Events/Trips in 2023.
WMR&ES Christmas Show
9th & 10th December 2023
The Wanganui Model Railway & Engineering Society did their Christmas model railway show over this weekend. This was once again held at their club rooms. Along with the club layouts, several members also brought along some of their own layouts and model engineering items for display (some were even Christmas Themed). Keegan had his Thomas HO layout at the show, and I had my Thomas N gauge layout, Back Country NZ (NZ120) layout, my 5 Inch gauge loco and other Christmas themed trains running on the big club layouts. We weren't as busy as previous years, but the public that did turn up, enjoyed themselves. WMR&ES send a big thank you to all members that helped out. Both the WMR&ES and SRW had their combined Christmas BBQ on the Saturday night of this weekend after the show finished. Photos taken by Keegan JJ, Ewan P and Blair J.
Rail-X & SSR
18th November 2023.
A number of us travelled down to Taita in the Hutt Valley on this day to see the Rail - X model railway show. This was a great display, covering most aspects of the hobby. Afterwards we had a quick look around the Taita Station before heading out to SilverStream Railway to have a look through their shed. This was the first time since I started t KiwiRail, that I had visited the SSR.
Europe Trip
11th October - 4th November 2023.
Lloryian and myself did a 26-day holiday travelling from NZ to Hong Kong, Germany, Switzerland and Italy. I took far too many photos to put up on this site, but I will share the best of them. I will do this as day-by-day events. It was a great trip; we really enjoyed most places. Switzerland was the highlight for us, with Germany coming a close second. Hong Kong was good, but we found Italy to be very dirty, when you were not at the tourist sites. The Germans were the friendliest and most helpful of all the people we met along the way. But we felt a couple of the other countries only wanted to talk to you if you were giving them money. But overall, it was a great holiday with a lot of train travel and plane flights. We would liked to have stayed longer in some places, but we had a strict timetable.
Day 1, 10th of Oct. Flew from NZ via Australia (Sydney) to Hong Kong. NZ to Oz on Qantas Boeing 737-800 aircraft, 3 hr 45 min flight and Oz to Hong Kong on Qantas Airbus A330 -200 aircraft, 9 hr 45 min flight. We finish off with a video of the harbor view at our Hotel in Hong Kong.
Day 2, 11th Oct. We start off with views from our Hotel in Hong Kong before a ferry crossing to have a look around the main centre including, markets, malls and a ride up the Peak Tram (Cable Car). Before heading back to the Ferry. We walked over 15 KMs today.
Day 3 (12th Oct). Today we took things easy and had a look around town on the same side as our hotel. Yesterday was the tourist (experience side of Hong Kong). With today being more of the everyday (almost the slums) areas of town. We did find some pets and toys stores and a model railway shop (mostly European models, eg Marklin) and I was very good. I didn't buy anything. Plus, some more views of the harbor, this time from the pool up on our hotel roof. Early night tonight, as we fly out just after midnight.
Day 4, 13 Oct. Left Hong Kong at 0034hrs (Hong Kong time) on Emirates Airbus A380-800 aircraft, 7hr, 45min flight to Dubai. Just over 4 hour wait at Dubai before transferring to Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. Flying 6hrs 45mins to Hamburg, Germany. Getting into Germany at 1340hrs (German time).
Day 5, 14 Oct. A look around Hamburg. We started off with a walk around the area we are staying in, with Lloryian's sister in law Anja and niece Kristy. Photos or videos show the following Anja's mum's and brothers combined house. Then the church David and Anja were married in. Before heading onto the local suburban rail and bus system to head across town to view the Schloss Ahrensbury Castle, which was built in 1585. Followed by a refreshment stop before once again hitting the bus and rail suburban system to get back to the house again. Thank you to Anja and Kristy for showing us around.
Day 6, 15 Oct. Today we caught the suburban trains here in Hamburg again and headed into town to visit the Miniatur Wunderland. The world's biggest model railway. Too many photos to post all at once. Our favourite part of the Miniatur Wunderland was the airport and the Switzerland scenes.
Day 7, 16 Oct. We jumped on the suburban trains again this morning. To get to the main Hamburg Railway Station. Here we boarded the Ice train and headed to Frankfurt for the next 2 nights. The trip took 4hrs 40mins to get there and the fastest speed we got up to was 264km/hr. The view from the hotel at Frankfurt is not as good as Hong Kong one.
Day 8, 17th Oct. Unfortunately not a lot to report today. Both feeling under the weather. So we used the day to catch up on some rest. However I had to go get some food, so while Lloryian slept I had a foam around the Frankfurt Railway Station, which is basically just across the road and looked at the trams that run out in front of the station.
Day 9, 18 Oct. After our short visit to Frankfurt we moved on again today. We found Frankfurt a dirty, drunken, ash tray, smelly place, with rubbish dumped in the streets. With homeless bums, beggars and drug addicts at every corner or street. Even the Hotel service was shit. We didn't feel safe there when out walking. No doubt there are some real nice places there. But since we weren't feeling the best we didn't venture very far, so may have missed the good areas.
Between leaving the Hotel and boarding the ICE train to Heidelberg. We did have a quick look around. I photographed a few old style buildings that reminded me of some models the WMR&ES has. Turned out when we got close to them they were one of the many brothel's or sex shops in the area.
I also found a Marklin model railway display at the railway station, before boarding our train. I once again got a few shots of trains as we headed to Heidelberg. We also have a slightly better view from our new Hotel window. Heidelberg also has a public tram system.
Between leaving the Hotel and boarding the ICE train to Heidelberg. We did have a quick look around. I photographed a few old style buildings that reminded me of some models the WMR&ES has. Turned out when we got close to them they were one of the many brothel's or sex shops in the area.
I also found a Marklin model railway display at the railway station, before boarding our train. I once again got a few shots of trains as we headed to Heidelberg. We also have a slightly better view from our new Hotel window. Heidelberg also has a public tram system.
Day 10, 19 Oct. What a brilliant day we have had looking around Heidelberg. We started off looking around the Heidelberg Palace. Then ride on the cable car before walking through the older historical parts of town. Went into what I thought was a Xmas novelty shop, thinking I might be able to get something for my Xmas model railway layout. But ended up with Lloryian getting excited as it was a chocolate shop.
Day 11, 20 Oct. We moved over the border.
We left behind the beautiful town of Heidelberg in Germany and headed to Lucerne in Switzerland.
But things didn't all go to plan. Our first train from Heidelberg to Mannheim was late. So we missed our next connections. When we finally got on a new train at Mannheim it then arrived late into Basel (Switzerland). Where we were just in time to see out next train leave without us. So it was another 30mins wait before we boarded the next train to Lucerne. So instead of getting in at 1430hrs, it was 1605hrs when we arrived.
The public transport systems in these countries are great. If you miss one train, there's always another not far away.
Our new Hotel is a old done up building, with street views. But missing a lot of the basic items. Eg cups, jug etc.
To top it off we have road works operating outside our Hotel tonight.
We left behind the beautiful town of Heidelberg in Germany and headed to Lucerne in Switzerland.
But things didn't all go to plan. Our first train from Heidelberg to Mannheim was late. So we missed our next connections. When we finally got on a new train at Mannheim it then arrived late into Basel (Switzerland). Where we were just in time to see out next train leave without us. So it was another 30mins wait before we boarded the next train to Lucerne. So instead of getting in at 1430hrs, it was 1605hrs when we arrived.
The public transport systems in these countries are great. If you miss one train, there's always another not far away.
Our new Hotel is a old done up building, with street views. But missing a lot of the basic items. Eg cups, jug etc.
To top it off we have road works operating outside our Hotel tonight.
Day 12, 21st Oct. Today we did the Golden Round Trip. Which features a boat cruise on lake Lucerne to Alpnachstad. Then a trip on the steepest Cogwheel Railway in the world up the Alps to near the top at Pilatus Kulm. Unfortunately the weather was not the best at the top, so all we could see at the top was clouds/mist. Before heading down the other side by 2 different gondola. Ending in Kriens. We were lucky, as the day before the gondola trips had been cancelled due to high winds. We then had a look around Kriens before catching the trolley bus back to Lucerne.
Day 13, 22nd Oct. We said goodbye to Lucerne for the next 2 nights (we will be back for one more night yet).
We travelled from Lucerne to Interlaken. Partly by train and partly by bus due to track maintenance, happening in the area for the next 2 months.
Interlaken is said to be the adventure capital of Switzerland. We saw a few rail preservation groups on the way. Including one at Interlaken. Unfortunately it was not open, but I did get a few pics through the loco shed windows.
We had a look around town and we loved the view of the Alps out our new hotel window.
We travelled from Lucerne to Interlaken. Partly by train and partly by bus due to track maintenance, happening in the area for the next 2 months.
Interlaken is said to be the adventure capital of Switzerland. We saw a few rail preservation groups on the way. Including one at Interlaken. Unfortunately it was not open, but I did get a few pics through the loco shed windows.
We had a look around town and we loved the view of the Alps out our new hotel window.
Day 14, 23rd Oct. Today we traveled from Interlaken to Jungfraujoch (the highest station in Switzerland) and return. The trip up featured, trains, Condola and a Cogwheel railway.
Jungfraujoch station sits on top of one of the highest peaks in the Alps. There's are viewpoints, tunnels, cafes, ice cave, with ice sculptures etc. Unfortunately, the view at the top wasn't good, it was foggy and snowing.
We decided to come back a different way. This time featuring 3 different Cogwheel Railways, before re boarding the main train back to Interlaken.
Jungfraujoch station sits on top of one of the highest peaks in the Alps. There's are viewpoints, tunnels, cafes, ice cave, with ice sculptures etc. Unfortunately, the view at the top wasn't good, it was foggy and snowing.
We decided to come back a different way. This time featuring 3 different Cogwheel Railways, before re boarding the main train back to Interlaken.
Day 15, 24th Oct. Sadly we left Interlaken today. We loved the place and would have wanted to stay longer, but we are on a tight schedule. We travelled back to Lucerne by train. Taking a different route this time, for a change of scenery. We also had to change trains at Bern. After checking back into the same Hotel (but different room) as we had a few nights ago. We went for a walk around town. This is our last night in Switzerland.
Day 16, 25th Oct. We left Switzerland and headed for Italy via rail of course.
We left Lucerne and traveled to Lugano on the first train. Then changed to a commuter train to cross the boarded into Italy. Our next stop was Milano. Here we boarded our final train to Venezia S. Lucia (Venice).
We loved the trip through the Alps, but it was dark by the time we got to Venice. No view other than a concrete wall out the window of our new little Hotel.
We left Lucerne and traveled to Lugano on the first train. Then changed to a commuter train to cross the boarded into Italy. Our next stop was Milano. Here we boarded our final train to Venezia S. Lucia (Venice).
We loved the trip through the Alps, but it was dark by the time we got to Venice. No view other than a concrete wall out the window of our new little Hotel.
Day 17, 26th Oct. We had a look around Venice today. Including a tour around the main canals by boat. Great place, but very busy. A lot of people around. Finished the day off with our tea getting cooked in front of us.
Day 18, 27th Oct. We were back on the train. We travelled from Venice to Florence in Italy. Once booked into the hotel we went for a little bit of a walk around town.
Our first thoughts of this town is , it reminds us a bit of Frankfurt in Germany. A bit dirty, with a few homeless around etc. We have been warned on the train and by the Hotel to be aware of pick pockets in the area. We definitely don't feel as safe here as we did in Venice.
However we did find a few good places today to have a look around. Including a model railway museum.
Our first thoughts of this town is , it reminds us a bit of Frankfurt in Germany. A bit dirty, with a few homeless around etc. We have been warned on the train and by the Hotel to be aware of pick pockets in the area. We definitely don't feel as safe here as we did in Venice.
However we did find a few good places today to have a look around. Including a model railway museum.
Day 19, 28th Oct. Just a look around Florence today. Looking at the historical old buildings, statues, bridge and markets. I even found a model shop.
Day 20, 29th Oct. Today we left Florence and travelled once again by train to Rome. Most likely our last train trip.
Once in Rome we had our first look around this afternoon. We had a better view from our Hotel room window too. We are here for 4 nights.
Once in Rome we had our first look around this afternoon. We had a better view from our Hotel room window too. We are here for 4 nights.
Day 21, 30th Oct. Just a quieter day today. As we had laundry to be done etc. But we did end up walking about 10km around Rome. We even found a model shop.
We are enjoying our trip. But it has also been an eye opener for us. When you see all the travel agent brochures before you come to a place like this. It all looks so nice and clean. But in reality, this place is dirty. Rubbish in all the streets. Beggars and street sellers that won't take no for an answer. Homeless doing No 1's and 2's in the street between parked cars or on the footpath in front of you etc. Unless you are at the tourist spots the place isn't very clean.
We are enjoying our trip. But it has also been an eye opener for us. When you see all the travel agent brochures before you come to a place like this. It all looks so nice and clean. But in reality, this place is dirty. Rubbish in all the streets. Beggars and street sellers that won't take no for an answer. Homeless doing No 1's and 2's in the street between parked cars or on the footpath in front of you etc. Unless you are at the tourist spots the place isn't very clean.
Day 22, 31st Oct. We took a tour bus today around the main sites of Rome. Before hopping off to have a look around the Spanish Steps and big gardens nearby. We also went onto the roof top gardens of our hotel to have a look at the view. We repeated this again after dark.
Day 23, 1st Nov. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
We joined up with the thousands of other tourists today and had a look through and around the Colosseum. We pre booked our visit, so we didn't have to wait 2 hrs in the queue to get in.
It was an impressive place and it's hard to believe that the whole place was built for entertainment. Mainly killing each other and animals.
Later, when we were back at our hotel. We could hear a lot of car horns. People are very impatient here. On looking out our window we could see an ambulance below us. With a tour bus stuck behind it. Cars were backed up behind these. Cars were trying to squeeze between the bus and parked cars to get past. When we went down stairs to head out for tea, the ambulance was still there. We could be wrong, but we saw a brick on the ground and blood on a towel, so we wondered if the young girl was hit by a falling brick.
At tea, there were two friendly well-fed cats hanging around.
We joined up with the thousands of other tourists today and had a look through and around the Colosseum. We pre booked our visit, so we didn't have to wait 2 hrs in the queue to get in.
It was an impressive place and it's hard to believe that the whole place was built for entertainment. Mainly killing each other and animals.
Later, when we were back at our hotel. We could hear a lot of car horns. People are very impatient here. On looking out our window we could see an ambulance below us. With a tour bus stuck behind it. Cars were backed up behind these. Cars were trying to squeeze between the bus and parked cars to get past. When we went down stairs to head out for tea, the ambulance was still there. We could be wrong, but we saw a brick on the ground and blood on a towel, so we wondered if the young girl was hit by a falling brick.
At tea, there were two friendly well-fed cats hanging around.
Day 24, 2nd Nov. Not a lot to report today. But we said goodbye to Rome and Italy. We travelled by taxi to the international airport. Sat there for about 4 hrs before boarding an Emirates Airbus A380-800. We then flew to Dubai, getting in just b4 midnight. We have now booked a small sleep and fly room as our next flight out of here is not until 10am tomorrow.
Day 25 & 26, 3rd & 4th Nov.
I've combined these 2 days because of us basically being on planes across these days and crossing the date and time lines between countries.
On the 3rd we left Dubai on an Emirates Airbus A380-800 aircraft bound for Melbourne, Australia. This was over a 13 hour flight. We left Dubai at 10am on the 3rd and arrived in Melbourne at 6.30am on the 4th.
Then from Melbourne we boarded a Qantas Boeing 737-800 aircraft heading to Wellington NZ. We left Melbourne at 8am and got into Wellington at 1315hrs (an almost 4hr flight).
Getting home to Bulls after 1600hrs and our 2 girls (the dogs) going nuts when they saw us.
I've combined these 2 days because of us basically being on planes across these days and crossing the date and time lines between countries.
On the 3rd we left Dubai on an Emirates Airbus A380-800 aircraft bound for Melbourne, Australia. This was over a 13 hour flight. We left Dubai at 10am on the 3rd and arrived in Melbourne at 6.30am on the 4th.
Then from Melbourne we boarded a Qantas Boeing 737-800 aircraft heading to Wellington NZ. We left Melbourne at 8am and got into Wellington at 1315hrs (an almost 4hr flight).
Getting home to Bulls after 1600hrs and our 2 girls (the dogs) going nuts when they saw us.
WMR&ES Small Train Show
23rd & 24th September 2023.
The Wanganui Model Railway & Engineering Society Inc, held this show at the Gonville Scout Hall in Swiss Ave. This show is their smaller show they do on alternate years to their big show at the City Collage Hall. It featured members layouts only, a trade stand from Geoff’s Model Shop and a small display from SteamRail Wanganui. Members set up from Friday afternoon and opened to the public on the Saturday and Sunday, with the scouts also running a sausage sizzle out the front as a fund raiser for their upcoming jamboree. Although the club members enjoyed running their trains at the show, public numbers through the doors were down from previous years, this in turn effected how many sausages the scouts sold outside. Although the public that did come through the doors enjoyed the show.
Myself, Keegan JJ and SRW’s Public Relations Officers/Security dogs Skyla and Mia did the overnight security to protect everyone’s models on the 2 nights. The only issue we had was a cat fight under the hall on the first night, at about 3am. This went on for about half an hour. It kept us awake and the dogs wanted out to see what was going on. Skyla and Mia got a lot of pats over the weekend and were really well behaved, staying behind my layout fence throughout the 2 days, while we were open to the public. They went home Sunday evening totally buggered from all the attention.
WMR&ES would like to thank the scouts for the use of their hall and for keeping the members fed during the day (as a lot of the sausages sold would have been to our members). With president of WMR&ES, Paul M sending a special thanks to everyone for their participation in the Small Train Show. Particular thanks to me for organising the hall and doing the extra bits required for the Scout’s. Paul J and Lee R for taking care of the door/sales. Also, a big thank you to Sandra J for cleaning the hall after everyone had packed up. Photos taken by myself.
Myself, Keegan JJ and SRW’s Public Relations Officers/Security dogs Skyla and Mia did the overnight security to protect everyone’s models on the 2 nights. The only issue we had was a cat fight under the hall on the first night, at about 3am. This went on for about half an hour. It kept us awake and the dogs wanted out to see what was going on. Skyla and Mia got a lot of pats over the weekend and were really well behaved, staying behind my layout fence throughout the 2 days, while we were open to the public. They went home Sunday evening totally buggered from all the attention.
WMR&ES would like to thank the scouts for the use of their hall and for keeping the members fed during the day (as a lot of the sausages sold would have been to our members). With president of WMR&ES, Paul M sending a special thanks to everyone for their participation in the Small Train Show. Particular thanks to me for organising the hall and doing the extra bits required for the Scout’s. Paul J and Lee R for taking care of the door/sales. Also, a big thank you to Sandra J for cleaning the hall after everyone had packed up. Photos taken by myself.
Day Trip to Wellington
12th August 2023
Four SteamRail Wanganui members (including Keegan and myself) spent the day in Wellington on Saturday the 12th of August. Our main reason for being there was to go through the NZR&LS Archives looking for information on Steam Crane E 120 (ex-East Town Workshops) that SRW has in its care. We were lucky and found a lot of the information/past records we need to help us with the future restoration of this crane. A big thank you to NZR&LS for helping us with this. Photos of their items on display by Keegan JJ.
On our way home we stopped at the Wellington Tramway Museum, at the Queen Elizabeth Park near Paekakariki for their last run of the day. This included a look through the building and a run out to the beach, where Keegan got to see some white Bait before returning back to the tram depot. This was Keegan's first time at the Tramway Museum. Photos taken by Keegan JJ and Blair J.
The East Town Railway Workshops Book Launch, Display & Public Open Day with Motor Trolley Rides.
July 8th & 9th
The new East Town Railway Workshops Book is now out in the community. The book was written by Laraine Sole and she has very kindly donated all profits to SteamRail Wanganui Inc.
They held the official launch on the morning of Saturday the 8th, at the Wanganui East Club & Traxs Restaurant. It was well attended by the public; at one stage they counted over 80 people there. They had great display of East Town Workshops related items at the launch. These were supplied by SteamRail Wanganui Inc, Wanganui Model Railway & Engineering Society Inc, Palmerston North Model Engineers (MARRINER RESERVE RAILWAY) and private individuals collections.
The launch was followed by a display in the afternoon of East Town related items at SRW, including the ex-ET Steam Crane E120 and ET built or maintained wagons. This was the first time since the 2015 flood that the crane and carriage had been outside in the sunshine. The crane also had its engine ticking over (running off a compressor) as part of this display.
SRW also held another open day on the Sunday the 9th to promote the new ET Railway Workshops Book. Unfortunately, the weather didn’t play ball on this day. Very wet and cold. So, we only gave a few motor trolley rides. But on a good note, we still sold a number of books.
A big thank you goes to: Laraine Sole for giving SRW not only an awesome fundraiser but also pulling together over a century of history, stories and photographs for us all to enjoy for many years to come. The Wanganui East Club & Traxs Restaurant for providing the venue for our book launch. To all parties involved with running this weekend and to the people and clubs that supplied exhibits, to everyone who came along to the book launch and open day to support us and finally to everyone who has brought a book.
The new book has been very popular since its release. They sold all 300 copies with in the first 3 weeks of its launch and another print run of 200 books have now arrived. So, if you still want a copy, please visit the SRW web site to order these. www.steamrailwanganuiinc.weebly.com.
I had a number of items once again on display or being used over this weekend, these were Tr113, WW 6701, Yc 811 (ballast Wagon) and a framed print of the ET centenary poster. I've included photos of my items here. If you would like to see other photos of this event, please visit SRW's web site at www.steamrailwanganuiinc.weebly.com or their Facebook page.
Photos by Blair J, Ewan P and Keegan JJ.
They held the official launch on the morning of Saturday the 8th, at the Wanganui East Club & Traxs Restaurant. It was well attended by the public; at one stage they counted over 80 people there. They had great display of East Town Workshops related items at the launch. These were supplied by SteamRail Wanganui Inc, Wanganui Model Railway & Engineering Society Inc, Palmerston North Model Engineers (MARRINER RESERVE RAILWAY) and private individuals collections.
The launch was followed by a display in the afternoon of East Town related items at SRW, including the ex-ET Steam Crane E120 and ET built or maintained wagons. This was the first time since the 2015 flood that the crane and carriage had been outside in the sunshine. The crane also had its engine ticking over (running off a compressor) as part of this display.
SRW also held another open day on the Sunday the 9th to promote the new ET Railway Workshops Book. Unfortunately, the weather didn’t play ball on this day. Very wet and cold. So, we only gave a few motor trolley rides. But on a good note, we still sold a number of books.
A big thank you goes to: Laraine Sole for giving SRW not only an awesome fundraiser but also pulling together over a century of history, stories and photographs for us all to enjoy for many years to come. The Wanganui East Club & Traxs Restaurant for providing the venue for our book launch. To all parties involved with running this weekend and to the people and clubs that supplied exhibits, to everyone who came along to the book launch and open day to support us and finally to everyone who has brought a book.
The new book has been very popular since its release. They sold all 300 copies with in the first 3 weeks of its launch and another print run of 200 books have now arrived. So, if you still want a copy, please visit the SRW web site to order these. www.steamrailwanganuiinc.weebly.com.
I had a number of items once again on display or being used over this weekend, these were Tr113, WW 6701, Yc 811 (ballast Wagon) and a framed print of the ET centenary poster. I've included photos of my items here. If you would like to see other photos of this event, please visit SRW's web site at www.steamrailwanganuiinc.weebly.com or their Facebook page.
Photos by Blair J, Ewan P and Keegan JJ.
Tiki Touring around Manawatu.
5 July 2023
Over the July School Holidays. Lloryian and I once again had Keegan stay with us for a week. Most of his time was taken up playing in my hobby room or on You Tube, because Lloryian and I were still working. However, I did have the day off on the Wednesday. So, we decided to have a change of scenery and went for a drive. Photos were taken by Keegan JJ and Blair J.
First stop was the Feilding Coach House Museum.
First stop was the Feilding Coach House Museum.
Second Stop was Feilding Steam & Rail Society. Note the last photos shows the age and growth difference of Keegan since last time I took him there.
Final stop was the Esplanade Railway Palmerston North, for their last run of the day.
Kings Birthday Weekend, Public Open day
4th June 2023.
SteamRail Wanganui had another fun day giving rides to the public. 75 members of the public went for a ride, plus others had a look through our shed. The Public Relation Officers in their yellow Hi Viz’s were once again a crowd favorite. A big thank you to all that supported SRW on the day and to the members that helped out once again. They took this opportunity to promote the upcoming ET Railway Workshops book Launch and associated open day the following month. Photos by Ewan P.
Once again, my motor trolley WW6701, my Tr 113 and wagons were either used or on display at this event. Skyla and Mia also take their role as public relation officers really seriously.
Once again, my motor trolley WW6701, my Tr 113 and wagons were either used or on display at this event. Skyla and Mia also take their role as public relation officers really seriously.
WMR&ES Public Open-Day
25th March 2023.
Keegan and I once again had our model layouts on display at the first Wanganui Model Railway & Engineering Society, Public Open day for the year. Keegan had his HO layout (with his NZR trains) and Lego NZR trains on display. While I had my NZ120 layout, my Thomas N gauge layout, my 5 inch loco and a couple of other models on the clubs big HO/OO layout on display.
2023 Steam Fair
18th & 19th March 2023.
Over this weekend, Keegan and I were once again involved with the Steam Traction Society "Steam Fair", at Maewa near Feilding. They also celebrated the society's 60th over this weekend. This was the 6th time we have displayed at this event.
Here are some highlights, of both days. Photos taken by Keegan and myself, plus a couple taken by Cameron Persson. We set up on the Friday night the day before. Keegan had his HO Thomas layout (this time running his NZR models instead of Thomas) and his Lego Jiggers on show. I had my NZ120 and Thomas N gauge layouts on show. With my Motor trolley also out the front on display.
There was a lot of great comments about our layouts. It was an enjoyable weekend and Keegan, and I would like to say thanks for having us there again and thanks for the rides on the traction engines. We look forward to the next one.
Here are some highlights, of both days. Photos taken by Keegan and myself, plus a couple taken by Cameron Persson. We set up on the Friday night the day before. Keegan had his HO Thomas layout (this time running his NZR models instead of Thomas) and his Lego Jiggers on show. I had my NZ120 and Thomas N gauge layouts on show. With my Motor trolley also out the front on display.
There was a lot of great comments about our layouts. It was an enjoyable weekend and Keegan, and I would like to say thanks for having us there again and thanks for the rides on the traction engines. We look forward to the next one.
Taumarunui Visit
25th Feb 2023.
Ewan P, Keegan J J and myself spent the day in Taumarunui. We were at the Taumarunui Rail Action Center (in the old railway goods sheds). They were holding an open day to the public today. Ewan brought up his Velocipede and an operating signal (c/o Hamish C) for display. If you like old stuff, there's something here for everyone. We also did a bit of site seeing on the way home.
Historian Laraine Sole wants stories and pictures of East Town Workshops
Wanganui Midweek (newspaper) Article, by Paul Brooks. 25th January 2023.
Blair Jordan (left) and Hamish Coull of SteamRail Wanganui with the supposedly “lost” East Town Railways Workshop honours board. Photo / Paul Brooks
Historian and writer Laraine Sole is working on her latest local history book about Whanganui’s East Town Workshops and wants to hear from people who worked there.
“I want to hear from anyone who worked there from anywhere between 1960 and when it closed,” says Laraine.
She has already spoken with a lot of men from that era, but this is the last chance for anyone who wants to add to the story.
SteamRail Wanganui people have been out and about on Laraine’s behalf, and they also have a lot of NZR memorabilia, including an honours board long held by the RSA and was thought to be lost.
“I’m really hoping that when we launch this book it can be like a reunion for people to share their stories,” says Laraine. The book covers the history of the workshops from 1880 until their demise.
“I do have evidence that there was work going on there before 1880.”
Laraine says the book happened when she was writing a book about Whanganui East.
“I did a chapter on East Town Workshops and found so much information than I would have space for in the book.” So it became a book in itself. The association with SteamRail Wanganui happened because they preserve so much of New Zealand’s rail history.
If you have stories or photos to share with Laraine Sole, call or text her at 027 8156 110 or email at [email protected]
“I want to hear from anyone who worked there from anywhere between 1960 and when it closed,” says Laraine.
She has already spoken with a lot of men from that era, but this is the last chance for anyone who wants to add to the story.
SteamRail Wanganui people have been out and about on Laraine’s behalf, and they also have a lot of NZR memorabilia, including an honours board long held by the RSA and was thought to be lost.
“I’m really hoping that when we launch this book it can be like a reunion for people to share their stories,” says Laraine. The book covers the history of the workshops from 1880 until their demise.
“I do have evidence that there was work going on there before 1880.”
Laraine says the book happened when she was writing a book about Whanganui East.
“I did a chapter on East Town Workshops and found so much information than I would have space for in the book.” So it became a book in itself. The association with SteamRail Wanganui happened because they preserve so much of New Zealand’s rail history.
If you have stories or photos to share with Laraine Sole, call or text her at 027 8156 110 or email at [email protected]
Wanganui Vintage Weekend 2023
21st - 23rd January 2023
We were once again involved with SteamRail Wanganui's "Whanganui Vintage Weekend" event. They organised another set of Public Open days and Motor Trolley rides over the long Wellington Anniversary Weekend. This time over all 3 days of the event. Saturday was just the shed open to the public with the Sunday and Monday offering Rides as well. This was once again, well supported by the public. On the Monday they also had the miniature Traction Engines etc there giving rides. They offered their services to help with our fund raising, which was great, and they thanked the team from The Steam Traction Society for supporting us. The weather played ball also for the event this year.
My loco was on display again in the shed, with my motor trolley giving rides on the Sunday and used as a backup on the Monday. My nephew Keegan also had his Lego Jigger he built on display.
Once again, the clubs Public Relation Officers (my Dogs) were well received by all who attended. Sarah Hart commented the following on the SRW Facebook site – “If you need feedback on your PR team…. My girl could only sing their praises yesterday”. She included the photo of her girl with Mia. We love getting good feedback about the events we are involved in.
Once again, SRW send a big thank you to everyone who came for a ride and of course the SRW members. They couldn’t do this event without you.
Photos taken by Blair J, Keegan JJ, Ewan P and the official Vintage Weekend Photographer.
My loco was on display again in the shed, with my motor trolley giving rides on the Sunday and used as a backup on the Monday. My nephew Keegan also had his Lego Jigger he built on display.
Once again, the clubs Public Relation Officers (my Dogs) were well received by all who attended. Sarah Hart commented the following on the SRW Facebook site – “If you need feedback on your PR team…. My girl could only sing their praises yesterday”. She included the photo of her girl with Mia. We love getting good feedback about the events we are involved in.
Once again, SRW send a big thank you to everyone who came for a ride and of course the SRW members. They couldn’t do this event without you.
Photos taken by Blair J, Keegan JJ, Ewan P and the official Vintage Weekend Photographer.
Obituary
Stephen Shaw (Steve)
Stephen passed away peacefully on the 14th of January 2023. After a short battle with cancer in P nth hospital. Aged 63 years. Much adored husband of Gillian, father, and grandfather. He was a member of SteamRail Wanganui Inc and a great mate to us all. As you can imagine this has been a big shock to all SRW members. Stephen was a big help to SRW over the years. He was involved with everything They did. He was a regular at their Sunday morning Construction days and the once-a-month club nights. He was a car steward on the trips SRW used to run when they hired the capital connection train consist. He had been trained as a shunter and motor trolley driver with the club. He would attend all their events and trips. Even outside the club, he was always willing to give a hand. He flew up twice to Auckland to help me with my Thomas layout with the Glenbrook Vintage Railway “Day out with Thomas” events. Stephen wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty and to try new things. He is a big loss to us all and the club. RIP Steve.