Events/Trips in 2017
Wanganui Model Railway & Engineering Soceity Xmas Show
15 & 16 of December 2017
I was once again involved with the WMR&ES Xmas model railway show they hold every year at their club rooms. This show featured Private members layouts/displays, The main club big layouts and the club portable layouts. This time I had my Dubloville (Hornby Dublo) layout at the show a long with a few of my Thomas Xmas models on display, my Bachmann narrow gauge Skarloey and Rheneas locos plus wagons were running on Charleys N gauge layout and my new Kiddie Ride train was outside keeping the kids happy. This was the first time I have had the Kiddie ride at a show and over the two days it gave 22 rides. This show was well attended by the public and we all had a enjoyable time. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all.
A Day Out With Thomas
At the Glenbrook Vintage Railway
11th & 12th of November 2017
For the first time in the upper north island I had my Thomas layout on show at the Glenbrook Vintage Railway for their " A Day out with Thomas Event"
Keegan, Kylie, Lloryian and myself left on the Friday 10th of November heading up to Auckland with many stops on the way. We timed it right to chase the Northern Explorer (train 200) on the way with the first stop to watch it cross the Makohine Viaduct and then it raced past us at the Mangaweka Crossing. Our next stop was Ohakune for one of there famous choc eclairs before the shop closed for the summer. It was then a mad dash to the Makatoke Viaducts to watch 200 cross this. This is where we met up with Greg and Charley who were also coming up to give us a hand for the weekend. We left Greg and Charley at National Park to find some lunch and to chase the train a bit more and we carried on with another quick stop at Te Kuiti and Otorohanga before again catching 200 through Ngaruawahia. We then stopped at the Glenbrook railway briefly to check where we would be setting up the layout before heading into Waiuku to get tea then heading out to the Big Bay hoilday park in Awhitu, Manukau Heads where we would be staying for the weekend, meeting up with Greg and Charley again.
Keegan, Kylie, Lloryian and myself left on the Friday 10th of November heading up to Auckland with many stops on the way. We timed it right to chase the Northern Explorer (train 200) on the way with the first stop to watch it cross the Makohine Viaduct and then it raced past us at the Mangaweka Crossing. Our next stop was Ohakune for one of there famous choc eclairs before the shop closed for the summer. It was then a mad dash to the Makatoke Viaducts to watch 200 cross this. This is where we met up with Greg and Charley who were also coming up to give us a hand for the weekend. We left Greg and Charley at National Park to find some lunch and to chase the train a bit more and we carried on with another quick stop at Te Kuiti and Otorohanga before again catching 200 through Ngaruawahia. We then stopped at the Glenbrook railway briefly to check where we would be setting up the layout before heading into Waiuku to get tea then heading out to the Big Bay hoilday park in Awhitu, Manukau Heads where we would be staying for the weekend, meeting up with Greg and Charley again.
On Saturday the 11th we were up very early and headed back to Glenbrook to start setting up my layout for the Day out with Thomas event. We got there just after 7am and started the big job of putting it together. This normally takes a couple of hours but this time took a little longer due to the uneven ground. We were still putting the trains on the layout when the first members of the public started to arrive to have a look at the event. The layout had the odd derailment and short out now and then due to the uneven ground, but ran ok for most of the day. The Glenbrook Vintage railway is a very busy place when they hold these events. There where tents everywhere with trade stands selling thomas items, food etc. There were thomas toys for the kids to play with along with face painting etc. Bulgy the double decker bus was giving rides along with Thomas on a siding and the Ww/De and the Ja running trains on the mainline. The public loved what they saw and I had alot of good comments about my layout. Trains ran every half hour from 9.30am onwards with the last one getting back in about 5pm. They were trying something new out over this weekend. As the public brought tickets for the train rides they were only allowed on the station platform just before there train was due in. This was great for us running the layout, it meant that as soon as the train left we had a few minutes free to either change a train on the layout, fix something, eat or use the loo before the next crowd were let in for the next train and we couldnt move again because of people looking at the layout. Glenbrook kindly had people staying over night for security so this meant I was able to leave my layout there set up, only taking the trains away with me. Once we left the railway we then shot to the Glenbrook model railway for a quick look at the big American HO layout before heading into Waiuku for tea and then back to the Hoilday Park for the night.
Sunday was very much the same as Saturday but because of the layout already being set up we didnt need to rush there as early. Today the sun had come out and boy was it going to be busy, a lot more public than the day before. The layout ran alot better today than the day before. The first train left at 9.30am with just a few passengers but from then on we had crowds around us for every train. GVR members told us the aveage passenger numbers for each train was 380 people and the trains ran every half hour. Once again we got a lot of good comments about the layout. Some of the parents told us that they had been at this event 3 or 4 times before but never been on a train ride due to the ques of people waiting and the kids getting to fitgity and bored while they waited so they were taken somewhere else instead. They mention how good a idea it was to have the layout on the platform as it kept the kids interested while they waited for the train. Even the GVR members loved it being there and have asked us back next time and for future Thomas events. The girls shot away for a few hours to have a look in Auckland for skates and the shops leaving Keegan, Greg and myself to keep a eye on the layout. At the end of the day when it was starting to slow down a bit Greg and Keegan went for another ride on the train and when the girls turned back up they got a ride on the last train for the day before we started to pack up. We got many thanks for coming from the GVR members and it was a great couple of days playing trains. Once we left here we had a look at the Glenbrook Steel Mill before heading back out to the Hoilday Park for tea.
With the great weekend now over we headed for home. Greg and Charley left early as they had a few things to do and look at on the way home. The rest of us left the hoilday park around 10am and had a look around the beach. We then drove to the Light house at Manukau Heads to have a look at the view and then again past the Glenbrook Steel Mill to see what was happening. Our next stop was at Lloryian's brothers place at Te Awamutu to say a brief hello to her family as we went past. Their pet guinea pig got a few cuddles from some of us. Leaving here we stopped at Taumarunui for tea and this is where we first spotted 229 with 2 electric locos on the front heading south. With Keegan asking me to chase it we took off eating as we drove trying to beat it to Raurimu but we got there just to see the tail end of the train disappearing around the corner. But we were lucky and we got to National Park before it, where the Te Rapa driver gave Keegan a big toot and wave. We then also just caught it crossing the Makatote Viaduct. We saw another train (222) sitting at Horopito waiting for its crew change with 229. We pulled into Ohakune and saw 229 heading south for the last time just after it got dark (no toot from the now P Nth Driver though). We then drove all the way home to Bulls. Kylie and Keegan stayed the night with us and they helped me set up the Thomas layout the next day, before heading home to Wanganui stopping on the way to look at the Bull, Cow and Calf at the Bulls school.
This was a great weekend away. Thank you to the Glenbrook Vintage Railway for having us up there. A big thank you to all my helpers over the weekend with the layout etc.
Photos taken by Kylie Jordan, Charley Masters, myself and a few others off the GVR facebook site.
This was a great weekend away. Thank you to the Glenbrook Vintage Railway for having us up there. A big thank you to all my helpers over the weekend with the layout etc.
Photos taken by Kylie Jordan, Charley Masters, myself and a few others off the GVR facebook site.
The Wanganui Model Railway Show
30th of September & 1st of October 2017.
The Wanganui Model Railway & Engineering Society held their big biennial show at the Wanganui City College Hall. I was once again involved with this show and this time I had my big Thomas layout and my Match Box (battery operated) layout on display. I also had Charleys N gauge Thomas layout running next to mine. They had layouts from all over the north island, some coming as far as Hamilton and Napier. Once again I had my nephew Keegan as my helper over the weekend and thanks go to my other mates/ club members who helped out from time to time. They had a lot of public through over the weekend and they all seemed to enjoy the event. This was a enjoyable weekend and well done to the organiser for a great event.
Trip to Masterton on the 12th of August 2017.
On Saturday 12th of August, I travelled with Blair and Lloryian to the Masterton Model railway show, held at the YMCA hall.
Due to the Manawatu gorge still being closed, we went via the Pahiatua track, a road I had not travelled before. It is an amazing road, very scenic, but due to the numerous twists and turns, I ended up a bit green around the gills. We had hoped to stop at the Pahiatua Railcar Society, but they weren’t open. Hopefully next time!
After a very wet trip, we arrived at the show nice and early, eager to have a look around and see everything. One of the first was a low one with Thomas and Toby that children could control, which seemed very popular. Another early highlight was one built inside an old trunk, with viewing windows cut of the front for kids to see.
There were also some familiar layouts, such as the Marklin one with cable cars and child operated magnetic crane. It was neat to see how they had changed or stayed the same since we last saw them.
Fay and Alan Giles from the WMR&ES were there, showing their classic Tri-Ang, a collection of framed railway images, and a poster for our own club show in September. Thanks for the plug, you two!
We also saw Paul Roxburgh, also from our club, and he and Blair had a good catch up.
My favourite of the day was the large G scale set up, from the Wairarapa Garden Railway Group, I also appreciated one which had a nod to Dr. Who. Lloryian enjoyed the Meccano set up, featuring many tricks and traps the engine needed to navigate.
All in all, a very nice show, well spread out to allow patrons plenty of room to move and see everything.
Due to the Manawatu gorge still being closed, we went via the Pahiatua track, a road I had not travelled before. It is an amazing road, very scenic, but due to the numerous twists and turns, I ended up a bit green around the gills. We had hoped to stop at the Pahiatua Railcar Society, but they weren’t open. Hopefully next time!
After a very wet trip, we arrived at the show nice and early, eager to have a look around and see everything. One of the first was a low one with Thomas and Toby that children could control, which seemed very popular. Another early highlight was one built inside an old trunk, with viewing windows cut of the front for kids to see.
There were also some familiar layouts, such as the Marklin one with cable cars and child operated magnetic crane. It was neat to see how they had changed or stayed the same since we last saw them.
Fay and Alan Giles from the WMR&ES were there, showing their classic Tri-Ang, a collection of framed railway images, and a poster for our own club show in September. Thanks for the plug, you two!
We also saw Paul Roxburgh, also from our club, and he and Blair had a good catch up.
My favourite of the day was the large G scale set up, from the Wairarapa Garden Railway Group, I also appreciated one which had a nod to Dr. Who. Lloryian enjoyed the Meccano set up, featuring many tricks and traps the engine needed to navigate.
All in all, a very nice show, well spread out to allow patrons plenty of room to move and see everything.
After we finished at the show, we went for a walk up the main street to find some lunch and have a look around the shops, before heading to Cwmglyn Farm and Middleton Model Railway, near Eketahuna.
This layout is very large and changes decade every so often. This time it was based in the 1980s. While the main layout is HO scale, there are smaller displays showing N Z and even T! Many of these displays had switches that allowed the viewer to take control, running the engines backwards and forwards, or turning lights on. They also show different brands like Marklin. Extra engines and rolling stock are in cases on the wall, again detailing different makes, eras and scales.
One neat layout was done with children in mind, and of course featured Thomas, Percy and a motorised Duke, presumably made from an Ertl model on a powered chassis. This also had switches for viewers to use.
They have a well-stocked model shop, and also sell craft cheeses, made with milk from the four cows who live in the front paddock. I was tempted by a few items, namely some 1:76 scale traction engines, but managed to resist.
The layouts have loads of details in them, and I was most taken by some colorful gardens in one section, along with their very friendly black cat on the front porch.
Once we left there, we headed towards home, this time taking the Saddle road, stopping by the big wind turbines above Palmerston North so I could take a few photos.
I had a great day, and thank Blair and Lloryian for taking me along for the ride. It was a day full of firsts, as I had never been to any of these places before.
Written by Charley Masters. Photos by Charley Masters and Stephen Brabender.
This layout is very large and changes decade every so often. This time it was based in the 1980s. While the main layout is HO scale, there are smaller displays showing N Z and even T! Many of these displays had switches that allowed the viewer to take control, running the engines backwards and forwards, or turning lights on. They also show different brands like Marklin. Extra engines and rolling stock are in cases on the wall, again detailing different makes, eras and scales.
One neat layout was done with children in mind, and of course featured Thomas, Percy and a motorised Duke, presumably made from an Ertl model on a powered chassis. This also had switches for viewers to use.
They have a well-stocked model shop, and also sell craft cheeses, made with milk from the four cows who live in the front paddock. I was tempted by a few items, namely some 1:76 scale traction engines, but managed to resist.
The layouts have loads of details in them, and I was most taken by some colorful gardens in one section, along with their very friendly black cat on the front porch.
Once we left there, we headed towards home, this time taking the Saddle road, stopping by the big wind turbines above Palmerston North so I could take a few photos.
I had a great day, and thank Blair and Lloryian for taking me along for the ride. It was a day full of firsts, as I had never been to any of these places before.
Written by Charley Masters. Photos by Charley Masters and Stephen Brabender.
The Great Manawatu Steam Fair
18th & 19th March 2017
This was held at the Steam Traction Society, Maewa, Feilding, New Zealand. This weekend featured Traction engine and Steam roller rides. Vintage machinery and model displays. The Air Force also did a fly over us on its way to the central districts field days. I had my Hornby Dublo 3 rail Model railway layout on display at this event with my little helper, my nephew Keegan. It was a very enjoyable weekend.
A Boys Weekend Away
24th to 27th of February 2017
Writen by Mark Seconi and photos by Blair Jordan
Back in February, Blair, Ewan, Hamish and myself went up to the Waikato for a bit of a 'boys weekend away'. On the Saturday we were joined by Greg. We based ourselves in a Hamilton motel for three nights that was a handy location in easy reach of the railway venues we wanted to visit.
We left for Hamilton around 10ish on Friday the 24th. Our first stop was at Makatote Viaduct, We were in time to watch the North bound Northern Explorer go through. We then stopped at National Park and watched the passenger train depart from there also. Our last stop before Hamilton was at Taumarunui where we had a late lunch on the station platform, while talking about the old Auckland carriages in the yard and had a look at the Spiral model railway layout in the I site.
We left for Hamilton around 10ish on Friday the 24th. Our first stop was at Makatote Viaduct, We were in time to watch the North bound Northern Explorer go through. We then stopped at National Park and watched the passenger train depart from there also. Our last stop before Hamilton was at Taumarunui where we had a late lunch on the station platform, while talking about the old Auckland carriages in the yard and had a look at the Spiral model railway layout in the I site.
Ashman Signalling Museum
On the evening of Friday the 24th, we visited Ken Ashman's Signalling Museum on the outskirts of Hamilton. Hamish had been informed of this private museum by a mate. We arrived just after dusk, and the driveway was guarded by a series of signals lit up for our arrival. We met Ken on the platform of his Victoria Railways inspired station and he issued us tickets for permission to be on the site and clipped them before we entered. In just the first few minutes of arrival, we could see we were in for a treat.
Inside the different floor spaces were jammed packed with every type of component you could imagine was once needed to control the nation's railway infrastructure up until the 2000's. Ken told us this was a destination for real 'relay foamers’. But, unlike many museums where an old signal or panel may lay merely on static display, most items of this museum were wired up for operation. Ken has a back room computer with a tailor-made programme simulating the presence and movement of the different sized trains. The computer knows to run all the trains in accordance with the route set up by Ken and his visitors. But you soon forget there is a computer involved as all attention is dedicated to running the large signal box panels and setting up the correct signals.
Ken and Hamish, with the rest of us in tow, raced around the three rooms pulling levers and setting up roads for the trains that were on our watch. In the course of the evening we viewed the operation of panels from Papatoetoe, Tuakau, Waiteti and Te Kuiti just to name a few.
Ken has an authentic telephone system set up with all the stations and boxes situated around his museum. This is for operating sessions where participants are positioned at different posts and send trains backwards and forwards using the telephones in a genuine manner.
If you'd like to see a video of this visit, type into Youtube; 'Nightshift At The Ashman Signalling Musuem' it’s a hoot and worth a look.
On the evening of Friday the 24th, we visited Ken Ashman's Signalling Museum on the outskirts of Hamilton. Hamish had been informed of this private museum by a mate. We arrived just after dusk, and the driveway was guarded by a series of signals lit up for our arrival. We met Ken on the platform of his Victoria Railways inspired station and he issued us tickets for permission to be on the site and clipped them before we entered. In just the first few minutes of arrival, we could see we were in for a treat.
Inside the different floor spaces were jammed packed with every type of component you could imagine was once needed to control the nation's railway infrastructure up until the 2000's. Ken told us this was a destination for real 'relay foamers’. But, unlike many museums where an old signal or panel may lay merely on static display, most items of this museum were wired up for operation. Ken has a back room computer with a tailor-made programme simulating the presence and movement of the different sized trains. The computer knows to run all the trains in accordance with the route set up by Ken and his visitors. But you soon forget there is a computer involved as all attention is dedicated to running the large signal box panels and setting up the correct signals.
Ken and Hamish, with the rest of us in tow, raced around the three rooms pulling levers and setting up roads for the trains that were on our watch. In the course of the evening we viewed the operation of panels from Papatoetoe, Tuakau, Waiteti and Te Kuiti just to name a few.
Ken has an authentic telephone system set up with all the stations and boxes situated around his museum. This is for operating sessions where participants are positioned at different posts and send trains backwards and forwards using the telephones in a genuine manner.
If you'd like to see a video of this visit, type into Youtube; 'Nightshift At The Ashman Signalling Musuem' it’s a hoot and worth a look.
Glenbrook
On the morning of Saturday the 25th, we went to the GVR were we met up with fellow SRW member Greg who had travelled up earlier. We met with Tim Kerwin from the GVR who made us welcome at their Pukeoware depot.
The event underway this weekend was called 'Steam & Vintage Country Festival 2017. The locomotives in steam on the railway were WW644 and JA1250. In addition, De507 was on display on the GVR's new turntable and Pukemiro's restored bush tram loco was trundling backwards and forwards along the GVR keeping out of the way of the steam services. The crowd attending was large and all the volunteers were busy.
The GVR is one of NZ's best developed railways and is familiar to most Kiwi railfans. So the point of difference that personally interested me on this specific visit (my first since 2007), was an opportunity to ride the GVR's extension into Victoria Avenue platform just inside Waiuku. I admired the speeds obtained on this line and the professionalism of the crews at running the locos around the loop and having us depart again in a timely manner. In addition to riding the trains, we also took the time to jump into Blair's ute and do a small amount of train chasing to gain some images from mid-way along the branch and overlooking Victoria Ave.
Before we left for the day, the SteamRail guys noticed a building near the halfway point along line housing what was advertised to be a model railroad display. It was late afternoon and fortunately the building was still open. We took a welcome break from the hot sunshine and headed into a different world. This layout was all HO scale and based on American Railroads. The 5 or 6 model trains operating were lengthy and took a long time to negotiate their way around the layout. This was definitely a nice bonus to the full-on day. Once finished here we went past the Glenbrook Steel Mill. We could see several shunt locos parked up there before we headed into Waiuku for tea.
On the morning of Saturday the 25th, we went to the GVR were we met up with fellow SRW member Greg who had travelled up earlier. We met with Tim Kerwin from the GVR who made us welcome at their Pukeoware depot.
The event underway this weekend was called 'Steam & Vintage Country Festival 2017. The locomotives in steam on the railway were WW644 and JA1250. In addition, De507 was on display on the GVR's new turntable and Pukemiro's restored bush tram loco was trundling backwards and forwards along the GVR keeping out of the way of the steam services. The crowd attending was large and all the volunteers were busy.
The GVR is one of NZ's best developed railways and is familiar to most Kiwi railfans. So the point of difference that personally interested me on this specific visit (my first since 2007), was an opportunity to ride the GVR's extension into Victoria Avenue platform just inside Waiuku. I admired the speeds obtained on this line and the professionalism of the crews at running the locos around the loop and having us depart again in a timely manner. In addition to riding the trains, we also took the time to jump into Blair's ute and do a small amount of train chasing to gain some images from mid-way along the branch and overlooking Victoria Ave.
Before we left for the day, the SteamRail guys noticed a building near the halfway point along line housing what was advertised to be a model railroad display. It was late afternoon and fortunately the building was still open. We took a welcome break from the hot sunshine and headed into a different world. This layout was all HO scale and based on American Railroads. The 5 or 6 model trains operating were lengthy and took a long time to negotiate their way around the layout. This was definitely a nice bonus to the full-on day. Once finished here we went past the Glenbrook Steel Mill. We could see several shunt locos parked up there before we headed into Waiuku for tea.
Pukemiro
On Sunday 26th we headed out to the Pukemiro Line. It has been 10 years since a group from SteamRail first came to this place on a railfans weekend away. The Bush Tramway Club have undertaken a massive amount of cleaning up on their site over those ten years. They have reduced the surplus rolling stock down to what they need. We met with Colin Jenner who lives just down the line and he was happy to show us around the sheds and update us on their latest projects.
We were invited out of the hot sunlight and into the shade of the clubhouse for a much sought after cup of tea; here we talked as railway enthusiasts do. One topic which popped up was the looming volunteer shortage crisis. Our guide said that all the active BTC members were in their 60's and 70's and "could all fall over dead next week". The question of who is going to look after this museum line in the future was one we did not have a ready solution too.
We were offered a cab ride in one of their Drewry locos to the Glen Afton end of the line. We jumped at this opportunity. Down the line we went through the cuttings and over the large embankments. I kept picturing what this route was like in the days where there would have been steam hauled coal trains.
The little Drewry (No2624) was 1 of 2 built for the New Zealand Electricity Department in 1957 for use at their Meremere plant and was give the number 402. It was purchased by the club in 1997 and restored in 2005 to operating condition and given the number 2 (the club also has the other 1 in their collection).
In 2007, when we visited the first time around, the far end-section of line had been seldom used by trains since the NZR days. Museum movements finished short of the lines' end. Today the club is, section by section, making that track usable for their operating days. They wish to lay a loop at the Glen Afton end of their line. We took the time to walk along the line to the site of the future loop.
On the way back to Hamilton we stopped and had a look at the Rail coal loading bins and an old station building in Huntly. Once we got into Hamilton we went via the Hamilton Model Engineers track. Although it was too late for any trains to be operating we had a look around, studying how they have done their points, tracks and bridges etc. This group also has the old Frankton Signal box on site, a Dsa loco and wagon. Also alongside this park is the main KiwiRail yards at Te Rapa. There were a few locos moving around while we were there. After tea our final stop before heading back to the motel was at the Hamilton Lake Domain where we had a good look over the F class loco that is on display there and the guys finished off playing in the kiddies playground on its big water feature.
If you'd like to see a video of our visit to the BTC, type into youtube; "Ride Aboard A Drewry Loco On The Pukemiro Bush Tramway"
On Sunday 26th we headed out to the Pukemiro Line. It has been 10 years since a group from SteamRail first came to this place on a railfans weekend away. The Bush Tramway Club have undertaken a massive amount of cleaning up on their site over those ten years. They have reduced the surplus rolling stock down to what they need. We met with Colin Jenner who lives just down the line and he was happy to show us around the sheds and update us on their latest projects.
We were invited out of the hot sunlight and into the shade of the clubhouse for a much sought after cup of tea; here we talked as railway enthusiasts do. One topic which popped up was the looming volunteer shortage crisis. Our guide said that all the active BTC members were in their 60's and 70's and "could all fall over dead next week". The question of who is going to look after this museum line in the future was one we did not have a ready solution too.
We were offered a cab ride in one of their Drewry locos to the Glen Afton end of the line. We jumped at this opportunity. Down the line we went through the cuttings and over the large embankments. I kept picturing what this route was like in the days where there would have been steam hauled coal trains.
The little Drewry (No2624) was 1 of 2 built for the New Zealand Electricity Department in 1957 for use at their Meremere plant and was give the number 402. It was purchased by the club in 1997 and restored in 2005 to operating condition and given the number 2 (the club also has the other 1 in their collection).
In 2007, when we visited the first time around, the far end-section of line had been seldom used by trains since the NZR days. Museum movements finished short of the lines' end. Today the club is, section by section, making that track usable for their operating days. They wish to lay a loop at the Glen Afton end of their line. We took the time to walk along the line to the site of the future loop.
On the way back to Hamilton we stopped and had a look at the Rail coal loading bins and an old station building in Huntly. Once we got into Hamilton we went via the Hamilton Model Engineers track. Although it was too late for any trains to be operating we had a look around, studying how they have done their points, tracks and bridges etc. This group also has the old Frankton Signal box on site, a Dsa loco and wagon. Also alongside this park is the main KiwiRail yards at Te Rapa. There were a few locos moving around while we were there. After tea our final stop before heading back to the motel was at the Hamilton Lake Domain where we had a good look over the F class loco that is on display there and the guys finished off playing in the kiddies playground on its big water feature.
If you'd like to see a video of our visit to the BTC, type into youtube; "Ride Aboard A Drewry Loco On The Pukemiro Bush Tramway"
Waihi
On Monday the 27th, we headed to the Goldfields Railway at Waihi. We travelled beside the old Thames line for some of the journey. We drove through the Karangahape Gorge. Man alive is that place spectacular. We popped by the open cast Martha mine and old gold mine displays on our way to the Waihi station. The sun-burning weather of the weekend had given way to misty rain.
Upon arrival at the Waihi yard, I could see that old station had that genuine NZR 'feeling' about it that station buildings that have been trucked onto a site don't quite have. The Waihi yard was large and the goldfields railway have built their expansive shed across one end of the yard. They are very well off with their railway infrastructure here. Well, this place did once handle large volumes of through traffic prior to the opening of the Kaimai Tunnel.
The staff were friendly and we were issued hi-viz vests and invited to jump aboard for the run down to Waikino. The ride was great, but the passenger numbers were quiet at the time of our visit. In the train's consist was a high-sided wagon for bicycles. I learned that the growing cycle tourism stream is an important part of this railway's day to day work.
We had a bite to eat at Waikino, then Hamish & myself climbed into the cab of the loco just prior to departure. As we travelled back, the driver pointed out where new track laying had been recently been done. The loco grinded its way up the gradient; by now it was downright raining.
The loco failed just shy of the top of the gradient not far from the Waihi. We had to be rescued by the other operating loco and we were pulled into the station after only a short delay. Both busy locos were not faring all that well during our visit. Blair noted the following day, that on the Goldfields Railway website, they had cancelled their Tuesday schedule. And yes; if you want to see this last part of our weekend away, it’s also on YouTube; "Climb Aboard A Baguley-Drewry Loco On The Goldfields Railway"
On the journey home, we stopped by the old rail yard at Te Aroha for some photos (which has a small shunt loco on display). Further down the island we stopped at Taumarunui for tea and had a look through upstairs of the station building. Did you know there is a large model railroad upstairs, left over from a defunct club? The visit to Taumarunui was one last treat in a busy and packed weekend.
On Monday the 27th, we headed to the Goldfields Railway at Waihi. We travelled beside the old Thames line for some of the journey. We drove through the Karangahape Gorge. Man alive is that place spectacular. We popped by the open cast Martha mine and old gold mine displays on our way to the Waihi station. The sun-burning weather of the weekend had given way to misty rain.
Upon arrival at the Waihi yard, I could see that old station had that genuine NZR 'feeling' about it that station buildings that have been trucked onto a site don't quite have. The Waihi yard was large and the goldfields railway have built their expansive shed across one end of the yard. They are very well off with their railway infrastructure here. Well, this place did once handle large volumes of through traffic prior to the opening of the Kaimai Tunnel.
The staff were friendly and we were issued hi-viz vests and invited to jump aboard for the run down to Waikino. The ride was great, but the passenger numbers were quiet at the time of our visit. In the train's consist was a high-sided wagon for bicycles. I learned that the growing cycle tourism stream is an important part of this railway's day to day work.
We had a bite to eat at Waikino, then Hamish & myself climbed into the cab of the loco just prior to departure. As we travelled back, the driver pointed out where new track laying had been recently been done. The loco grinded its way up the gradient; by now it was downright raining.
The loco failed just shy of the top of the gradient not far from the Waihi. We had to be rescued by the other operating loco and we were pulled into the station after only a short delay. Both busy locos were not faring all that well during our visit. Blair noted the following day, that on the Goldfields Railway website, they had cancelled their Tuesday schedule. And yes; if you want to see this last part of our weekend away, it’s also on YouTube; "Climb Aboard A Baguley-Drewry Loco On The Goldfields Railway"
On the journey home, we stopped by the old rail yard at Te Aroha for some photos (which has a small shunt loco on display). Further down the island we stopped at Taumarunui for tea and had a look through upstairs of the station building. Did you know there is a large model railroad upstairs, left over from a defunct club? The visit to Taumarunui was one last treat in a busy and packed weekend.
Wanganui Vintage Weekend
21st to 23rd of January 2017
SteamRail Wanganui (the group I am President of) was once again involved with the Wanganui Vintage Weekend. They had another great weekend of Motor Trolley (Jigger) rides and their shed was open to the public for viewing. This year I had two of my motor trolleys there. My smaller Aluminium framed 2 man jigger (WW 6701) was one of 5 giving rides while my bigger 4 man wooden jigger was on display (WW 7078), as this is waiting to be restored. The weather tried to beat us but we came out on top. A big thank you to all members and everyone who helped out. You all did the club proud.