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Post by Kereru on Aug 8, 2008 16:54:02 GMT 12
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Post by corsair67 on Aug 8, 2008 17:00:49 GMT 12
Very nice shots, Colin.
I love those old steam locomotives.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Aug 8, 2008 23:29:00 GMT 12
Great shots Colin. It's annoying that this wasn't more widely publicised. I saw something mentioned on Teletext but it didn't say when it was happening. I'd have liked to have seen it pass through somewhere round here, like Hamilton.
We need more steam trains on the main trunk route, the railways were planning to bring back more services with steam but I don't know if the new owners will bother. Steam is much better for the environment than diesel, and much more efficient these days. Many railways overseas are looking at converting back to steam with new technology engines. It would be great if they can fit new engines into the old classic loco bodies.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Aug 8, 2008 23:31:04 GMT 12
Does anyone know how many steam trains/lines are active in NZ these days regularly? I know of Glenbrook and the Kingston Flyer, plus Mandeville is building a line to bring back steam. Are there others?
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Post by sleemanj on Aug 8, 2008 23:36:43 GMT 12
Weka Pass
Ferrymead
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Post by Dave Homewood on Aug 9, 2008 0:56:36 GMT 12
Ah yes, I've been on a train at Ferrymead.
Where's Weka Pass?
Has Nelson got it's old train running again? They were rebuilding the railway line that the Government ripped out in the 1950's or so.
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Post by Kereru on Aug 9, 2008 8:47:03 GMT 12
Sorry I got the timetable off NZ herald web page. www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10525614Too late now but here it is and I wish I had posted it when I first read it. Keep in mind it will be going back I would assume but no idea when. Timetable: Aug 6 * 8.35am, depart Wellington. * 9.25am, arrive Paekakariki. * 10.50am, arrive Paraparaumu. * 11.05am, arrive Waikanae. * 11.55am, arrive Otaki. * 12.25am, arrive Levin. * 12.50pm, arrive Shannnnon. * 1.30pm, Arrive Palmerston North. * 2pm, arrive Feilding. *3.10pm, arrive Marton. * 4pm, arrive Hunterville. * 5.20pm, arrive Taihape. Aug 7 * 9am, depart Taihape. * 10.40am, arrive Ohakune. * 2.15pm, arrive National Park. * 4.30pm, arrive Taumarunui. Aug 8 * 7.30am, depart Taumarunui. * 9.05am, arrives Te Kuiti. * 10.50am, arrives Te Awamutu. * 11.25am, arrives Hamilton. * 1.50pm, arrives Pukekohe. * 2.30pm, arrives Papakura. * 3.55pm, arrives Britomart. |
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Post by shorty on Aug 9, 2008 9:16:29 GMT 12
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Post by Bruce on Aug 9, 2008 9:18:16 GMT 12
You also have steam trains running at the Bush tramway club Rotowaru (out back of Huntly) during Winter, Goldfields railway at Waihi, Plains railway Ashburton, Shantytown on the westcoast somewhere? Bay of Islands (Kawakawa) will be running again shortly, plus of course Mainline Steam (who operate the Beautiful Ja in the photos above) who have a fleet of the big Locos at Christchurch, Paekakariki and Newmarket and run regular excursion trains.
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Post by sniff on Aug 9, 2008 9:35:52 GMT 12
Paekakariki too. - oops! Too late!  |
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Post by flyjoe180 on Aug 9, 2008 9:59:01 GMT 12
So what happens now that that lovely locomotive has arrived at Britomart? Will it do a return trip?
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Post by Dave Homewood on Aug 9, 2008 13:26:15 GMT 12
Oh yeah, I went on the Shantytown steam train in 2004, forgot that. They only have the little engines, not the big main trunk type monsters of course.
Someone once told me Te Awamutu has a steam railway near their dairy factory and Mum and I looked for it one day when we were in that town but couldn't find it. I assume it uses the old RNZAF branch line if it exists?
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Post by sniff on Aug 9, 2008 14:09:07 GMT 12
Also the short track at Tokomaru, between Levin and Palmerston North
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Post by Peter Lewis on Aug 9, 2008 16:27:27 GMT 12
Went on the Kawakawa one earlier this year - it just runs through the main street of the town and back.
It's diesel powered.
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Post by shorty on Aug 9, 2008 18:54:22 GMT 12
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Post by Dave Homewood on Aug 10, 2008 22:01:09 GMT 12
I emailed my mate Ross who I haven't been in touch with for a couple of years, but he's the President of the group rebuilding the Nelson steam railway. He said they're having an official opening of their station next week! He has just set up a little webpage here www.nelsonrailwaysociety.co.nz/ |
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Post by shorty on Aug 10, 2008 22:16:53 GMT 12
Thanks Dave, I'll have a look next time I'm up there,1'm quite keen on trains and have done a few long trips. Used to work (in a liberal sense of the word!)for the Railways in the 60s before I joined the mob.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Aug 14, 2008 22:39:57 GMT 12
Because of the Parliamentary Specil there was a railway history theme to Sounds Historical this week it seems. Have a listen to the awesome sounds of JA and KA engines a couple of minutes into the first recording, wow! www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/soundshistorical |
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Post by Brett on Sept 16, 2008 19:16:47 GMT 12
Those upset at the lack of notice about the Parliamentary Special may be interested in a gathering of whistling tea kettles in Feilding over Labour Weekend. It is another event to celebrate the centenary of the Main Trunk Railway. Read all about it here: www.allaboard.org.nz/ |
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