting' results (aka 'we have ways of 'getting at' you'). Fun times....
Thanks too for the update on 1431; the last time I saw her she was still wearing the '1770' colour scheme, and definitely overdue for a repaint...
The August event at Masterton should be interesting to watch. Any video's would be appreciated.
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Post by sailorsid on Jun 19, 2014 15:38:15 GMT 12
As someone who drives an Ab loco for a hobby this was great. The blood, sweat and hard work that has gone into this restoration really shows.
Ab699, Pleasant Point Railway, Timaru
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Post by komata on Jun 19, 2014 17:17:09 GMT 12
sailorsid
She looks great doesn't she; definitely a credit to all concerned. Long may she continue to run and 'fly' as only an Ab can.
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Post by John L on Jun 19, 2014 18:09:14 GMT 12
I bet she hasn't worked that hard in a long while.......lovely to see. Can't have to many Abs.
Now, what's happening to X442, and Wf386, both of which are surely worthy......
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Post by komata on Jun 20, 2014 6:33:46 GMT 12
To say nothing about the Ub's...
Now, (because it was done with 'Tornado') if only someone would build a replica Baldwin 'Q'....
THAT would certainly cause a sensation internationally.
Perhaps Ian Welch could be approached (because while Dreams are free, steel and manpower aren't).
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Post by kiwithrottlejockey on Oct 4, 2014 12:59:25 GMT 12
There was an interesting article in KiwiRail's “ The Express” staff newsletter last Thursday about Ab608 “Passchendale” which is going to be in the South Auckland area over Labour Weekend, including hauling trains on the Glenbrook Vintage Railway (click on the link for more info) at Waiuku on Labour Day. So if any of you folks from the Auckland area wish to take a closer look at the locomotive, here's your chance. There were a couple of photographs accompanying the newsletter article (which is published in PDF format)....   (The photographs were credited to David Maciulaitis) |
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Post by kiwithrottlejockey on Oct 25, 2014 23:15:51 GMT 12
One of my workmates with a steam ticket sent me the link to this video clip. He was the driver of Ab 608 in this clip, passing through Koputaroa, the climbing the Kakariki Bank (between Fielding and Marton), enroute to Whanganui recently.... • Ab 608 enroute from Paekakariki to Whanganui |
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Post by suthg on Oct 26, 2014 7:34:29 GMT 12
She is due in Tokoroa today for an excursion with passenger carriages. There is a 1/4 moon ending to the branch line where they can turn her around. Hoping to get some pics at some stage. I'll check the timing. I can get to a gentle cutting and hope to get some video |
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Post by Darren Masters on Oct 27, 2014 16:43:02 GMT 12
Just saw it at Pukeoware Station. Lovely! Video and photos coming soon.
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Post by Darren Masters on Oct 27, 2014 16:56:46 GMT 12
My video:
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