My Work in Rail 2021.
Playing The the Snow
9th August 2021
I was booked on Car 201 on Monday the 9th of August. But due to the winder storm all the roads were closed north of Taihape. The only way I could get to Nat Park for my crew change was via EM 80 (the track evaluation car). It was a mad dash to Taihape in a car to meet EM80 and hop on board. A lot of these photos were taken as going away shots from the rear drivers seat, as Josh Maurice drove EM80 heading up to Nat Park.
24th July 2021
10 Years At KiwiRail.
This day marked my 10 year Anniversary since I started my Railway career with KiwiRail. The time has gone so fast. Who would of thought in 10 years I would of gone from being a Rail Operator, TXO, Main Line Rail Operator, Locomotive Engineer Freight and now Locomotive Engineer Passenger. Like every job there are the ups and downs, but over all I love what I do. A big thank you to my partner and family for their support, it can be very hard on relationships with the different work shifts. You meet and make friends with a lot of great people on this job and I am very grateful to all the help everyone has given me over the years. I have always had a fascination/love for trains. Specially the late 70's to early 90's period, I grew up in. In fact it has been my dream since a little boy to work for rail and carrying on my family tradition. It has always been my goal to drive trains and work for rail. Specially working with some of the older Diesels. I'm grateful that I got to drive the likes of the Dbr's, Dc's, Dft/b's and Dxb/c's before they disappear. I look forward to another 20 years. I have put together a few photos of me doing what I love over the years. Thank you to all the photographers that keep getting me in your shots, you might recognise a few photos here.
My Passenger Certification.
After approximately a year and half of on again off again training I have finally passed my Passenger certification with KiwiRail. This now means I can drive the Northern Explorer, Capital Connection and other diesel hauled excursion trains. A big thank you to all my minders I had over this time and to the team leaders and management who passed me during my certification runs. Foamers with their camera’s out were – Mike Edwards, Ray Mathewson, Morgz Tukariri, Alan O'Brien, Lockie Murrell, Ross Polkinghorne and Ray Deerness.
Northern Explorer Train 200
I was on the Northern Explorer (200) on 13th January 2021. Grant Allen (Sparky) was my minder for the day. Mike Edwards was out with his camera just south of Feilding.
My First Job for 2021
My first job for 2021, 3rd January. A early 0150am start to run 390 from P Nth to National Park for crew change with 391. 390 had DL 9613 & 9636 with 1337 ton and 506m (28 wagons) long. 391 had DL 9469, 9515 & 9210 for 600 ton and 455m (25 wagons) long.