Here is steam locomotive No. 1 of Canterbury Railways, also called "Pilgrim", at Ferrymead.
Steam locomotive, Canterbury Railways no 1, at Ferrymead, Christchurch. Ref: 1/2-022793-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. http://natlib.govt.nz/records/23047238
When the New Zealand government took over the responsibility for railway construction,
all railway lines were laid to the narrower national gauge of 1,067 mm.
The first important class of steam locomotive built to operate on the national network was the F class.
Between 1872 and 1888 a total of 88 engines were constructed.
Here F 233 is seen in 1908.
F Class locomotive, NZR 223, 0-6-0T. Godber, Albert Percy, 1875-1949 :Collection of albums, prints and negatives.
Ref: APG-0243-1/2-G. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/22851950
F 13 was built in 1872 and entered service in 1873.
It received the name Peveril, after the novel Peveril of the Peak by Sir Walter Scott.
Other F class locomotives also received the names of famous fictional characters.
The locomotive is seen here at Moorhouse Station in Ferrymead Heritage Park. [Jan 2021].
F 13 worked for New Zealand Government Railways or the Public Works Deparment until 1964.
It now works on the Ferrymead Railway in Christchurch and is operated by the Canterbury Railway Society.
[Jan 2021].
F 13 at Ferrymead Station during high tide.
This was the end point of New Zealand's first steam railway.
Ships sailed up the Heathcote River Estuary and from here cargo and people were transported to Christchurch.
A ferry also crossed the river here.
[Jan 2021].
F 13 returns with a train to Moorhouse Station in Ferrymead.
On the left is a nice example of a crossing keeper hut.
The station was named after a former superintendent of the Province of Canterbury,
who was instrumental in the construction of the Lyttelton Tunnel.
Once the tunnel was complete, the railway to Ferrymead was no longer required.
[Jan 2021].
F 13 travels along the Heathcote Estuary on an evening trip from Moorhouse Station to Ferrymead Station.
[May 2022].
F 13 looks positively English as she travels back to Moorhouse Sation.
[May 2022].
During the night market at the Ferrymead Heritage Park a lot of people travel on the trains.
F 13 stands on Moorhouse Station ready for departure into the night.
[May 2022].
In the fading light F 13 travels along the Heathcote Estuary.
[Mar 2023].
F 13 stands ready with a freight train at Moorhouse Station.
[Aug 2023].
The F class locomotive hauls its goods train past the signal box.
[Aug 2023].
On Labour weekend 2023 the 150th anniversary of F 13 was celebrated.
As the oldest operational locomotive in New Zealand, the steam engine hauled a special train of 19th century carriages
along the Ferrymead Railway.
Even a spur-winged plover watched the passing of the train.
[Oct 2023].
The mayor of Christchurch came to the celebrations and even a TV station turned up.
Then it was time for train photographers to take photos.
[Oct 2023].
This is the view from Mt Pleasant slopes, as F 13 travels along the Heathcote Estuary.
All three carriages were originally built in the 1870s in England.
[Oct 2023].
The F class loco Peveril also hauled some freight trains, here together with two D class tank engines at the rear.
[Oct 2023].
At the end of the day a triple-header was organised, with three small steam engine hauling a freight train along the Ferrymead Railway.
[Oct 2023].
The three little steam engines were F 13, D 16, and D 140. All these locomotives were built in the late 19th century.
Such small tank engines were initially the common motive power for locomotives on New Zealand's narrow gauge railway.
[Oct 2023].
F 13 is about to depart Moorhouse Station with a relatively long train of four carriages.
The capacity was required for the night market, when at times many people take the train.
[Mar 2024].
After F 13 has run around the train at the Ferrymead Station, the guard signals as it slowly approaches the train to couple onto the carriages.
[Oct 2024].
In October 2024 the Canterbury Railway Society celebrates the 60th anniversary of its involvement with the Ferrymead site.
In 1964 some railway enthusiasts began to turn the paddocks and former, long neglected rail formation into a heritage railway operation.
[Oct 2024].
The boat trains to Lyttelton were at times hauled by little F class locomotives.
Here F 13 hauls a train along the Ferrymead Railway.
[Oct 2024].
Peveril F 13 leads another small steam engine, D 140, out of Moorhouse Station.
[Dec 2022].
F 13 hauls a train together with D140 along the Heathcote River Estuary back towards Moorhouse Station.
[Oct 2021].
On Labour Weekend [October] 2013 a large celebration took place at Ferrymead Heritage Park to celebrate 150 years railways
in New Zealand. Frequent trains ran on the railway line at Ferrymead. Special excursion trains, many steam-hauled, ran
to cities and towns near Christchurch, and KiwiRail also supported the celebrations.
Built in 1887, D140 was one of the oldest locomotives to take part in the sesquitennial [Oct 2013].
Here it departs Ferrymead station towards the Ferrymead Heritage Park.
The line runs alongside the estuary of the Heathcote and Avon Rivers.
Some of the piles from the original wharf, from which trains departed 150 years ago, can still be seen in the waters.
In the background are the port hills with Castle Rock prominently visible [Jul 2013].
The view towards D 140 from the train as it departs Ferrymead Station.[Jul 2013].
There is even a picture of D140 in its early days. It had the maker's number "36", but was later classified as "140"
by the New Zealand Government Railways.
D Class locomotive decorated with flags. Godber, Albert Percy, 1875-1949 :Collection of albums, prints and negatives. Ref: APG-0131-1/2-G. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. http://natlib.govt.nz/records/22316928
Now in service at the Ferrymead Heritage Railway D140 is preparing to depart from Moorhouse Station
at the Ferrymead Heritage Park. From here the trains depart to Ferrymead Station,
which stands at the site of the original station by the sea.
D 140 now has a wide funnel with spark arrestor.
[Jun 2013]
That D locomotives had the wide funnel with spark arrestors is shown by this view of D240 from 1890.
Schnapper (Locomotive). Steam locomotive Schnapper, D class. Godber, Albert Percy, 1875-1949 :Collection of albums, prints and negatives. Ref: PAColl-3039-1-013. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. http://natlib.govt.nz/records/22333639
Meanwhile D140 is seen hauling its train past the signal box at Moorhouse Station towards Ferrymead Station [Jun 2013].
D140 was out of service from 2013 to 2021.
For its return to service in October 2021 it ran together with F13 for a day.
The two small engines are seen at Ferrymead Station after they have run around their train and slowly move to couple onto the carriages.
[Oct 2021].
The two small engines haul a train together on the Ferrymead Railway.
The train would not have needed both engines. Each one is more than capable to haul the light train along the flat line.
But it's just a bit more impressive having two engines for this occassion. [Oct 2021].
D 140 and F 13 haul their train along the line that connects the Ferrymead Railway to the KiwiRail network.
That day trains ran around the triangle that encloses the railway sheds at Ferrymead.
[Oct 2021].
The two locomotives thunder around a curve in Ferrymead. [Oct 2021].
D 140 hauls a train tender first along the Ferrymead Railway.
[Oct 2022].
The D class steam locomotive arrives with a train at Moorhouse Station.
On Labour Weekend 2022, the Ferrymead Heritage Park held a the Ferrymead Extravaganza with two trains
and two trams operating, as well as many attractions included in the entrance fee.
The weather was brilliant on this spring day. [Oct 2022].
D 140 leads F 13 out of the Ferrymead Heritage Park on the line towards Ferrymead Station.
[Dec 2022].
D 140 leads a train of 19th century carriages along the Ferrymead Railway.
[Oct 2024].
The elderflowers along the railway line indicate that it is spring as D 140 hauls its train along the Heathcote River Estuary.
[Oct 2024].
D 140 also participated on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Ferrymead Railway.
[Oct 2024].
Ferrymead Railway has quite a few well-restored old carriages.
From back to front:
F79, four-wheel guard's van, built in 1884 by the Midland Railway Company;
D 26, second and first-class four-wheel carriage, built in 1874;
A 222, second-class bogie carriage, built in 1880;
A 516, second-class bogie carriage with clerestory roof, built in 1896;
B 231, combined car / van, built in 1873.
[Oct 2024].
D 140 was also involved in celebrating the 150 years of service of F 13.
Here it hauls a train with D 16 along the Ferrymead Railway. [Oct 2023].
D 16 is preserved at the Pleasant Point Railway.
It visited the Ferrymead Railway for the Peveril celebrations.
Here D 140 hauls a mixed train together with D 16.
[Oct 2023].
D 140 was built in 1887 by Scott Brothers in Christchurch.
D 16 was built in 1878 by Neilson & Co in Scotland.
The differences between the two engines are clearly visible.
Most of these changed during the lives of the locomotives.
D 140 has a wide funnel with spark arrestors, while D 16 has a narrow funnel.
The cab of D 140 has three front windows, that of D 16 has only two.
The livery colour of the locomotives is different.
In addition, there are many smaller differences.
[Oct 2023].
The two D locomotives haul a goods train together with F 13 along the Ferrymead Railway.
[Oct 2023].
A total of 34 class D locomotives were built:
17 by Neilson & Co from Glasgow, Scotland; 5 by Dubs & Co, also of Glasgow, Scotland; and 12 by Scott Brothers in Christchurch, New Zealand.
One of the locomotives built by Scott Brothers was never used by New Zealand's national railway, but only for the Napier Harbour Board.
D 16 leads D 140 along the Ferrymead Railway.
[Oct 2023].
The little D locomotives served with New Zealand Railways until 1927,
but private operators snapped them up and continued to operate them for many years yet.
D 16 leads D 140 along the Ferrymead Railway.
[Oct 2023].
D 16 also took charge of a few trains itself.
Here it brings a passenger train into Ferrymead Station.
This is the view from the Christchurch suburb Mt Pleasant.
[Oct 2023].
Crew from the Pleasant Point and Ferrymead Railways together took care of D 16 while it was at Ferrymead.
Here it takes on water near the waggon shed.
[Oct 2023].
D16 at its preservation home, the Pleasant Point Railway.
Here it sits at Keane's Crossing.
It is interesting to note that this engine does not have a spark arrestor, even though it is regularly fired by wood
on the Pleasant Point Railway these days [Mar 2008].
D18 departs from Keane's Crossing towards Pleasant Point on a fine winter day. [Jun 2016].
The little D locomotive steams through the town of Pleasant Point.
This is the view from the passenger carriage, across the four-wheel freight wagon right behind the locomotive.
[Jun 2016].
D18 with her train at Pleasant Point Station, about to push her train back to Keane's Crossing.
At the Pleasant Point Railway push-pull trains are operated, with a guard at one end maintaining a lookout
[Jun 2016].
But by this time the railway through Pleasant Point was closed.
Nevertheless, enthusiasts were working to preserve a small part of the branch line to Fairlie, which until 1968
was part of the rural area.
Pleasant Point, Canterbury. Whites Aviation Ltd :Photographs. Ref: WA-71955-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. http://natlib.govt.nz/records/22339561
Today the railway is not only a well-known visitor attraction in South Canterbury, but the one distinguishing factor
that marks out Pleasant Point.
The pride of the Pleasant Point Railway is the steam locomotive Ab 669. Many a day it steams through the little town.
Here it sits at the Pleasant Point Railway Station beside the signal box. In the background is the Catholic Church,
which was affected by the 2011 Canterbury Earthquakes. [Jan 2013]
The damaged Catholic church was demolished in July 2021.
A new, smaller church, was opened in October 2022.
It is visible in the background as Ab 699 stands beside Pleasant Point signal box.
[Dec 2024].
The signal box is only for display, with points set by hand. [Jan 2019].
The railway now runs about 2km through Pleasant Point to the loco shed and station of Keanes Crossing just outside of
Pleasant Point.
Ab 699 arrives at the Pleasant Point Railway Station.
[Jan 1996].
One of the carriages is a first-class half-bird-cage carriage with nice leather seats.
This is the larger compartment at Christmas time.
[Dec 2024].
The locomotive is always at the Pleasant Point end of the train.
Ab 699 has just left Pleasant Point Station and pushes her train towards Keanes Crossing.
[Dec 2018].
The train is pushed through the central section of Pleasant Point with the guard's van leading.
The white light is on, and the guard has flags to indicate to the locomotive crew whether the way is clear,
particularly at railway crossings.
[Dec 2023].
The train has left behind Pleasant Point behind and is now on the straight towards Keanes Crossing,
as Ab 699 pushes her carriages.
In the background are the Hunter Hills.
[Jan 2019].
On the Pleasant Point Railway the steam engines are fired with wood.
At first I was disappointed that there wasn't the characteristic coal smell. But somehow I later enjoyed the woody smell.
And it makes sense: no great tractive effort is required on the flat Pleasant Point Railway and the steam engine
can easily handle the train with a wood fire. It's a local, renewable resource, too.
Wood is loaded onto Ab 699 at Keanes Crossing.
[Dec 2023].
At Keanes Crossing visitors can look at various displays before catching the train back to Pleasant Point.
Ab 699 sits at Keanes Crossing with the crew inspecting the fire box.
Somehow the locomotive was not steaming well that day.
Ab 699 had been out of service from the middle of 2013 until late 2018,
while its boiler was repaired and inspected.
[Jan 2019].
Ab 699 departs Keanes Crossing with a train of green carriages on a fine summer's day.
Note the split wood in the background. [Jan 2013].
Like the J, Jb, and Ja classes, Ab steam locomotives had Vanderbilt tenders.
These tenders are cylindrical with the fuel carried towards the front and the water at the back of the tender.
[Dec 2023].
The train accelerates from Keanes Crossing.
The Pleasant Point Railway tries to recreate the glory of New Zealand Railways in the early 20th century.
[Dec 2023].
On a nice summer day Ab 699 hauls her train through Pleasant Point.
The train slows down as it approaches the station.
[Dec 2024].
On a nice summer day Ab 699 hauls her train through Pleasant Point.
The train slows down as it approaches the station.
[Dec 2024].
In 2008 the Railway had an event commemorating 40 years since the closure of the Fairlie branch line.
The original headboard of the last run still existed and was placed on Ab699.
For that event the locomotive was renumbered to commemorate Ab718, the locomotive that lead the last train from Fairlie.
[Mar 2008].
As it had been a rainy day with some mist still swirling around, I was able to take some good night shots.
In this picture at Keanes Crossing, not only the Ab, but also the little D steam engine and the diesel shunting tractor
are visible. [Mar 2008]
From the other side the view had just as much atmosphere. The short train was about to steam into the night. [Mar 2008]
The little ganger's house is part of the station infrastructure and sometimes gets used to control
shunting movements in and out of the station. [Mar 2008]
At the end of the night, the train stopped for some time at Pleasant Point Railway Station for a final photo shoot. An old delivery vehicle backed onto the platform to make the scene from days gone by complete. [Mar 2008]
The Ab class was a development of the A class locomotives.
The A class locomotives were the first major class of tender locomotives designed and built in New Zealand.
They were constructed by the NZR Addington workshops and A & G Price in Thames between 1906 and 1914.
Here an A class locomotive stands at Glenmark Station in Waipara, ready to depart on a night run.
[Jun 2021].
The Weka Pass Railway operates for 13 km on the formation of the old Waiau branch between Waipara and Waikari. Every winter it runs a night train from Glenmark Station to Waikari and back. [Jun 2021].
A 428 was built by A & G Price in 1909.
It worked for many years on the West Coast of the South Island
and was also in service to repair the damage to the track after the Inangahua Earthquake in 1968.
A 428 was withdrawn in 1969 and stored in Greymouth until 1983.
After being transferred to the Weka Pass Railway, it started operation on this line in 1993.
A 428 is about to steam into the night with its train from Glenmark Station.
[Jun 2021].
A 428 has arrived at Waikari Station. As the other members of the class, A 428 was originally built as a four-cylinder compound locomotive. Between 1941 and 1949 all A class locomotives were converted to simple expansion two-cylinder locomotives. This made maintenance of the locomotives easier. [Jun 2021].
The A class locomotives had the traditional square tenders.
While initially too small for long-distance work, the tenders for these locomotives were rebuilt from 1930 onwards
to increase coal and water capacity.
A 428 at Waikari has uncoupled from the train and has moved forward.
A Weka Pass Railway worker is setting the points, so that the locomotive can run round its train.
[Jun 2021].
A 428 sits in the dark at the head of its train in Waikari. It will travel back to Glenmark Station tender first. [Jun 2021].
After finishing a daytime run, A 428 sits at the head of her train
at Glenmark Station in Waipara.
[Jul 2022].
A 428 steams it up as she rounds a curve with a train on the Weka Pass Railway. This photo was taken during the customary photo run-by. [Jul 2022].
The steam locomotive has uncoupled from
the train at Waikari and now runs round the train to haul the carriages in the other direction.
The motor trolley can be seen in the back shunt at Waikari.
This is as far as the line goes today, about 12.5 km from Waipara.
[Jul 2022].
Running tender first, A 428 hauls the train back down the line towards Waipara. The square tender is quite noticeable in this photo. [Jul 2022].
This is the view of the locomotive from the train,
as A 428 trundles back down the line towards Waipara.
[Jul 2022].
Running tender first, The steam train travels through the North Canterbury countryside. A 428 is a regular on the Weka Pass Railway, but was due for a major boiler overhaul in 2023. [Jul 2022].
The first locomotive class named A were little tank engines.
A 64 was built in 1873 by Dubs & Co, Glasgow, Scotland.
It is now at the Plains Railway in Tinwald, Ashburton.
[Oct 2022].
Two stored tank locomotives at the Ferrymead Railway. W 192 was the first locomotive built by New Zealand Railways. It was built at the Addington Workshops in 1889. WD 357 was built in 1901 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works, USA. Both locomotives require some major work to run again. [Oct 2023].
In the 1960s the very first train on the renewed Ferrymead Railway was hauled by WD 357.
Even though it was not operational at the 60th anniversary of the railway in 2024, it was hauled along the railway line by other locomotives to celebrate the occasion.
Here it is beside the Moorhouse signal box.
[Oct 2024].
WD 357 stood on display on the siding at Ferrymead Station with the train it hauled all those years ago:
a high side wagon and F 624, a Rewanui Incline guard's van.
[Oct 2024].
The Public Works Department ordered some small steam locomotives directly from manufacturers in England.
Fowler 548 was built by John Fowler & Co in 1925.
These engines were on-sold to private companies in the 1930s.
Fowler 548 came to a sawmill on the West Coast.
[Apr 2021].
Fowler 548 now operates passenger trains at the Canterbury Steam Preservation Society or Steam Scene. It is at McLeans Island west of Christchurch. This was formerly an island in the Waimakariri River, but the river has long been diverted and the area is now part of the Canterbury Plains. There is 1.2 km long loop track around the perimeter of the property around which trains operate. [Apr 2021].
Only the frame is from Fowler 548.
Much of the other gear is from Fowler 550, while the boiler is from Fowler 549.
Some parts would have had to be manufactured new, so that not much of the original locomotive remains.
[Apr 2021].
The railway at McLeans Island is meant to reflect a bush tramway. However, here in Canterbury it is a lot drier than in many of the areas where bush tramways operated, particularly the West Coast. The railway here runs through pine trees and over flat ground. [Apr 2021].
Occasionally Steam Scene operates Night Runs with both miniature and full-size trains operating in the late afternoon and well into the evening.
Fowler 548 hauls the two carriages along the track.
[May 2024].
The little locomotive takes on some water before it sets out on another run through the night. A goods wagon with fire wood stands on the siding next to the train. [May 2024].
It hauled freight and passenger trains, ran on main lines and branch lines.
This is not the best photo, but gives an impression of the everyday railway scene in the 1920s.
An Ab class steam locomotive near the Glen, Dunedin, circa 1926.. Godber, Albert Percy, 1875-1949 :Collection of albums, prints and negatives. Ref: APG-1327-1/2-G. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/22843169
Today, some steam excursions are also run on the main line. Here an Ab once common throughout the whole of the railway network and described as "maid for all work" hauls a train along the beach south of Timaru. [Oct 2004]
In the days of steam, Timaru was a busy station. While a new station building now has replaced the old wooden one,
many of the buildings in the area are still there today.
The most prominent building is the Evans Atlas Flour Milling Co Ltd
visible in the background.
Timaru Railway Station. Radcliffe, Frederick George, 1863-1923 : New Zealand post card negatives. Ref: 1/2-006877-G. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. http://natlib.govt.nz/records/23012525
About 90 years later this picture shows the new railway station with the old flour mill in the background. A Jb locomotive with a special train from Dunedin to Christchurch sits at the platform in Timaru. [Oct 2005].
No regular trains stop here any more, only the occassional special still makes
use of the facilities. Nevertheless, buses still stop at the station and the cafe is
well known for its funky food. Jb1236 waits in Timaru, while the passengers have gone on a side trip to the
Pleasant Point Museum Railway. One of the loco crew seems to want to have a look at the
engine from the distance. [Oct 2007]
As part of the 150th anniversary of railways in New Zealand, another steam excursion made it to Timaru. A Ja locomotive is seen rounding the curve from Caroline Bay to the Timaru Railway Station. Because I had set the wrong exposure, I had to manipulate the picture somewhat. The best effect was still by presenting it in black and white [Oct 2013].
This goods shed still stands in a field at Waihao Downs, the terminus of the former Waimate branch.
The line to Waihao Downs was closed in 1953, the line to Waimate in 1966. [Nov 2007]
This view of Methven Railway Station, North Canterbury, in the early 20th century, may give an impression
of life around small country stations. It was part of small town life. The Methven branch was closed in 1976,
well after passenger train operations on the line had ceased.
Methven railway station and train. Evening post (Newspaper. 1865-2002) :Photographic negatives and prints of the Evening Post newspaper. Ref: PAColl-5482-010.
Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. http://natlib.govt.nz/records/22651926
A short section of track is now operated from Tinwald Domain by the Plains Railway.
They also operate a Ja locomotive. In the past these Ja's hauled fast express trains across the Canterbury Plains.
Now this engine gives a spectacular display on the short Tinwald line. [May 2008]
The Ja has left the platform and rounds the curve to the open fields. [May 2008].
Diesel railcar Rm 50 waits at the other platform. [Nov 2023].
Ja 1260 thunders along the straight of the Plains Railway. A headboard was attached to the front of the locomotive to commemorate the 50 years operation of the Plains Railway. [Nov 2023].
Nevertheless, Ja 1260 seems to operate a branch railway train here.
It pushes its train along the Plains Railway back towards the station.
[Nov 2023].
Later that day Ja 1260 hauled a train together with K 88 along the Plains Railway. [Nov 2023].
In this picture K 88 "Washington" hauled a double header with Ja 1260 on the Plains Railway. [May 2008].
The fine wooden cab, rebuilt after the engine was rescued from a riverbed, can be seen in this picture. Yes, it was rainy that day. In the background is the church of St. Philip and St. James. [May 2008].
It looked far more flamboyant than any of the other steam locomtives active in New Zealand.
K 88 backs onto its train at the Plains Railway.
[Nov 2023].
K 88 departs the Plains railway station during the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Plains Railway. The locomotive was in New Zealand Railways service until 1928. It was then dumped in the Oreti River in Southland to protect the river bank. From there it was retrieved in 1974 for restoration. [Nov 2023].
There's probably not much left of the original locomotive with many parts replaced over the years.
Nevertheless, the overall appearance and functionality has remained.
[Nov 2023].
Further west a stand of eucalyptus trees surrounds the Plains Railway track. As part of the 50th celebrations of the Plains Railway K 88 puffs into the country. [Nov 2023].
But one class member was part of the 150th anniversary celebrations and hauled several trains on the Ferrymead Railway.
Here it is seen switching to the other side of its train at Ferrymead Station. [Oct 2013].
Ka 942 hauls its train into Ferrymead Station. Even though it worked most of its life on the North Island Main Trunk, the engine has come to the home of railways in New Zealand. [Oct 2013].
Steam engines often provide a major attraction, but not all heritage operations
use steam engines.
The Pleasant Point Railway also uses a small
Ford Model T railcar to transport visitors. During the summer months it provides a daily service.
Here it is seen loading passengers at a separate platform at Keanes Crossing, while the locomotive-hauled train sits at the main platform. [Jan 2013]
The two Ford Model T railcars originally operated on branch lines in Southland in the 1920s and 1930s.
Here is a view of an original The Model T railcar.
The railcar at Pleasant Point is not a preserved actual railcar, but a rebuild of a railcar according to the original plans
from a real Ford Model T.
Ford rail motor, RM 4 (Rail Motor no 4), in 1926.. Godber, Albert Percy, 1875-1949 :Collection of albums, prints and negatives. Ref: APG-0334-1/2-G.
Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. http://natlib.govt.nz/records/22560330
At the Pleasant Point end a small turntable is installed on the Fairlie side of the railway station.
It is just large enough to fit the railcar and is let into the pavement of the town reserve.
The railcar has just been turned to take more passengers for a ride on the railway. [Jan 2013].
At the end of the day RM 4 makes its way from the Pleasant Point railway station through the township back towards Keane's Crossing.
[Dec 2023].
The Ford Model T railcar travels along the straight from Pleasant Point to Keanes Crossing.
It has just passed Pleasant Point Apiaries, where very nice honey can be purchased.
[Jan 2019].
The Ford Model T railcar has turned on the turntable at Keane's Crossing and drives past the loco shed to the platform.
[Dec 2024].
A look back along the train to railcar RM 4, as it gets the green flag for departure from Keane's Crossing.
[Dec 2024].
The Ford Model T railcar is leaving Keane's Crossing on its way to Pleasant Point.
In the background is the class D steam engine and a diesel shunting tractor. [Jun 2016].
The entrance signal to Keane's Crossing is just visible in the background as RM 4 sets out on another trip back to Pleasant Point. [Dec 2023].
Ogilvie & Co operated the bush tram
until 1959. However, the railcar was still used for shunting and the recovery of the rails and other materials from the bush in 1965. The Ogilvie & Co railcar was moved to Canterbury in 1970 and is now operated by Steam Scene at McLeans Island near Christchurch.
Here it stands at the platform while the driver returns to the railcar.
Today it runs on a flat section of track around the Steam Scene site.
[Sep 2023].
Originally, there was a driving position at each end of the railcar; today only one end has controls.
[Dec 2024].
These small railcars ran the Christchurch-Hokitika newspaper overnight run from 1936-1940
New Zealand Railways. View of rail motor No 20 (R.M. 20), 1936. Godber, Albert Percy, 1875-1949 :Collection of albums, prints and negatives. Ref: APG-1158-1/2-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. http://natlib.govt.nz/records/22893011
One succesful model was the Vulcan railcar. From 1940 Vulcan railcars once ran throughout the South Island, both on the main lines and major branch lines. Several are now preserved by enthusiasts. One of them was seen at the Ferrymead Railway in Christchurch. [Feb 2005].
At the Plains Railway near Ashburton another of the Vulcan railcars is preserved.
Here it stands at the Plains railway station. [Jan 2017].
RM 50 has departed the station area and now picks up a bit of speed as it travels to the open country. This railcar set the official New Zealand rail speed record of 78 mph (125.5 km/h) in 1940. [Jan 2017].
This is the interior of a Vulcan railcar.
I'm sure that it would have appeared much trendier when it was new. [Jan 2017].
RM 50 arrives back in the station area of the Plains Railway, located in Tinwald near Ashburton. The toilet was located in the middle of the railcar in the entrance area between the two passenger compartments. [Jan 2017].
The Canterbury Railway Society at Ferrymead
has three Vulcan railcars.
RM 51 travels from Moorhouse Station to Ferrymead Station.
[Dec 2021].
RM 51 sits at Moorhouse Station waiting for passengers for the next run. It will depart southwards towards the turning triangle, before running from there to Ferrymead. [Dec 2021].
Vulcan railcar RM 51 travels along the Ferrymead Railway.
In the background is RM57, which is not in a good condition.
The other Vulcan Railcar at Ferrymead is RM 56.
In total four of the nine Vulcan Railcars have been preserved.
[Dec 2021].
Another view of RM 51 at Moorhouse Station. Ten railcars were ordered from Vulcan Foundry in England, but one railcar was lost at sea when the ship that carrying it was sunk by a German submarine attack. [Jul 2022].
Vulcan railcar RM 50 travels on the former Mt Somers Branch, which now is part of the Plains Railway.
[Oct 2022].
On a brilliant spring day Vulcan railcar RM 51 travels along the Ferrymead Railway. [Oct 2022].
RM 51 is ready to depart from Ferrymead Station, right by the Heathcote Estuary. The railcar is used regularly, because it is easy to run when there is no high patronage.
[May 2023].
The interior view of the driver's cab of RM 51, as it sits at the platform of Moorhouse Station.
[Aug 2023].
RM 50 travels along the Plains Railway along the former Mount Somers Branch.
[Nov 2023].
RM 56 has arrived at Moorhouse Station in the evening.
Even the moon can be seen in the sky.
This railcar is not used as frequently as RM 51, but is in a similar condition.
[Mar 2024].
RM 56 stands in the evening sun at Ferrymead Station right next to the Heathcote Estuary.
[Mar 2024].
The silhouette of Vulcan railcar RM 56 is seen against the Heathcote Estuary.
The engine of the Vulcan railcars was mounted in a compartment above the three-axle bogie.
The other bogie had just two axles.
[Mar 2024].
A Vulcan railcar, as used in the South Island,
is seen together with a Standard railcar, as used in the North Island. at Ferrymead Station.
The Vulcan railcars are slightly higher, the standard railcars slightly wider.
[Mar 2024].
In March 2024 Standard railcar RM 31 was in the South Island for the first time ever to transport a tour group from Australia
and run several excursions for locals. It was stabled at the Ferrymead Railway while in Christchurch.
This was taken as an opportunity to run Standard and Vulcan railcars together.
[Mar 2024].
The Standard railcar RM 31 stands together with two Vulcan railcars, RM 51 and RM 56, at Moorhouse Station.
Each of the railcars has a slightly different red livery.
[Mar 2024].
Standard railcar RM 31 passes through Papanui as it arrives in Christchurch for the first time in its life.
The lower ditch lights were added as part of the restoration process to comply with modern safety requirements.
[Mar 2024].
Six Standard railcars were built by Hutt Workshops and entered service in the North Island from 1938 to 1939.
They were used on lines between Wellington and Taranaki and Hawke's Bay, including to Gisborne.
The two diesel engines were mounted on the bogies.
The railcars were popular and effective but due to a full capacity in the NZR workshops no more railcars were built in New Zealand.
[Mar 2024].
All the Standard railcars were taken out of service in December 1972.
RM 31 was purchased by a private individual.
From 2001 it was owned by the Pahiatua Railcar Society, which restored the railcar.
It has been operational again since 2008.
Here it is at Waikari on the Weka Pass Railway.
[Mar 2024].
RM 31 did two trips from Christchurch to Waikari and return.
The railcar could not used the curved platformin Waikari, because it is slightly too wide.
The Pahiatua Railcar Society did not want their nice railcar damaged by a tight platform.
[Mar 2024].
On its return trip to the North Island RM 31 passes through the rural landscape of North Canterbury near Scargill.
Unfortunately the farmer ordered me off land that was an unformed road, where I normally would be allowed to walk.
Therefore, I walked back along the railway line.
The railcar was so quiet that I did not hear it come in time and only got this shot.
[Mar 2024].
It also ran between Christchurch and Little River. Unfortunately it burnt out in 1934.
It's my personal opinion that it is time to try battery railcars again.
Since 1926 there have been many developments, which would make the operation of battery railcars more efficient and safer.
Edison storage battery railcar, RM-6. Godber, Albert Percy, 1875-1949 :Collection of albums, prints and negatives. Ref: PA1-q-101-091. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. http://natlib.govt.nz/records/22747952
They were introduced in 1923 and continuously shuttled between Otira and Arthurs Pass up the steep grades of the Otira Tunnel.
One of those engines was photographed inside the tunnel, with icicles hanging from the ceiling.
Railway locomotive in Otira Tunnel. Original photographic prints and postcards from file print collection, Box 13. Ref: PAColl-6407-70. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. http://natlib.govt.nz/records/22778159
One of the Eo locomotives was preserved at Ferrymead and now runs occasional trips on the Ferrymead Railway. Here it has arrived at Ferrymead Station. [Jun 2013].
In contrast, several months later, the Eo sits in splendid sunshine outside the electric engine shed near Moorhouse Station. Basking in the sun beside it is Ec 7, a locomotive that did its duty in Christchurch during NZR days. [Oct 2013]
The two locomotives sat outside the shed again on the occassion of the centenary celebrations of the Otira Tunnel.
This time they were decorated with festive banners.
Initially, the two classes were just known as E class, only later being separated into EO and EC.
[Aug 2023].
That's what the inside of EO 3 looks like.
The driver's stand was initially not separated from the engine comportment.
Later the driver's controls were removed from one end and the other driver's stand was enclosed.
When EO 3 came to Ferrymead the driver's stand on one end was re-installed in its open configuration, while the driving compartment
at the other end was retained.
[Aug 2023].
With the British flag fluttering in the headwind, EO 3 heads along the Heathcote Estuary with a passenger train to Ferrymead.
[Aug 2023].
EO 3 heads along the Ferrymead Railway back towards Moorhouse Station.
On this side, the locomotive is in the condition from 1940 onwards, when the cab design was changed.
It has smaller, higher windows, the door was shifted to one side of the cab, and additional space was created at the driver's controls.
This way the engines looked even more like European electric locos of the time.
[Aug 2023].
To celebrate the opening of the Otira Tunnel 100 years previously, the Canterbury Railway Society organised a photographers' day
at Ferrymead.
Several locomotives were in operation. But EO 3, one of the original Otira Tunnel locomotives, was the star of the day.
Here she hauls a freight train towards Ferrymead station.
[Aug 2023].
In the late afternoon sun EO 3 departs Ferrymead Station with a goods train.
[Aug 2023].
The electric locomotive heads home with its goods train.
[Aug 2023].
The next day, the EO was on duty again for the normal running day on the first Sunday of the month.
Here the electric locomotive is ready to depart Moorhouse Station with a passenger train.
At the back is EC 7, the loco that brought the train into the station.
[Aug 2023].
A frequent suburban passenger service operated between Lyttelton and Christchurch until 1964 when the road tunnel
to Lyttelton was opened. Here preserved Ec 7 stands at the platform at Moorhouse Station. [Jun 2013]
The railway did not have many passengers on such a rainy day, but the weather made for some classic New Zealand working conditions. [June 2013].
Ec 8 is seen in Christchurch in this scene from 1929.
Ec class electric locomotive, New Zealand Railways no 8. Godber, Albert Percy, 1875-1949 :Collection of albums, prints and negatives. Ref: APG-0323-1/2-G. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. http://natlib.govt.nz/records/23116322
And another photo of Ec7 about to depart Moorhouse Station at the Ferrymead Heritage Park. [Jun 2013]
For the occasion of the Otira Tunnel centenary
EC 7 was also decorated with flags.
With both the Union Jack and the New Zealand flag waving the electric locomotive travels along the Ferrymead Railway.
[Aug 2023].
A bike had been attached to one end of EC 7, representing the connection to Christchurch, which once was a bike city.
The train is heading back towards Moorhouse Station.
[Aug 2023].
The electric locomotive also hauled a goods train.
Here it is departing Ferrymead Station.
[Aug 2023].
The EC heads along the Ferrymead Railway on yet another trip during the Otira Tunnel centenary celebrations.
[Aug 2023].
In the past the EC locomotives shuttled between Lyttelton and Christchurch.
Now, the only survivor occasionally shuttles between Moorhouse and Ferrymead Stations.
[Aug 2023].
EC 7 stands at the platform of Moorhouse Station at night.
The driver and station attendant have something to talk about - probably railways.
[Aug 2023].
Railway enthusiasts young and old admire the nicely presented electric locomotive.
[Aug 2023].
This railcar spent its working life in Wellington. After it was withdrawn, the Ferrymead Railway stored it for future restoration.
However, when there was not enough rolling stock to transport the increasing passenger numbers in the Wellington
suburban network, the Wellington Regional Council requested a loan of the railcar from Ferrymead Railway.
As a result, the railcar was restored, even though it received a yellow front to comply with safety regulations.
After new trains were delivered to Wellington, the railcar has now returned to the Ferrymead Railway and is fully operational. [Oct 2013]
In early 2021 the front was repainted in the old red colour.
With the D 2695 trailer leading, the train shuttles passengers about during the Ferrymead night markets.
[Feb 2021].
The multiple units consisted normally of one DM electric motor car and one or two D trailer cars.
The units were built by English Electric in England and entered service from 1938.
DM 320 entered service in 1951; D 2695 entered service in 1953.
Both were taken out of service in 1988 before returning for another stint on the Wellington network from 2009 to 2012.
[Feb 2021].
With the Port Hills in the background, the English Electric multiple unit skirts along the estuary of the Heathcote River to Ferrymead Station.
[Feb 2021].
Ferrymead Railway is the only heritage railway in New Zealand with overhead electric catenary (at 1500V DC).
That's why electric heritage rolling stock from different parts of New Zealand has found its way here.
[Feb 2021].
The distance between Moorhouse Station and Ferrymead Station is only about 750 m.
That's why the journeys are quite short and the trains run up to every 15 minutes (or 20 minutes when the EMU is not used).
DM 320 returns with a late train to Moorhouse Station.
[Feb 2021].
On a fine autumn day, DM 320 stands with its trailer at Moorhouse Station, ready to depart on another trip to Ferrymead.
[Apr 2024].
After the short trip to Ferrymead Station the electric multiple unit returns back along the Heathcote Estuary to Moorhouse Station.
On a normal operating Sunday the electric multiple unit offers sufficient runs to move over 2,800 passengers between the two stations.
However, only less than 10% of that count is normally travelling on opearting Sundays these days.
[Apr 2024].
The electric multiple unit is the cheapest train to run
for the Canterbury Railway Society.
Here it travels along the Heathcote Eastuary with Mt Cavendish in the background, the peak of the port hills to which the Christchurch
Gondola travels.
[Apr 2024].
When these trains were still operating in Wellington,
they frequently travelled along the Porirua Harbour and the Wellington Harbour.
In Christchurch they still travel along the sea, but now along the Heathcote Estuary.
[Apr 2024].
On the occasion of the Otira Tunnel centenary,
a line-up of heritage electric rolling stock was displayed at the Ferrymead Railway.
From right to left: DM electric multiple unit that once worked in Wellington;
EC electric locomotive for the Christchurch suburban network;
EO electric locomotive for the Otira Tunnel in the Southern Alps;
EA electric locomotive for the Otira Tunnel from 1968, later used on the Wellington suburban network from 2008 to 2011;
ED electric locomotive for the Wellington suburban network, with this class also used briefly in the Otira Tunnel;
EW electric locomotive for the Wellington suburban network;
ET electric multiple unit for the Wellington suburban network;
PW 2 overhead inspection vehicle for the Otira Tunnel;
PW 1 overad inspection vehicle for the Otira Tunnel.
[Aug 2023].
This is the side-on view of the vehicle display at the locomotive sheds near Moorhouse Station: DM multiple unit; EC locomotive; EO locomotive; EA locomotive; ED locomotive;
EW locomotive; ET multiple unit; PW 2; PW 1.
[Aug 2023].
A line-up of motive power that ran on the
Wellington suburban network.
To the left is Super Ganz, a two-car electric multiple unit supplied by Ganz-Mavag in 1982 and extensively refurbished in 2010.
The EW electric locomotives worked in suburban trains in Wellington from 1952 to 1990.
ED locomotives worked in Wellington from 1938 to 1981.
The EA class (later renamed EO) worked between Arthur's Pass and Otira from 1968 to 1997 and in Wellington from 2008 to 2011.
[Aug 2023].
The inside view of the cab of EW 1806.
[Aug 2023].
Some of the rolling stock was also arranged for a night display.
ET 3375, EW 1806, ED 103, EO 45, DM 320 and EO 3 stand side by side.
[Aug 2023].
With red fronts in the night light. EW, DM and EO units at the Otira Tunnel centenary in Ferrymead.
[Aug 2023].
The two overhead inspection vehicles for the
Otira Tunnel were also preserved at Ferrymead.
At the front is PW 2, also called Red Terror. It was built in 1934 as the General Manager's Inspection Car and rebuilt in 1941
as a overhead inspection car. It retired in 1997.
At the back is PW 1, also called Pie Cart. It was built in 1928 in England with the body work built at the Addington Workshops in Christchurch. It was used between Otira and Arthur's Pass until 1997.
[Aug 2023].
Diesel shunting tractors were introduced into New Zealand from 1924.
TR 111 was built in 1963 by A&G Price in Thames for New Zealand Railways and was in service for TranzRail until 2004.
Here, TR 111 shunts goods wagons in the Moorhouse Station yard.
[Aug 2023].
The DE class was the first diesel-electric locomotive class introduced to New Zealand.
The first of the fifteen members of this class entered service in 1952.
[Sep 2022].
The DE class was supplied by English Electric.
DE 511 is owned by the Diesel Traction Group, based at Ferrymead.
This group owns examples of all English Electric diesels operated in New Zealand.
The locomotives are occasionally run on the Ferrymead Railway operated by the Canterbury Railway Society.
[Sep 2022].
The DE class was used for shunting, freight and passenger services.
In passenger service they were also used for suburban trains.
In 1953 a pair of DE class locomotives hauled the royal train of Queen Elizabeth through the North Island.
The photo shows DE 511 hauling a train from Ferrymead along the Heathcote Estuary.
[Sep 2022].
DE locomotives normally drove on the main line with the long hood leading.
The union made this a requirement, apparently for safety reasons, but also so that one-man crewing was not seen as a possibility.
On the Ferrymead Railway DE 511 is used in both directions.
Here it hauls a train past Moorhouse Station.
[Sep 2022].
DI 1102 is a diesel-electric locomotive that belongs to the Diesel Traction Group.
It operates here on one of the regular trains on the Ferrymead Railway and travels along the Heathcote Estuary.
[Aug 2022].
Five locomotives of the DI class were built by English Electric in Australia in 1966.
They operated in the South Island and in the Bay of Plenty region of the North Island.
They were withdrawn by 1989, partly due to the fact that with the high hood they were not suitable for single crewing.
This preserved DI heads a train with the long hood leading.
[Aug 2022].
DI 1102 arrives into Moorhouse Station in the Ferrymead Heritage Park with the long hood leading.
It exchanges the tablet with the signal box operator to enter the station limits.
[Aug 2022].
The Diesel Traction Group is an independent group based at the Ferrymead Heritage Park.
It restores heritage diesel locomotives built by English Electric and operates them together with other operators.
Here at Ferrymead DI 1102 is operated together with the Canterbury Railway Society.
It rounds the curve in front of the locomotive sheds near Moorhouse Station.
[Aug 2022].
DI 1102 also took part in the
Otira Tunnel centenial celebrations.
Here it is at the Truscotts Road level crossing with a goods train.
[Aug 2023].
The diesel locomotive stands at Moorhouse Station with a passenger train.
[Aug 2023].
DI 1102 went to the Weka Pass Railway to provide additional motive power while steam engine A 428 is out of service.
Here it is returning to Waipara with the afternoon train.
[Jun 2024].
Another railway vehicle that was never used in standard revenue service in the South Island was the DA class diesel-electric locomotive.
DA 1431 and DA 1410 are hauling a tour train through Papanui on the main line between Christchurch and Picton.
This was their first trip to the South Island. They are owned by Steam Incorporated in Paekakariki near Wellington.
DA 1410 entered service in 1955, DA 1431 in 1957.
[May 2021].
DA 1431 came to the South Island again on another tour.
In between tour duties the train offered trips for locals.
On a Saturday it ran three return trips from Christchurch to Rangiora.
Here, DA 1431 is in Rangiora with a crowd of admirers around the engine, while the a guard checks everything is in order.
[Apr 2023].
On the way north from Christchurch to Rangiora
the Canterbury Cruiser was hauled by DA 1431 with the long hood leading.
Here the train heads northwards through Papanui.
[Apr 2023].
Up until 1976 there were still suburban trains between Christchurch and Rangiora, even though those services had already been cut
back from earlier service patterns.
With the Canterbury Cruiser, DA 1431 brought these suburban trains back to life, even though
in the 20th century these trains would have been hauled by AB steam locomotives and later by DJ diesel locos.
Here the Canterbury Cruiser travels back to Christchurch past St Paul's Anglican Church in Papanui.
[Apr 2023].
Later in the day DA 1431 is reflected in a flooded lineside drain as it passes through the autumn landscape in Papanui.
[Apr 2023].
DA 1431 arrives with a train from Picton in Christchurch.
The next day it hauled the Mountaineer train to Arthur's Pass from Christchurch.
[Feb 2024].
In 1979 the Traffic Monotoring System TMS was introduced and all rolling stock received new numbers.
The DA class got numbers 1 to 99 with an additional check digit, so that most DA locomotives had numbers with three digits.
DA 1431 was renumbered DA 345.
For some time DA 1431 ran again with its TMS number 345 in large numerals on the long hood and small numbers adjacent to the lights.
The old number remained on the headstock.
[Mar 2024].