Weka Pass Railway

Weka Pass Railway
A 428 approaching Gate 2 on the railway
Locale Waipara,  New Zealand
Terminus Glenmark Station and Waikari Station
Coordinates 43°03′16″S 172°45′28″E / 43.0544°S 172.7579°E / -43.0544; 172.7579Coordinates: 43°03′16″S 172°45′28″E / 43.0544°S 172.7579°E / -43.0544; 172.7579
Connections KiwiRail Main North Line
Commercial operations
Name Waiau Branchline
Built by New Zealand Government Railways
Original gauge 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)
Preserved operations
Owned by Weka Pass Railway Society
Operated by Weka Pass Railway Society
Stations Two
Length 12.8km
Preserved gauge 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)
Commercial history
Opened 15 December 1919
Closed 15 January 1978
Preservation history
1982 Formation of Society
1984 First Operation of Trains
1993 Recommissioning of A 428
1995 Inaugural Waipara Vintage Festival
1999 Official opening of the railway
2003 Opening of the Waikari turntable
2009 Opening of the Glenmark turntable
Website
www.wekapassrailway.co.nz

The Weka Pass Railway is a New Zealand heritage railway based in Waipara, North Canterbury. It is operated on a 12.8 km length of the former Waiau Branch railway between Waipara and Waikari. The railway is operated by an incorporated society whose members come from all walks of life and are largely resident in the city of Christchurch, 60 km to the south. The railway began carrying passengers in 1984 and is now well established locally and nationally.[1]

History

Beginnings

See Waiau Branch for more details
A 428 at Frog Rock.

The first stage of the Waiau Branch line inland through the Weka Pass to Waikari was completed in 1882. This area is noted for its scenery and the railway passes through many large cuttings, around tight curves and on steep gradients (max 1 in 47). When originally built the line was expected to be part of the South Island Main Trunk Railway north of the city of Christchurch. Further sections of the line through Hawarden, Medbury, Balmoral, Pahau, Culverden, Achray, Rotherham and Waiau were constructed in subsequent years. The line was officially opened to Medbury in 1884 and to Culverden in 1886 but the final section to Waiau was not completed until 1919. In the 1920s the decision was made to take the Main North Line on a coastal route north out of Waipara. The Main North Line, which involved major earthworks and many engineering difficulties, was not completed until 1945.[1]

The Waiau Branch suffered the fate of many rural branch lines in later years as increasing competition from road transport saw a decline in traffic carried. For many years the railways were protected from this competition by mileage limits; as these were gradually increased, more and more branches were closed. The branch had a short reprieve in its twilight years when large amounts of logs were carried from the Balmoral forest. Closure occurred on 15 January 1978.[1]

Formation

A public meeting at Waipara in August 1982 saw a steering committee established to investigate the Weka Pass Railway proposal. There had been interest from a number of people in preserving part of this old branch line particularly in the scenic Weka Pass.[1] The impetus came from local Waipara people who saw the tourist potential, and railway enthusiasts, many drawn from the Ferrymead Railway. The Society was formally established in November that year.[1] The new group began negotiating with NZ Railways and other parties to purchase track, locomotives, rolling stock and other facilities. In May 1983, the first major public was held. The "Mayfair Festival" was held and featured the Canterbury Railway Societys Manning Wardle NO 1841 of 1914, and Fowler NO 16246 of 1924 from the Canterbury Steam Preservation Society, along with rakes of LA and LC "high-side" wagons, full of passengers. Shuttles ran from the old Waipara yard to the 3 km straight.[1]

In July 1983, the railway agreed with the New Zealand Railways Corporation to lease the line between Waipara and the south bank of the Hurunui River.[1] Public running commenced on 4 June 1984, and traveled from McCaskeys Crossing to Herberts Crossing (and stopped for picnics at Frog Rock along the way). The WPR purchased the leased section of the line on 3 September 1984, and the final payment was made on 28 August 1990. On 30 September 1984, running on the line ceased due to legal complications about the transfer of the ownership.[1] The railway was later granted permission to operate trains on under their own name on the line, a public running recommenced on 17 March 1985.[1]

Following the closure the Waiau line, all of the track remained in place except for the removal of a level crossing at Waikari where the road crossed State Highway 7 due to Transit New Zealand and the National Roads Board refusing for the crossing to be reinstalled.[1] Because of this, in September 1988 the WPR agreed to lift the line between Waikari and the south bank of the Hurunui River, and section was finally lifted by July 1991.[1]

Track and turntables

Track

The Weka Pass Railway operates 12.8 km of the former Waiau Branchline between Waipara and its terminus at Waikari.[1]

Not long after trains commenced running to Waikari, the railway suffered a major setback in 1986 when heavy rain damaged the line in a number of places. During this time, it was decided that the line wasn't in good condition, and it would need extensive repairs, and earthworks in some portion of line.[1] By April 1987 trains were running to the 5.5 km peg.[1] Due to a slump near Antils Hut found in September 1987, trains were once again restricted.[1] After repairs were made, trains recommenced running to the area on 28 January 1988.[1] During this time, the section of track between the old Waipara yard and Glenmark Station were realigned.[1] In the same year, work started in Waikari with the ripping up of track.

On 3 June 1990, trains started operating to Gate NO. 2. Trains then started operating to Frog Rock in June 1991, and to Herberts Crossing on 23 August 1992. The line later reached Timpendean, but due to the lack of a suitable picnic area, trains were only allowed to run to Herberts Crossing.[1] On 11 September 1999 was marked as a historic day for the WPR, as it was the day for opening of the line to Waikari, and also the official opening day of the WPR.[1] A "members train" was hauled by DGs 770 and 791 and traveled all the way to Waikari, and after dropping the members off at the platform, the train was propelled back, where the DGs were placed into the turntable road, and F 163 sat in the loop with the "members train".[2] A "special guest train", which was hauled by A 428, followed soon after. WD 357 sat at the end of the line at the stop block.[2] In 2001, a new turn-out was installed in the yard in Waipara.[3]

Turntables

The railway has a turntable at both Glenmark and Waikari. A 55-foot turntable was installed in Waikari on 3 October 2002,[4] and was recommissioned on 31 August 2003. A special train ran from Christchurch hauled by DCP 4761, as well as another train, which was hauled by A 428 and composed of the railways own carriages. The turntable was found in a scrap heap in Middleton Yard (in Christchurch), and was purchased by the railway in the mid-1990s.[5] A 62-foot turntable was installed in Glenmark (Waipara). It took 14 months for the turntable to be restored and installed, and was reopened on 12 July 2009.[6] There were issues with the installation with the turntable, as the land was privately owned at the time.[7] This now enables the locomotives to be turned to face the correct way, instead of running tender-leading on the return journey to Glenmark from Waikari. In 2010, the railway won the "KiwiRail Network Infrastructure Improvement Undertaken by a Heritage Railway award" for the restorations of the two turntables.[8]

Buildings

Stations

Glenmark Station

Glenmark Station in Waipara

The ex-Mina Railway Station was built in 1910, and served many passenger trains along the Main North Line, and had been extensively refurbished. By 1979, a new concrete front was needed to support the platform. In October 1980, the railway station became an unattended flag station, and was closed to all traffic.[1] A private resident and his family, who was living in Cheviot at the time, raised funds and made generous donations to preserve and transport the station to Waipara. In 1986 disassemble of the station commenced, and the station arrived in its current site in 1987.[1] The building was shifted in two sections, and after rejoining the two sections, a new roof was constructed, and new foundations made. A verandah was also fitted, and the station has been in use since April 1988.[1] To avoid confusion, the station was renamed as Glenmark Station, to avoid confusion of the current Waipara Station on the Main North Line.[1]

Waikari Station

The ex-Hundalee Station was built in 1939, and is a standard class A station (which were designed by George Troup).[9] The station also served many passenger trains along the Main North Line. The building was purchased by the WPR, and was transported to Waikari on 29 October 1991.[1] By July 1992, the station was fully restored, and served its first train in Waikari on 11 September 1999.[1]

In 1995, the railway received an award from the Rail Heritage Trust of New Zealand for the restoration of the two stations.[1]

Locomotive depot and workshop

In the mid 1980s, a two-road workshop was built in the old Waipara rail yard. The depot was later extended to a three-road depot in 2005, and a pit was installed.[10]

Carriage Shed

Between 2005 and 2006, a two-road carriage shed was built, and was fitted with roller doors. It houses the WPRs carriage fleet, Wickham Track Inspection Car and one or both DGs. During mid-2012, the shed was fitted with four swinging doors.[11]

Gate Huts

Because of the railway running through private farmland, Gate Keepers are assigned to Gates NO. 1 and 2. Because of this, a hut is allocated to both gates.

During the mid to late 1980s, phone-booth huts were built. But because of the small size of them, the ex-pump-house from the former Kaiapoi rail yard was transported to Gate NO. 1, and the ex-Hawarden Gangers hut was transported to Gate NO. 2, to replace the phone-booth like-huts. On 8 July 2004, two new brand new huts (which were built in the WPRs yard in Waipara) replaced the second-hand huts (which have since been demolished). The new huts have been named after two late members respectfully.[10]

Operations and membership

The Railway is fully operated by volunteers. These volunteers come from all walks of life and have diverse and varied interests within the railway. Trackwork enthusiasts can lead a hand on a Wednesday work train, however the majority of work occurs on Saturdays where activities range from shunting movements to engineering. Complimentary training is offered in both correspondence form, and through one-on-one and group lecturing. No fees occur (except for the issue of steam locomotive firemans and drivers certificate, assessed by an external examiner) for these services.

On Running days, the following positions are available:

Train Control

On the Weka Pass Railway, Track Authority Control is used to ensure safety of trains between the Glenmark and Waikari station limits. The Train Control Officer (TCO) is responsible for issuing track authorities and for ensuring safe movements up the single line. They communicate with train operating parties (including Gate Keepers) via radio.

Guard

The Guard is responsible for the running of trains. Their duties include but are not limited to carrying out terminal/intermediate brake tests, clipping passenger tickets, and managing crowds during photo-runs. They are also able to engage in conversation with passengers, or simply, enjoy the views from the guards van or AT viewing cars. Put simply, they are responsible for the safe running of each train service.

Assistant Guard(s)

Assistant Guards assist the Guard with completing his duties

Locomotive Driver

The Locomotive Drivers duty is to prepare and manoeuvre the locomotive. He/she is responsible to ensure that all necessary steps are taken in the preparation of the locomotive and is in charge of physically manoeuvring the locomotive. As the line is steeply graded, he must be very careful to ensure that the locomotive does not slip, and he must ensure that the fireman has maintained sufficient water level in the boiler before cresting gradients- to prevent crown sheet damage and fusible plug fusion. Braking must also be managed when travelling downhill.

Locomotive Assistant/Fireman

The Locomotive Assistant/Fireman's duty is to assist the driver with the safe and efficient operation of the locomotive. The fireman performs controlled firing to raise sufficient steam pressure for the drivers usage on a steam locomotive. The Locomotive Assistant on a diesel locomotive can be thought of as a first officer, assisting the driver and watching the road ahead, as well as performing shunting where required.

Locomotive Trainee

They ride with the engine crews in the cab and are able to practice firing techniques, often on the Whistle Board Cutting - Waikari section. Qualified Locomotive Assistants and Drivers supervise these members and give tips and advice to assist the trainee. The trainees are also trained to prepare appliances such as the Detroit Lubricator and the Westinghouse Brake Pumps.

PPA

During times of high demand, PPA (Preparing and Putting Away) assistants are rostered to help out with operations. This is to allow duties to be completed faster, allowing loco crew shifts to be completed within 10 hours.

Gate Keeper

Gate No. 2 on the Weka Pass Railway.

When the Weka Pass Railway society was formed, much of the original railway formation was already divided onto private land. As a result, the modern day railway passes over several farms. Gate Keepers are responsible for ensuring that livestock does not move from paddock to paddock, and they must report to train control if stock are protruding the line.

Locomotives and rolling stock

The railway presently owns four locomotives, all formerly owned by the New Zealand Government Railways, and a large fleet of ex-NZR rolling stock.[1]

NZR steam locomotives

Key: In service In service, Mainline Certified Under overhaul/restoration/repair Stored Static display Scrapped
Original class and number Builder Builders number Year built Year arrived Notes
A 428 A & G Price 31 1909 1983 Purchased by the A 428 Preservation Society in 1973, and leased to the Weka Pass Railway for restoration.[12] Arrived in Waipara on 10 December 1983.[1] Restored 1988-1993.[12]

NZR diesel locomotives

Key: In service In service, Mainline Certified Under overhaul/restoration/repair Stored Static display Scrapped
Original class and number TMS number Builder Builders number Year built Year arrived Notes
DE 512 DE 1429 English Electric 1750 1951 2015 Owned by the Diesel Traction Group. Currently on loan to the WPR until DSA 276 is returned to service.
DG 770 DG 2232 English Electric 2274/D353 1955 1983 Owned by the WPR. Arrived on 10 December 1983. Participated in cavalcade in the Ferrymead 125 celebrations on 23 October 1988. Currently in service.
DG 791 DG 2468 English Electric 2295/D374 1955 1983 Owned by the WPR. Arrived on 10 December 1983. Participated in cavalcade in the Ferrymead 125 celebrations on 23 October 1988. Currently undergoing repainting in the traditional red livery, and in service.
DSA 276 DSA 822 Mitsubishi Heavy Industries 1471 1967 1992 Leased to the WPR in 1992, and subsequently purchased. Currently undergoing an engine replacement.

Carriages

Key: In service In service, Mainline Certified Under overhaul/restoration/repair Stored Static display Scrapped
Original class and number TMS number Builder Type Year built Year arrived Notes
A 523 NZR Addington Workshops 43' 9" wooden body passenger carriage 1896 1986 Purchased from the West Coast Historical and Mechanical Society at Shantytown.[13] Arrived in October 1986, and restored as a bunkhouse for members in 1994. It is the oldest piece of rolling stock held by the railway.[14]
A 1730 A 50132 NZR Addington Workshops 50' 0" steel-panelled suburban carriage 1931 1983 Ex-Dunedin suburban services.[14] Arrived on 10 December 1983.[1] Overhauled 2012-2018.
A 1731 A 50140 NZR Addington Workshops 50' 0" steel-panelled suburban carriage 1931 1983 Ex-Dunedin suburban services.[14] Arrived on 10 December 1983.[1] Overhauled 2004-2011. [15] In 2012, the carriage won the "FRONZ Passenger Carriage Restoration Award" for the restoration of A 1731.[16]
A 1732 A 50159 NZR Addington Workshops 50' 0" steel-panelled suburban carriage 1931 2009 Ex-Dunedin suburban services.[14] Purchased from the Otago Excursion Train Trust, and arrived in Waipara on 13 March 2009.[14] It is currently awaiting restoration.[17]
A 1733 A 50167 NZR Addington Workshops 50' 0" steel-panelled suburban carriage 1931 1983 Ex-Dunedin suburban services.[14] Arrived on 10 December 1983.[1] Underwent major repairs 2010-2012.
A 1760 A 50223 NZR Addington Workshops 50' 0" steel-panelled suburban carriage 1932 2008 Ex-Dunedin suburban services.[14] Purchased from the Otago Excursion Train Trust], and arrived on 13 March 2009. Currently stored.
A 1935 A 3338

AC 3548

 NZR Addington Workshops 56' 0" steel-panelled mainline carriage 1939 2001 Owned by the Rail Heritage Trust.[18] Arrived on 14 February 2001.
AL 1697 AL 50026 NZR Addington Workshops 50' 0" steel-panelled suburban carriage 1930 1983 Ex-Dunedin suburban services.[14] Rebuilt as a car-van in October 1969. [19] Restored 1990-1993. Currently receiving repairs.

Viewing cars

Key: In service In service, Mainline Certified Under overhaul/restoration/repair Stored Static display Scrapped
Original class and number TMS number Builder Type Year built Year arrived Notes
T 155 T 385 NZR Addington Workshops 32' 6" wooden covered viewing car c1960 1981 Formerly a cattle wagon.[20] Modified as a covered viewing car and reclassified as AT 155 in 1988.[1]
T 157 T 409 NZR Addington Workshops 32' 6" wooden open viewing car c1960 1984 Formerly a cattle wagon.[1] It was renumbered as T 385 circa 1978, and withdrawn on 7 November 1981 in Waipara.[21] Modified as an un-covered viewing car and reclassified as AT 157 in September 1993.[14]

Vans

Key: In service In service, Mainline Certified Under overhaul/restoration/repair Stored Static display Scrapped
Original class and number TMS number Builder Type Year built Year arrived Notes
F 497 F 962 NZR Hillside Workshops 47' 6" wooden body brake van 1927 1985 Arrived in April 1985 after being donated by a member.[14][13] It was restored from 1997-1998.[22].
F 699 F 2854 NZR Addington Workshops 37' 6" wooden body brake van 1964 1987 Sold in April 1987. F 699 was restored in 1994,[23] and is one of the last wooden vans built by the NZR.[14]

Wagons

Key: In service In service, Mainline Certified Under overhaul/restoration Stored Static display Scrapped
Original class and number TMS number Type Builder Year built Year arrived Notes
H 1557 H 1125 4 wheel cattle wagon NZR Addington Workshops 1959 1981 Entered service in September 1959.[24] Renumbered as H 1125 circa 1978, and was written-off on 7 November 1981 in Waipara.[24] It was restored in 1998,[25][22] and was officially recommissioned in April 2000.[26]
JC 4971 JC 487 4 wheel sheep wagon NZR Addington Workshops c1952 1989 Entered service circa 1952.[27] Renumbered as JC 487 circa 1978, and was written-off on 22 May 1982 at Prebbleton. Formerly owned by the defunct Southern Rail Group, it was sold to an WPR member, but was later sold to the railway. It was fully restored in 1999.[25][22] It was officially recommissioned in April 2000.[26] Underwent repairs and a cosmetic tidy-up between March 2017 - October
Unidentified KP Unidentified KP 4 Wheel Box Wagon Mitsubishi Heavy Industries N/A 1991 Sold to the railway in May 1991 and used as a storage shed without wheels.[1]
KS 4556 KS 12345 4-wheel steel covered wagon NZR Addington Workshops 1970 2000 Entered service on 12 September 1970.[28] Renumbered as KS 12345 circa 1978, and fitted with new ends, roof modified and strengthened, new roof beams at East Town workshops Nov 1980. It was later withdrawn, and sold to the Rail Heritage Trust.[20] Arrived at the WPR in 2000. Incorrectly stenciled KS 1235.[25]
KS 4479 KS 11507

KST 5069

 4-wheel curtain sided wagon NZR Otahuhu Workshops 1970 2000 Entered service on 10 October 1970.[28] Renumbered as KS 11507 in 1980. Reclassified as KST 5069 in September 1985 and fitted with Taut-liner curtains.[29] It was withdrawn and later sold to the Rail Heritage Trust.[20] It arrived at the WPR on 11 September 2000.[25]
LA 8337 E 1344 4 wheel steel open high sided wagon NZR Hillside Workshops 1908 1983 Entered service on 18 July 1908. It was later used by the Ways and Works Department[20] and reclassified as E 2882 on 31 March 1969.[30] Renumbered as E 1344 circa 1978, and written-off on 18 June 1983.[30] Arrived at the WPR in mid-1983.[25]
LA 20341 4-wheel open high-sider NZR Otahuhu Workshops 1941 c1995 Entered service in March 1941.[30] Written-off on 21 May 1977, and sold to the Lyttelton Port Company. It arrived at the WPR circa 1995.[25]
LA 21338 LA 39170 4-wheel open high-sider NZR Addington Workshops c1950 1986 Entered service circa 1950. Fitted with corrugated iron ends in February 1977 at A & G Price.[30] It was renumbered as LA 39170 circa 1978. Written-off on 24 May 1986, and arrived at the WPR in the same year. It was repaint in 1988.[25] It was also repainted December 2017 - July 2018.
LC 25542 LC 1588 4-wheel steel open high side wagon NZR Otahuhu Workshops 1950 1990 Entered service on 9 December 1950, and renumbered as LC 1588 circa 1978.[31] Written-off in February 1988, and arrived at the WPR in 1990.[25]
LPA 1193 LPA 2730 4-wheel steel high side paper wagon Mitsubishi Heavy Industries 1973 2001 Entered service on 28 April 1973, and renumbered as LPA 2730 circa 1978.[32] Withdrawn and later sold to the Rail Heritage Trust. Arrived at the WPR in 2001.[25]
MC 2386 MC 4830 4 wheel wooden open low side wagon NZR Addington Workshops 1959 1987 Entered service June 1959,[25] and renumbered as MC 4830 circa 1978.[33] Written-off in January 1986, and arrived at the WPR in April 1987.[25] It received a tidy-up in 1999,[22] and May - July 2018.
NK 385 4-wheel steel flat-top wagon NZR Hillside Workshops 1985 2000 Entered service in September 1985.[34] Written-off in January 1986, and stored in Wiri.[35] It was sold to the Rail Heritage Trust after being found in the Wiri scrap line in 1999,[35] and arrived at the WPR in late 2000, where it was overhauled.[35] It is now used for weed spraying.[25]
T 168 T 492 Bogie cattle wagon NZR Hillside Workshops 1960 1984 Entered service April 1960, and renumbered as T 492 circa 1980.[21] Written-off on 7 November 1981 at Waipara, and sold to the WPR in 1984.[25] Stored body-less.[1]
UB 618 UB 228 Bogie steel flat deck wagon NZR Newmarket Workshops 1908 1983 Entered service in February 1908 as UB 491, but later renumbered as UB 618 in September 1910.[36] It was renumbered as UB 228 circa 1978, and written-off in June 1983.[37] Arrived at the WPR on 10 December in the same year as its withdrawal. Oldest freight wagon at the railway, and is incorrectly numbered as UB 2351.[36] Underwent a cosmetic tidy up August 2017 - October 2017.
UB 818 EA 2662 Flat deck NZR Addington Workshops 1926 1989 Entered service on 16 October 1926 as UB 818, and reclassified as EUB 4164 on 6 October 1973 after being converted to a crane support and runner wagon for Diesel Crane NO. 197.[37] It was later again reclassified as EA 2662 circa 1978, and arrived at the WPR on 30 May 1989.[25]
UC 860 UC 594 Bogie tank wagon NZR Addington Workshops 1930 2000 Entered service in March 1930. Overhauled at Addington Workshops in October 1945, and renumbered as UC 594 in June 1978.[36] Written-off in March 1989, and placed into storage at Gracefield. Sold to the Rail Heritage Trust and arrived at the WPR in 2000.[36]
UC 1232 UC 1472 Bogie tank wagon NZR Addington Workshops 1947 2001 Entered service on 12 July 1947, and overhauled at Hutt Workshops in September 1962. It was renumbered as UC 1472 June 1978, and again overhauled at Hutt Workshops in July 1979.[36] It was written-off on 15 January 1990, and sold to the Rail Heritage Trust. It arrived at the WPR on 30 April 2001.[36]
UD 1504 UD 61

EWW 46

 Bogie Works and Way Well wagon NZR Otahuhu Workshops 1952 2000 Entered service in April 1953, and renumbered as UD 61 in June 1978.[36] It was reclassified as EWW 46 in April 1994, and later sold to the Rail Heritage Trust. Arrived at the WPR in late 2000.[36] Occasionally used on work trains.
UR 2275 URT 304 Steel flat deck bogie log wagon NZR Addington Workshops 1965 1989 Entered service on 22 May 1965, and reclassified as URT 2275 on 6 December 1965 due to being fitted with "USL" type log cradles (which has since been removed).[38] Renumbered as URT 304 circa 1978, and later written-off. Arrived at the WPR on 30 May 1989, and is used on regular work trains.[39]
VR 137 VR 1399 Bogie Steel Insulated wagon Kinki Sharyo Co. 1964 2000 Entered service in March 1964, and later renumbered as VR 1399 circa 1978.[40] Written-off in June 1983, and arrived at the WPR later that year. It was repainted in 2013.[36]
XP 3226 XP 2754 4-Wheel Ventilated Box Wagon NZR East Town Workshops 1967 1983 Entered service in March 1967, and renumbered as XP 2754 circa 1978.[41] Written-off in June 1983, and arrived at the WPR a few months later.[36] Restoration commenced in the summer of 1999,[42][22] and was completed later in the year. It was officially recommissioned in April 2000.[26] It was again repainted in 2013.[36]
YB 578 YB 1247 4-wheel ballast wagon NZR Hillside Workshops 1942 N/A Entered service in 1942, and renumbered as YB 1247 circa 1978.[43] Written-off on 20 June 1987, and arrived at the WPR a few months later.[36] Repainted circa 2009.
YB 621 YB 1656 4-wheel ballast wagon NZR Hillside Workshops 1942 N/A Entered service in 1942, and renumbered as YB 1656 circa 1978.[43] Written-off on 20 June 1987, and arrived at the WPR a few months later.[36] Occasionally used on railfans days. Repainted circa 2009.
YB 634 YB 1783 4-wheel ballast wagon NZR Hillside Workshops 1942 N/A Entered service in 1942, and renumbered as YB 1783 circa 1978.[43] Written-off on 20 June 1987, and arrived at the WPR a few months later.[36] Repainted circa 2009.
YB 637 YB 1817 4-wheel ballast wagon NZR Hillside Workshops 1942 N/A Entered service in 1942, and renumbered as YB 1817 circa 1978.[43] Written-off on 20 June 1987, and arrived at the WPR a few months later.[36] Repainted circa 2009.
YC 838 YC 1716 4-wheel central-discharging ballast wagon NZR Addington Workshops 1960 2007 Entered service in December 1960, and renumbered as YC 1716 circa 1978.[44] It was withdrawn, and sold to the Rail Heritage Trust.[36] It arrived at the WPR circa 20 August 2007.[45] Occasionally used on work trains. Repainted circa 2009.
YC 856 YC 1906 4-wheel central-discharging ballast wagon NZR Addington Workshops 1960 2007 Entered service in February 1961, and renumbered as YC 1906 circa 1978.[44] It was later withdrawn, and sold to the Rail Heritage Trust. Arrived at the WPR in 2007.[36] Repainted circa 2009. Occasionally used on work trains.
YD 1035 YD 392 Bogie side-dump wagon Differential Car Company c1950 2013 Entered service circa 1950, and renumbered as YD 392 circa 1978.[46] It was later withdrawn, and arrived by truck at the WPR on 9 October 2013.[36] Occasionally used on work trains.
YF 909 YF 132 4 wheel side discharge ballast wagon NZR Addington Workshops 1964 2007 Entered service on 7 November 1964, and renumbered as YF 132 circa 1978.[47] It was later withdrawn, and arrived at the WPR in August 2007.[36] Repainted circa 2009. Occasionally used on work trains.
YF 916 YF 201 4 wheel side discharge ballast wagon NZR Addington Workshops 1965 2001 Entered service on 2 January 1965, and renumbered as YF 201 circa 1978.[47] It was later withdrawn, and arrived at the WPR in 2001. Incorrectly stenciled YF 203.[36] Repainted circa 2009. Owned by the Rail Heritage Trust.
Z 262 EA 65 50 ft Covered wooded bogie wagon NZR Addington Workshops 1935 1987 Entered service in 1935, and reclassified as E 1664 on 20 July 1940.[48] It was again reclassified as EA 1664 on circa 1943, and then renumbered as EA 65 circa 1978.[48] It was written-off on 8 August 1986, and arrived in late 1986. It was modified with a mess room and a tool storage room in 1987. It was repainted in 2003,[49] and overhauled in 2014. Used on work trains to transport the track gang to work sites.[25]
Z 356 Z 1032 50 ft Covered wooden bogie wagon NZR Otahuhu Workshops 1946 1989 Entered service in 1946,[50] and renumbered as Z 1032 circa 1978.[48] It was written-off in July 1988,[48] and arrived at the WPR in September 1989.[1] It is now being fully restored.[50]

Cranes

Key: In service In service, Mainline Certified Under overhaul/restoration Stored Static display Scrapped
Number TMS class and number Type Lifting capacity Builder Builders number Year built Year arrived Notes
197 EL 1007 Diesel 10 Tonnes Ransomes & Rapier F5637 1943 1989 Entered service in 1943, and was the NZR's first diesel crane. It was not permitted to travel on the Rewanui or Paparoa Inclines.[51] It was renumbered as EL 1007 on 23 July 1979.[51] It was withdrawn in 1989, and arrived at the WPR on 30 May in that year. It was repainted in 2016 and is currently used to coal A 428, and used for other heavy lift work.
305 Coaling 500 Kilograms N/A N/A 1925 N/A Entered service for the NZR in 1925 as Crane 359.[52] It was purchased by the WPR and restored in 1998, where it was used for coaling A 428.[1] Now currently stored awaiting an overhaul.

Track inspection cars

Key: In service In service, Mainline Certified Under overhaul/restoration/repair Stored Static display Scrapped
Class Number Builder Builders number Year built Year arrived Notes
WW 5139 Wickham Of Ware 5164 1950 1984 The ex-South Island Wickham Track Inspection Car entered service for the NZR in 1950. It was withdrawn and sold to the WPR in June 1984,[1] and restored by Cooper Hendersons Motors in 1985. In 1995, the interior of the car was refurbished.[1] In 1997, it was given an overhaul of its Austin A40 petrol engine.[53] But the engine was replaced by a Datson 120Y petrol engine in 2002, and also had a new Nissan gear-box fitted.[4] It also received an overhaul of its axles.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 Dew, Leslie (2001). The Great Northern - the story of the Waiau Branch. Weka Pass Railway Inc. ISBN 0-473-07188-6.
  2. 1 2 "Frog Rock Times". Weka Pass Railway Inc. November 1999.
  3. ↑ "Frog Rock Times". Weka Pass Railway Inc. August 2001.
  4. 1 2 "Frog Rock Times". Weka Pass Railway Inc. November 2002.
  5. ↑ "Railfan". 9 (2). Triple M Publications. March 2003. ISSN 1173-2229.
  6. ↑ "Railfan". 16 (1). Triple M Publications. December 2009. ISSN 1173-2229.
  7. ↑ "Railfan". 9 (4). Triple M Publications. September 2003. ISSN 1173-2229.
  8. ↑ "Railfan". 16 (3). Triple M Publications. June 2010. ISSN 1173-2229.
  9. ↑ "Hundalee Station (relocated)". Rail Heritage Trust of New Zealand. Retrieved 3 August 2017.
  10. 1 2 "Frog Rock Times". Weka Pass Railway Inc. August 2004.
  11. ↑ "Frog Rock Times". Weka Pass Railway Inc. September 2012.
  12. 1 2 "Railfan". 2 (2). Triple M Publications. March 1996. ISSN 1173-2229.
  13. 1 2 "Passenger Cars". New Zealand Rolling Stock Register. Retrieved 30 July 2017.
  14. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 "Frog Rock Times". Weka Pass Railway Inc. December 2014.
  15. ↑ "Railfan". 17 (3). Triple M Publications. June 2011. ISSN 1173-2229.
  16. ↑ "Railfan". 18 (3). Triple M Publications. June 2012. ISSN 1173-2229.
  17. ↑ "Frog Rock Times". Weka Pass Railway Inc. April 2016.
  18. ↑ "Railfan". 7 (2). Triple M Publications. March 2001. ISSN 1173-2229.
  19. ↑ "A". NZ Railways Rolling Stock Lists. Retrieved 30 July 2017.
  20. 1 2 3 4 "Goods Wagons". New Zealand Rolling Stock Register. Retrieved 30 July 2017.
  21. 1 2 "T - Cattle Bogie". NZ Railways Rolling Stock Lists. Retrieved 30 July 2017.
  22. 1 2 3 4 5 "Railfan". 5 (3). Triple M Publications. June 1999. ISSN 1173-2229.
  23. ↑ "Railfan". 1 (1). Triple M Publications. December 1994. ISSN 1173-2229.
  24. 1 2 "H - Cattle". NZ Railways Rolling Stock Lists. Retrieved 30 July 2017.
  25. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 "Frog Rock Times". Weka Pass Railway Inc. April 2015.
  26. 1 2 3 "Frog Rock Times". Weka Pass Railway Inc. March 2000.
  27. ↑ "JC - Sheep 4 Wheel of 1944". NZ Railways Rolling Stock Lists. Retrieved 30 July 2017.
  28. 1 2 "KS - 4 Wheel Box of 1967". NZ Railways Rolling Stock Lists. Retrieved 30 July 2017.
  29. ↑ "KST - Box Tarpaulin". NZ Railways Rolling Stock Lists. Retrieved 30 July 2017.
  30. 1 2 3 4 "LA - Highside Steel of 1902". NZ Railways Rolling Stock Lists. Retrieved 12 August 2017.
  31. ↑ "LC - Highside Steel of 1947". NZ Railways Rolling Stock Lists. Retrieved 12 August 2017.
  32. ↑ "LPA - Newsprint of 1972". NZ Railways Rolling Stock Lists. Retrieved 12 August 2017.
  33. ↑ "MC - Lowside 4 wheel of 1941". NZ Railways Rolling Stock Lists. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  34. ↑ "NA - Flat of 1976". NZ Railways Rolling Stock Lists. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  35. 1 2 3 "Railfan". 7 (1). Triple M Publications. December 2000. ISSN 1173-2229.
  36. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 "Frog Rock Times". Weka Pass Railway Inc. August 2015.
  37. 1 2 "UB - Flat Bogie". NZ Railways Rolling Stock Lists. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  38. ↑ "URT - Flat Log". NZ Railways Rolling Stock Lists. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  39. ↑ "Frog Rock Times". Weka Pass Railway Inc. April 2017.
  40. ↑ "VR - Insulated Bogie of 1965". NZ Railways Rolling Stock Lists. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  41. ↑ "XP - Fruit 4 Wheel of 1966". NZ Railways Rolling Stock Lists. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  42. ↑ "Frog Rock Times". Weka Pass Railway Inc. February 1999.
  43. 1 2 3 4 "YB - Ballast 4 Wheel". NZ Railways Rolling Stock Lists. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  44. 1 2 "YC - 4 Wheel Bottom Discharged". NZ Railways Rolling Stock Lists. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  45. ↑ "YC - Wheel Bottom Discharged". NZ Railways Rolling Stock Lists. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  46. ↑ "YD - Bogie Side Discharged". NZ Railways Rolling Stock Lists. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  47. 1 2 "YF - 4 Wheel Side Discharged". NZ Railways Rolling Stock Lists. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  48. 1 2 3 4 "Z - Covered Bogie of 1894". NZ Railways Rolling Stock Lists. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  49. ↑ "Frog Rock Times". Weka Pass Railway Inc. June 2003.
  50. 1 2 "Frog Rock Times". Weka Pass Railway Inc. December 2017.
  51. 1 2 "Cranes in NZR Service - Diesel Crane Listing". NZR Cranes. Retrieved 17 August 2017.
  52. ↑ "Cranes in NZR Service - Coaling Crane Listing". NZR Cranes. Retrieved 22 August 2017.
  53. ↑ "Frog Rock Times". Weka Pass Railway Inc. September 1997.
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