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Mainline Steam on North Island, New Zealand 2002 |
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In October 2002, I accepted an invitation from John Raby to take advantage of his temporary posting to New Zealand to have a look at the steam/railway scene there. Links to the various preservation scheme's web pages are given in my introductory notes. You should also refer to Mainline Steam on South Island, New Zealand 2002 Steam Holiday on North Island, New Zealand 2002 Steam Holiday on South Island, New Zealand 2002 Mainline Steam ran a tour of both islands of New Zealand during my stay and we dropped in on it from time to time. Initially it ran from Auckland to Wellington before transferring to South Island where we followed it for a few days. We found it again on North Island beyond Napier on 20th October. The full run to Gisborne and back was not possible owing to the line being out of action (temporarily) north of Wairoa. Highlight of the trip is the Mohaka Bridge (97m) - spot the train:
Train locomotive was streamlined J1211, seen here at Wairoa:
The weather was distinctly variable, but the return climb to Waikoau was most photogenic:
On 21st October, the train went from Naipier to Wanganui with a change to Jb 1236 at Palmerston North. This is not the most scenic line in the country, the wind was blowing a squally gale and the light was unfavourable till the afternoon. Hence we saw it leave Napier
and left the train soon after Hastings:
This is Jb 1236 at Wanganui after arrival:
The photographic highlight was the climb under the wires to Marton - but that is on slide and not yet available! Instead here is the descent through Fordell:
On 22nd October, the destination was New Plymouth. The steep climb out of Wanganui was attractive near the summit despite the weather:
The sun shone from time to time including the climb past Maxwell:
The final day's run from New Plymouth to Auckland was aborted as Tranzrail had a derailment along the intended route.... Still, all three locomotives had performed almost entirely as intended. Loading appeared disappointing with what seemed to be 25-30 passengers on average, most of whom appeared to be from overseas - no doubt the relatively high cost (NZ$5600, U$2700) discouraged local riders. Personally, I think the trip would have been more attractive had it been less travel intensive and included more visits to preserved sites - I believe they visited just a few places (certainly riding the TSS Earnslaw and the Kingston Flyer). If anyone who travelled on the train reads this report and what would like to comment, I would be happy to add it. Click here for the Australasian Steam Page |
