Well I've just returned from my 2nd trip to NZ, The first was so enjoyable I cashed in an insurance policy and off we went. Via Hong Kong this time.
Had to have a trip on the "Ding Ding" as they are known locally, great fun and cheap!
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/7/thumb_36215.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=36215)
Had to try the street food although it's best not to read the translations for some of it!
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The Peak Tram is a must
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We went on the modern one!
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Views not as good as we would have liked and it was quite cool
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/7/thumb_36178.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=36178)
View from the tram gives you the gradient
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Odd looking building at the top!
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Enjoyed some excellent restaurant food and found some good beer!
Went to Stanley Market
[smg id=36217
And found this unusual bar!
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/7/thumb_36218.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=36218)
Then off to Christchurch via Auckland, not the plane we went on!
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/7/thumb_36219.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=36219)
Didn't have time to go into Christchurch this trip but heading south we came to Tinwald where they have the Plains Pioneer village and Railway Museum, unfortunately shut but we had a poke round and found No 88 in the shed it hauled the first Christchurch – Dunedin express back in 1878, 'K' 88, or Washington, was built in 1877 by Rogers Locomotive Works, Paterson, New Jersey.
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/7/thumb_36182.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=36182)
Also lurking in the shed was 'A' 64 which was built in 1873 by Dubs & Co, Glasgow, Scotland. It is a 0-4-0T and was one of the first 3" 6' (1067mm) gauged locomotives to operate in New Zealand.
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/7/thumb_36185.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=36185)
And In trials on the 25th October 1940 Vulcan Railcar 'RM' 50 set the official New Zealand Railways speed record of 78mp/h, or 125km/h. This record is still standing today,
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/7/thumb_36236.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=36236) I cannot get this picture to post portrait others I've had to reload and they've been ok?
Lurking in the back of this photo is 'Ja' 1260 which was built at Hillside Railway Workshops, Dunedin for the New Zealand Government Railways in 1952.
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/7/thumb_36240.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=36240)
The Station being inspected by my good lady
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Then it was off to Geraldine a lovely little town with a superb car museum and home to the company that made the jam that we took round on our travels (plenty of fruit). First a lovely little 6 cylinder MG
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/7/thumb_36190.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=36190)
An early Black & Decker drill!
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A Daimler used by the Queen (note the bumper badge) on her tour in 1953
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And the last surviving 1929 Spartan biplane
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/7/thumb_36192.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=36192)
Then it was on to Lake Tekapo
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And with our hire car
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The view from Mt John
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Part of the observatory up there
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And a view down to the town
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Being in the vicinity of Mount Cook we had wanted to take a flight there but as last time the weather was against us however when we got down to Twizel we found the "Red Cat"
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The intrepid aviators
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A view in flight
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And safely back on Terra Firma!
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and that takes me up to beer time so I'll catch up with you later, Cheers :beers:
Thank you for posting your pictures along with descriptive commentary. I would have loved to go up in the Red Cat, it must have been brilliant to be in an open cockpit like that. Were you given the chance to take over flying for a time?
I thoroughly enjoyed all your pictures, thank you.
Cheers John.
It seems you had a good time. A great set of photos. :thumbsup:
MinzaPint
Brilliant pics. Glad you found the railways and enjoyed the country. Looking forward to your next report. :)
As always, great hearing of your adventures, David! :thumbsup:
Great pics! You wouldn't get me up in that plane.... bet it was cold :cold:
Thanks for the comments folks :thumbsup: re the plane it used to be a crop duster so we were sat where the fertilizer used to go (quite appropriate!) with the jackets and helmets on it wasn't cold and the "cargo" bay didn't have any controls, I prefer to leave that to the experts!
will post more later :beers:
Some fabulous views. We visited Hong Kong on our way back from NZ in Feb/Mar 2011. It was murky then. Fascinating place though I cannot say I liked it. Yes we were in Napier when the Christchurch quake hit, and just arrived in HK when the quake and Tsunami hit Japan. I remember that car museum from our 1996 trip.
We loved the Glenbrook Railway (North island near our friends SW of Auckland). And the Taire Gorge line from Dunedin.
Yep the gorge trip out of Dunedin is cool. :thumbsup:
Then it was off to Queenstown where we had been on our previous trip so this time we took in some other sites
A Kiwi and a Moa
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/7/thumb_36221.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=36221)
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/7/thumb_36224.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=36224) the Moa is at the back!
Went up in the chairlift where the trail riders hitch a lift up!
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/7/thumb_36223.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=36223)
And inspite of the blazing temperatures in the North Island we were greeted with this view
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As you leave the gondola there is the excellent Kiwi Birdlife Park which is well worth a visit, after which it was time for refreshment
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Then through more lovely countryside, driving in most of NZ is very relaxing and enjoyable, taking us to Dunedin where we stayed just round the corner from the chocoholics dream
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Rosemary's Prawn feast at the "Reef" on the main street
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We also ate at "Gaslight" a very nice French themed place just round the corner from our digs. Then it was time to take in one of the few pre-booked treats a leftover from our last visit, "Speights Brewery"
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The Egyptians apparently invented brewing as evidenced by
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James Speight the founder was actually from Portsmouth but our host for the day was Graham
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Who advised us to visit The Duke of Wellington just down the road.
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Before we go the famous "Spring in the wall" where the locals get their drinking water supply.
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Then we set of to Port Chalmers via the Carey's Bay hotel built by the Mayor of Port Chalmers in 1874 where we had an excellent lunch
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The railway still works into the docks via the tunnel and aptly named hotel (sign in centre)
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There is a very interesting museum with details of the ports history and some lovely ship models
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And from the viewpoint on the northern hillside a view of the harbour
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Also a plaque recording Scott's departure on his ill fated voyage
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Then it was off to Oamaru which we visited on our previous trip, where this time we found Oamaru Steam and Rail, like a lot of interesting sites it was shut on the day we were there but we had a look round, the harbourside station
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The end of the line at the dock
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A restoration project?
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A 1939 Drewry Shunter
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And receiving a little TLC their pride and joy a 1924 Hudswell Clarke
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view of the town from the hillside
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Finally the Steam Punk exhibition which we passed on!
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That'll do for this batch, more to follow, cheers for now :beers: David
Fantastic photos! They bring back alot of memories.... time for another trip, methinks.
After going up in that little red plane, I would have thought you'd have jumped off that mountain in Queenstown with one of those paragliding folk!
The weather looks a bit dodgy, though. On the day of my own visit to Speights Brewery it was pouring down. Good weather for a brewery visit!
For what it's worth, Speights is my favorite Kiwi beer. :beers:
George
Another great set of photos. Never been south of the Equator but that makes it look very tempting. :thumbsup:
Quote from: Bealman on March 04, 2016, 08:23:24 PM
The weather looks a bit dodgy, though. On the day of my own visit to Speights Brewery it was pouring down. Good weather for a brewery visit!
For what it's worth, Speights is my favorite Kiwi beer. :beers:
George
Have to agree on the Speights, got the T shirt! well rugby shirt really. While in NZ I kept trying different beers, with all the small breweries there's plenty of choice :beers: Cheers David
Travelling north we passed through Timaru to find a sign pointing to railcar running and shot off to find the Pleasant Point railway and this lovely 1926 Model T Ford beautifully restored
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A view inside
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And the controls
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Heading down the line to the Keanes Crossing shed and works
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Where we found AB 699 under going a refurb, built for the New Zealand Railways in 1922 by the Thames firm of A & G Price, carrying their maker's number 94. They expect to have her running again in 6 months.
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The cab
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And this lovely little loco a D16 2-4-0 engine built in 1878 by the Scottish locomotive manufacturers Neilson and Company of Glasgow.
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One of the carriages in the shed
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And some of the interiors
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(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/7/thumb_36289.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=36289) reversible seats
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The station at Keanes
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The railcar running onto the turntable at Keanes
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The signal box
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The wagon turntable at Mount Pleasant, just right for the railcar
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And TR18 built for New Zealand Railways in 1936 by the Drewry Car Company Limited of England;
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A very enjoyable visit then it was off to Akaroa in the distance as we approached, view from the hilltop hotel where we had lunch and being so close I had a pint. Rosemary is definitely hooked on NZ cider.
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Since the earthquakes cruise ships are unable to use Lyttleton harbour for visiting Christchurch and now come to Akaroa but the residents are prepared!
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The old lighthouse has been moved here from the headland
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But provides a nice panorama
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We went on a harbour cruise
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And spotted a Dolphin with it's calf
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And a view back towards Akaroa as we left, it was one of our favourite spots
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On the way up to Murchison we stopped for a coffee near Hammer Springs where they do Bungy jumping from this bridge and white water rafting
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and a view along the valley
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Stopped at the Murchison Lodge for B&B lovely quite location really nice owners and a good breakfast. After a good nights sleep we set off for Nelson but more of that later, cheers for now :beers: David
How cool is that railcar!! :thumbsup: May I ask how far the line runs, please?
Akaroa looks nice... a place I don't think I've been to, or if I have I don't recall. Maybe I drove straight through without looking. I'll bookmark it for next trip.
Wonderful photos once more. Looking forward to the next episode! :beers:
George
Very interesting to see what has happened to NZ preservation since I was working there in the late 1970s when I was in the Merchant Navy.
First trip-July 1976-Bluff; only steam I saw was a dumped 'Ja' (?) outside Invercargill shed. But most of the locos hauling trains into the port were 'old' British built diesel locos.
Second trip; Dec 76-Feb 77; Auckland-MOTAT, which had a large collection of locos, but no (or very limited) running. I think the 'Bush tramway' locos were in the process of being moved to a new location. The museum also had a large collection of aircraft. Glenbrook railway-first of two visits-lots of locos, but not a running day. I did help to take the tender tank off an ex logging loco.
Wellington; Silver Springs railway; a large collection, but very limited running. I think from their website they have now moved to the Hutt valley. Paekakarike; locos seen inside a shed. I think that at least one that I saw now runs mainline.
Lyttleton; I didn't get to the Ferrymead site; on my weekend off, I went sailing in Akaroa harbour instead....the radio officer did get there, however.
Timaru; on a visit to Mount Cook by road, we passed Pleasant Point, which at the time was just a strip of track in the station with the 'Ab' on the track. They seem to have moved on somewhat. Then, over a full weekend, two of us went from Timaru by train to see the "Kingston Flyer' on its original route from Lumsden to Kingston and back. Fantastic scenery; but on the way back to Timaru, strong winds caused trees to fall across the line, so we were very late back to the ship and only just got back in time to start work on Monday!
June/July 1978; now on container ships, with very limited time off, but I did get a second chance to go to Glenbrook; also a brief look around Auckland NZR diesel shed.
I still take an occasional look t NZ preservation websites, and i note that there are many more than when I was there, and also the mainline running which now happens.
Fond memories, and lots of pictures in the loft. Hopefully I will return after retirement!
Martyn
Quote from: Bealman on March 05, 2016, 08:33:18 PM
How cool is that railcar!! :thumbsup: May I ask how far the line runs, please?
Akaroa looks nice... a place I don't think I've been to, or if I have I don't recall. Maybe I drove straight through without looking. I'll bookmark it for next trip.
Wonderful photos once more. Looking forward to the next episode! :beers:
George
Thanks George
The railcar track is only 2 kilometers but great fun! Akaroa is a great place for a short stop and the road there is quite interesting! And thanks to Martyn for his insight into some of the history of preservation in NZ
We said our first trip would be a one off but we're now trying to work out if we can manage a third, I'd like to fit in a few of the preserved lines when they are running!
Cheers for now :beers: David
For anyone who wants to get the flavour of NZ steam in action, the NZ national film unit made a series of films which are/were available on tapes; I don't know if they are available on disc. One, though shot in black and white, 'Kb country', is worth it to see this class of 4-8-4s full out going over Arthur's Pass (I think-South Island).
Other titles have been released by independent makers which include main line and preserved railways; there are also a number of clips on Youtube.
Don't forget that NZR is 3'6" gauge. Many of their steam locos were UK built, as were the first generation diesels; newer locos tend to be US based, I think, but not necessarily built there. A number of classes were built locally in NZR workshops.
Martyn
In respect of Martyn' comments, the following may be of interest:
'Kb Country' is on Youtube and was produced and masterminded by Ian Cross- a railway enthusiast who was also an exceptional modeller in Sn 31/2 scale. Unfortunately he died some years ago, It was filmed on the 'Midland Line' the track that goes from one side of the South Island to the other and which is now a popular tourist line.
In respect of NZ's motive power history: In precis many of the early locomotives were certainly built in the UK, BUT delivery problems and the realisation that US-sourced locomotives were more suitable for local conditions, eventually meant that Baldwin's products became the 'locomotives of choice' a situation that lasted until 1915 when the Aa (A a) class arrived; theses being the last locomotives built by Baldwin's for the NZR.
HOWEVER, the NZ Government Railways Department (NZGR) had a very long history of building their own locomotives, starting with the W class 2-6-2T's in 1889 and continuing through to the Ja (Jay A) 4-8-2, the last of which was built in 1956.
The NZGR design office took the best of both US and UK steam locomotive design and seemed to be able to combine the various attributes into very efficient and powerful locomotives, some of which (the K Ka [Kay A], Kb and Ja [Jay -a) classes) were considered to be on a par with the best of contemporary British and US standard-gauge types. Certainly David Morgan ('Trains' Magazine) considered the K-and Ka class 4-8-4's to be exceptional.
In respect of innovation BTW, it should not be forgotten that the NZGR introduced the 'Pacific'-type (4-6-2) locomotive to the world with the 'Q' class of 1901, and also the 'Mountain'-type (4-8-2) in the form of the 'X' class of 1909.
Sadly, as with steam power, the 'First Generation' of diesel-electrics, while sourced from the UK (specifically English Electric) brought with them myriads of problems and were ultimately deemed to be unsuitable for the task. They had been ordered as a result of pressure from London, at a time when Britain was trying to rebuild itself after WWIi and while remaining in secondary use for many years, were rapidly replaced on main line services by US-built equipment (Specifically EMD's G-12 and G-8 'export' types) in the 1950's. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the EMD product (of classes Da [Dee A) and Db [D-bee])were more suited to local conditions. The Da (EMD G-12) eliminated steam power on the North Island's 'main Trunk line which runs from Wellington (the Capital) to Auckland (the largest city), while the Db (EMD G-8) was a lighter locomotive for 'secondary' lines. it also came to dominate steam, lading to the demise of that form of power. EMD continued to hold sway until the late 1970's when a brief incursion by US manufacturer General Electric proved the superiority of the EMD product. Due to World Bank pressure associated with the Japanese economy and NZ exports to that country, Mitsubishi also made a batch of locomotives for New Zealand, but these were somewhat less than successful and remained in the South Island for their entire NZR career.
Currently, the largest class of diesel-electrics are the Chinese-built Dl's which started entering service some 5 years ago.
Hoping that this is of interest.
It most certainly is! Thanks for posting! :thumbsup:
Komata;
Thanks for the precis of NZGR loco history. I was trying to avoid making as lengthy a post as you have made! Also, as I said in my original post, I haven't been there since 1978, so any memories are now dim(ish), but I did keep in correspondence with one of the members of the Glenbrook railway until about 1988, and received magazines from him to keep me up to date until then.
I also haven't watched my NZ tapes for some years, due to the change in technology! I think the tape referred to also had the delivery trip of a 'Wab' from the South Island to, I think, Glenbrook; and also two other short films, but I can't remember what. Another tape is of main line running with either Glenbrook's or Steam Incorporated locos.
I think that when I was last down there, the Dx class was the newest one.
Martyn
Martyn
Thank you. Sadly, while railway preservation is going well and some real gems are being restored, the actual railway system is dying-off as the trucks start to take ascendency; helped in no small measure by a railways board that has no railway members and who seem content to do nothing to gain business back from the road transport people. Death by inaction if you will.
At least you saw it in its 'better days' :)
And on to Nelson where we went up Botanical hill referred to as the centre of NZ to get this view
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/7/thumb_36309.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=36309)
A look round some early settlers houses
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/7/thumb_36310.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=36310)
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/7/thumb_36311.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=36311)
And then a trip to Cape Farewell, first seen from the plane as we flew into Christchurch it's the long sandbar on the right, looks abit like a Kiwi's beak! It's the northernmost point of the south island
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/6/thumb_36348.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=36348)
They use special buses with large allwheel drives to get through the loose sand at each end of the bar
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/6/thumb_36356.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=36356)
The area is kept as natural as possible and the tour people stop to pick any litter or unnatural flotsam & jetsam
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/7/thumb_36313.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=36313)
The interesting lighthouse, originally there were 3 keepers whose cottages lie just behind the lighthouse, the keepers were responsible for planting the trees to give themselves some shelter
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/7/thumb_36314.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=36314)
A view seawards from the cottages
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/6/thumb_36349.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=36349)
The headland at the landward end of the bar, looks just like Durdle Door just down the road from me.
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/7/thumb_36316.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=36316)
We drove to the Cape from Nelson which involved a twisting road with lots of tight bends which we had got used to but it was the 1st time we had come across a 15kph! advisory sign and it meant it.
From there we went to Blenheim for a wine and mussel tour, first "Cloudy Bay"
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/7/thumb_36321.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=36321)
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/7/thumb_36322.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=36322)
And then Nautilus whose wine we preferred although it was all good (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-eatdrink016.gif) (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php)
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/6/thumb_36359.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=36359)
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/6/thumb_36358.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=36358)
On to Havelock home of the greenlip mussel and on to the boat
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/7/thumb_36320.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=36320)
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/7/thumb_36324.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=36324)
Out to the mussel bed
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/6/thumb_36360.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=36360)
Where the boat was tethered alongside and we had a feast of mussels, so busy stuffing myself I forgot to take a piccy, nice glass of wine to go with it as well!
On the way back passed this lucky guy who'd just caught a Kingfish, they are very tasty and the captain of our boat was horrified when the guy put it back
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/6/thumb_36361.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=36361)
When we got back to the town our lunch stop was right next to the town museum with this fellow standing outside
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/7/thumb_36318.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=36318)
And her history
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/7/thumb_36331.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=36331)
Finally off to Picton which featured in my 2014 saga, drop off the car and ferry to the north island and Wellington via the picturesque Queen Charlotte Sound.
Before I leave the South Island the pump clip of the first beer I had on arrival in Christchurch
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/6/thumb_36435.jpg) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=36435)
Now guess which bunch that reminded me of?
I'll catch up with you all soon cheers :beers: David
Komata;
can you please confirm if the Midland line of the South island includes Arthur's pass, and the Otira tunnel, which I think at least for a time was electrified (the Otira tunnel bit, that is)?
When I was there on the meat ships, the frozen carcasses would come by rail to the tranship sheds, and then loaded direct to the ships; at Bluff and Timaru via the huge covered loaders, and in other ports, by means of cradles on the ship's derricks. I think wool arrived by rail as well. On my last couple of trips, the containers also came by rail. A shame if this is now lost to road.
TIA
Martyn
Martyn
Thanks for the question. Yes, the 'Midland line' does indeed include the Otira Tunnel and Arthurs Pass. The 'Electrics' have all gone BTW, as have the 'break bulk' handling procedures you would have seen. Containers rule everywhere on what remains of the railway system and the only 4-wheeled wagons still in revenue service are a small group still operating as log haulers on the Dargaville branch in Northland (top of the Nth island). The trucks (with political help) have largely taken the 'cream' and the railway carries whatever may be left.
More great pictures, David! :thumbsup:
So onto Wellington I do like this city, some nice buildings
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/6/thumb_36542.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=36542)
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/6/thumb_36543.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=36543)
A ride on the cable car
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/6/thumb_36545.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=36545)
And the view from the top
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/6/thumb_36544.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=36544)
A couple of examples of British engineering, a Stothert & Pitt dockside crane
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/6/thumb_36547.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=36547)
The floating steam crane Hikitia built in Scotland in 1926 and last used in 2013 during the construction of flats on the old Ocean terminal site.
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/6/thumb_36587.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=36587)
Just 3 buildings from our hotel a lovely Belgian bar with a good range of beers
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/6/thumb_36548.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=36548)
A peaceful view of the harbour
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/6/thumb_36586.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=36586)
And on to Steam Incorporated at Paekakariki, another place we came across on a day when nothing much was going on, we did however have a good look round. JA1271
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/6/thumb_36549.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=36549)
Cab detail
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/6/thumb_36554.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=36554)
AB 608 "Passchendaele"
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/6/thumb_36551.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=36551)
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/6/thumb_36555.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=36555)
And its plaque
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/6/thumb_36553.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=36553)
Cab detail
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/6/thumb_36557.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=36557)
DA1471 nearly ready for the off!
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/6/thumb_36550.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=36550)
DA1431
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/6/thumb_36552.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=36552)
Coach under restoration
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/6/thumb_36558.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=36558)
A rake of the finished article
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/6/thumb_36559.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=36559)
Next stop is the Len Southward Car Museum a must for car enthusiasts, just a taster on here as we've got a long way to go, see you all soon, you've guessed it its nearly (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-eatdrink009.gif) (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php) time
Great pictures, David. I too, have a fondness for Wellington. My old schoolmate and his wife live and work there and we go there quite frequently. Never been to the railway museum though! :thumbsup:
And so on to the Len Southward Car Museum, a most impressive collection including Marlene Dietrich's V16 Cadillac
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/6/main_36560.JPG)
A beautiful Bugatti
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/6/main_36561.JPG)
How's this for a "kettle" a Stanley steamer
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/6/main_36562.JPG)
A view of some of the exhibits including the white Cord roadster in the middle
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/6/main_36563.JPG)
And a few of the motorbikes with a nice BSA sloper
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/6/main_36564.JPG)
Up the road the Makohine viaduct
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/6/main_36566.JPG)
And it's info plaque
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/6/main_36565.JPG)
A view from the top of Mt Ruopehu while we were staying at Ohakune
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/6/main_36568.JPG)
On the way down the Mangewhero falls
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/6/main_36569.JPG)
Not very wet at the time of year!
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/6/main_36570.JPG)
The woodland path to get there
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/6/main_36571.JPG)
Back in Ohakune there is a railway exhibit which features info on the Tangiwai disaster on xmas eve 1953
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/6/main_36588.JPG)
And a model of the accident site
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/6/main_36708.JPG)
As well as the Café Loco
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/6/main_36589.JPG)
And an old poster for the much missed Kingston Flyer
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/6/main_36594.JPG)
another viaduct undergoing renovation, an enormous amount of lead based paint had to be removed
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/6/main_36573.JPG)
And its details
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/6/main_36572.JPG)
A view of Mt Tongariro near the "Top of the Bruce"
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/6/main_36574.JPG)
My little treasure coming down the ski lift, not really my thing I waited in the bar!
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/6/main_36575.JPG)
A countryside view
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/6/main_36576.JPG)
And across an estuary
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/6/main_36577.JPG)
In Ohaupo we came accros a lovely café at the back of a clock shop
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/6/main_36592.JPG)
And found this sign, which sums me up perfectly!
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/6/main_36591.JPG)
And next it's on to Hamilton as we make our way up to the Bay of Islands via Auckland
Cheers for now, :beers: David
More great pictures, David! Once again fond memories for me as I've been to most of those places. :thumbsup:
We are off there again on July 4 for a couple of weeks, but I doubt there'll be much railway content as it will be South Island only and Mrs B is making noises about going skiing! :uneasy:
On the way back passed this lucky guy who'd just caught a Kingfish, they are very tasty and the captain of our boat was horrified when the guy put it back
Looks undersized to me!! B