Dunedin Station Centenary

Souvenir programme for Steam Incorporated

special trains in association with the centennial
celebrations for Dunedin Railway Station,
October 2006.
 Steam Incorporated
Steam Incorporated was formed in 1972 by a group of people concerned at
the very fast decline of New Zealand’s rail heritage. The society is based at
Paekakariki, where volunteers rebuild and maintain heritage railway
equipment to the high standard required for mainline operation. As the
name implies, the main focus is on steam motive power, and it is the aim for
the society to have at least two of its steam locomotives in full operational
condition. However, Steam Incorporated also owns and operates heritage
diesel locomotives, both on the main line and for shunting duties around the
depot at Paekakariki.
The society prides itself on its ability to accurately re-create complete trains
as they used to run in the 1950s and 1960s through the operation of its
vintage wooden and steel-bodied carriages. Steam Incorporated main line
rail excursions are regularly advertised to the public, and provide the
opportunity for young and old alike to experience the magic of steam travel
to a variety of events and venues around the country. The society’s rolling
stock is also available for charter, either as a complete train or as individual
items, on the main line or at the Paekakariki depot. Revenue gained from
excursions and depot operations is re-invested in the society to continue the
restoration and maintenance effort.
The society was one of the first preservation organisations to operate its
own trains on the main line from the early 1980s, and is now a fully
licensed mainline operator, using contract Toll Rail locomotive crew.
Membership
Membership costs $45 per annum and is open to anyone who wishes to
support our aims and objectives. An application form is included in this
publication. We have a variety of activities to suit everyone but you don’t
have to become actively involved to become a member. As a member you
receive early notice of our rail excursions and receive the society’s quarterly
magazine ‘Steamline’.

2
 Welcome aboard
Steam Incorporated welcomes passengers to this series of special
excursion trains run in conjunction with the Taieri Gorge Railway and
fellow New Zealand rail heritage operators to celebrate the centenary of the
Dunedin railway station.
Powering the Steam Incorporated train of classic NZR carriages, is
Ja1271, built at Dunedin’s Hillside Workshops in early 1956, which will
join other Hillside-built locomotives, or locomotives with an association
with Dunedin for the celebrations.
Dunedin Station is considered architect George Troup’s period
masterpiece. To celebrate the centenary, Dunedin-based Taieri Gorge
Railway has invited groups from around the country to present their
locomotives and, in Steam Incorporated’s case, carriages for a series of
trains that will operate throughout the South Island during the week before
and after the main celebrations. Many of these trains will be double-headed.
Steam Incorporated will also operate side trips to Arthur’s Pass and
Invercargill during the fortnight of festivities, and visits to railway
preservation sites through the eastern South Island, including Weka Pass
Railway, Ferrymead Railway, Plains Railway and Pleasant Point Railway.
Many organisations and individuals have contributed to the operation of
this tour but special mention should be made of Grant Craig from TGR who
made it all happen and to the Dunedin City Council and TGR for their
significant financial contribution. We would also like to thank the Quail
Map Company of Exeter, England, for the use of the accompanying maps
from the NZ Railway Atlas. We hope you enjoy the ride.

3
4
 Picton – Christchurch, Saturday, October 14
Departing Picton at 7.40am as train G01; the train immediately faces a stiff climb out
of town and across the Waitohi viaduct to the summit at Elevation; before making the
long descent to Blenheim; centre of the Marlborough wine district.
During the long climb through the Dashwood pass we hope to be able to hold a
photostop; while water will be taken at Seddon, reached just after crossing the Awatere
River bridge. South of Seddon, the railway crosses Lake Grassmere on a causeway.
Grassmere combines the proximity of the sea and high sunshine as a solar salt works.
After passing through Ward; the railway reaches the coast. From the train there are
views of the Pacific Ocean as the railway and the parallel road hug the shelf at the foot of
the Kaikoura mountains; New Zealand’s second-highest mountain range. New Zealand fur
seals can often be seen resting on the rocks in the many bays and coves.
At Kaikoura; about half-way to Christchurch; there will be a stop of about an hour for
the locomotive to be refueled with coal and water. Leaving Kaikoura; the route heads
inland to cross the Kaikoura Peninsula and the Kowhai River; before regaining the
coastline; with more short tunnels and settlements like Goose Bay; Oaro and Claverley.
At the Conway River; the line swings inland to traverse the Hundalee hills; after which
a stop will be made at Parnassus for water.
Heading south through the farmland of north Canterbury; another stop will be made
for water at Waipara, junction and base of the Weka Pass Railway.
Expected time of arrival in Christchurch is 6.55pm.
Photo Stops
There will be opportunities to photograph the train each day. Some of these will be at
a pre arranged “run past” while others may be at some servicing stops and crossings with
other trains. All will be dependant on our time keeping, where we need to be to cross
other trains, and suitability of the servicing or crossing location from a safety viewpoint.
If you decide to participate in a photostop, in the interests of safety and the enjoyment
of all passengers, we need your co-operation with the following:
Do not alight from the train until it has stopped and you have been instructed to do so
by a PA announcement or your car steward. You will be advised when it is safe to alight
and on which side of the train you should do so.
Be aware that at some locations the ground surface may be uneven or the ballast very
steeply graded causing a big drop to the ground. When leaving the train at a photostop (or
at any location with a low platform) we urge you to come down backwards holding on to
both handrails, always with “three points of contact”.
Once off the train at a photostop, please do not attempt to reboard the train until the
photostop is completed.
Move promptly to the location indicated by our crew and keep clear of the track.
Never stand on top of the rail as the surface is often slippery.
Be considerate of other photographers. When the train is moving forward please
remain quiet for the benefit of those with video cameras.
After the train has passed the photo location it will stop and then reverse back to pick
up passengers. Please wait until the train has stopped and then reboard promptly.

5
6
 Christchurch-Arthur’s Pass, Sunday October 15
Buses depart hotel/motel at 6.50am for another early morning start with train number
X01; making the run to Arthur’s Pass and return. Departing Christchurch at 7.30am; the
route takes us down the South Island Main Trunk to Rolleston Junction; from where the
Midland line heads north west across the Canterbury Plains towards the Southern Alps.
A stop will be made at Springfield for water. In later steam days; the loco depot at
Springfield was the base for Kb class locomotives that were the mainstay of the line to
Arthur’s Pass.
Departing Springfield; we cross the Kowai River to follow the Waimakariri River over
a series of high viaducts and short tunnels; making a stop at Staircase to cross an east-
bound freight train.
In the vicinity of Craigieburn; a photostop should be made; while another east-bound
train will be crossed at Cora Lynn. Arrival is at Arthur’s Pass is scheduled for 12.25pm.
After coaling; watering and turning the locomotive, the train will head back to
Christchurch as train X02; stopping at Cora Lynn to cross a west-bound freight; followed
by another photostop. Another photostop should be made on the Cass bank.
Staircase will see another west-bound freight crossing; while water will be taken at
Springfield.
The run in to Christchurch will be broken by another freight train crossing at Darfield.
ETA in Christchurch is 5.35pm.

Monday, October 16: Christchurch and Ferrymead Option

The morning is free to allow you to ride and photograph the Christchurch Tramway,
do some shopping, or explore Christchurch.
Buses will depart your hotel at 1.00pm to visit the Christchurch depot of Mainline
Steam where restoration work is well under way on Kb968 (4-8-4). Jb1236 (4-8-2),
another participant at the Dunedin Station celebrations is based here. The remainder of the
afternoon and early evening will be spent at the Ferrymead Historic Park. Here W192 (2-
6-2T of 1889) and a Vulcan railcar are expected to be in action. There will be plenty of
photo opportunities with these. Ferrymead has an extensive collection of restored steam,
diesel, and electric locomotives and freight and passenger rolling stock.
Tuesday, October 17: Christchurch and Weka Pass Option
Another free day in Christchurch, or for those spending the day at the Weka Pass
Railway at Waipara; buses will depart the hotel at 9.00am. The Weka Pass team have
arranged a special “Railfan Day”. They will have both A428 (4-6-2 of 1909) and the
English Electric Dg pair (Dg770 & Dg791) operating on their branch line. A428 and the
Dgs will haul various consists including a freight train. Lots of photo runbys.
Wednesday, October 18: Christchurch Sea and Air options
In the morning we have arranged a special cruise on Lyttelton Harbour with the steam
tug Lyttelton. This fully restored and preserved vessel was built in 1907. Lunch will be
provided at the end of the cruise. Buses depart hotel 9.00am. The afternoon will be spent
at the Air Force Museum at Wigram. Here 28 restored aircraft are on display. During the
visit it will be possible to inspect restoration work. Buses depart Lyttelton at 1.00pm.

7
8
 Christchurch to Dunedin, Thursday, October 19
With another 7.30am departure; train J01 leaves Christchurch for Dunedin. Buses depart
from Hotel/Motel at 6.45am to railway station
First scheduled stop is Rolleston junction for a crossing with a north-bound freight
train. After crossing another freight at Bankside; the train will cross the Rakaia River
bridge; New Zealand’s railway bridge at 1.7 kilometres. A photostop is scheduled for the
Selwyn River bridge.
At Ashburton, around 9.30am; we’ll stop to replenish the locomotive’s water supply;
followed by a direct run to Timaru for another water stop about 11.35am.
Just south of Timaru; we’ll pause for a photostop at Scarborough; followed by the run
along the South Canterbury coast to cross the Waitaki River and enter North Otago; where
we’ll take coal and water at Oamaru; arriving about 1.45pm.
Departing at 2.45pm; we’ve a scheduled stop at Hillgrove to cross a northbound
freight; followed shortly after by a photostop at Katiki overbridge.
Through the town of Palmerston; water will be taken at Waikouaiti; while we’ll stop at
Merton to be overtaken by a southbound freight; which will be combined with a
photostop.
Around the shores of Blueskin Bay; another stop will be made at Waitati to cross a
north-bound train. Passing through the Mihiwaka Tunnel; the train will descend past Port
Chalmers; followed by the run along Otago Harbour; arriving at Dunedin Station at
7.30pm.

Dunedin activities
Friday, October 20: A free day in Dunedin to visit local attractions, while some will
travel through the Taieri Gorge to Middlemarch on a special run of the Taieri Gorge
Limited. Buses depart from Hotel/Motel at 8.30am & 9.00am to railway station. Dep
Dunedin 9.30am; arr Middlemarch noon; dep 1.00pm; arr Dunedin 3.30pm

Saturday, October 21 Dunedin Station Activities. The morning official opening of the
station centennial by the mayor and invited guests will begin at 8.30am; followed by a
cavalcade of locomotives at the railway station. Expected participating steam locomotives
are A67, D140, K88, Ab663, Wab794, Jb1236 and our Ja1271.
Buses depart from Hotel/Motel at 7.30am & 7.50am for the railway station
In the afternoon; Sawyers Bay Harbour View Shuttles depart at:
Ja1271 dep 2.00pm
Wab794 dep 3.30pm
Jb1236/Ab663 dep 5.00pm
De504/Dj1240 dep 7.00pm
Buses will run from the station back to your hotel or motel at 4.00pm and 5.00pm
A dinner trip to Port Chalmers behind Wab794 departs at 6.45pm.
Ja1271 & cars will be on display at the station from 9.30pm to 11.00pm for night
photography.

9
Sunday; October 22; Dunedin Station Activities
Hillside Railway Workshops will hold its Open Day. Ja1271 and Wab794 will run a
frequent shuttle train to the workshops; with departures every hour on the hour from
9.00am to 3.00pm.
Buses depart from Hotel/Motel at 8.30am & 9.15am to railway station
On the TGR,, Ab663/Dj1204 will operate a train to Middlemarch departing 9.30am and
returning about 4pm
A bus will run from the station back to your hotel or motel at 12.30pm
A bus will depart from Hotel/Motel at 1.00pm (and Railway Station at 1.05pm) to St
Kilda for a visit to the Ocean Beach Railway. Returns about 4.00pm
Sawyers Bay Harbour View Shuttles (all with Jb1236) depart at: 12.30pm; 2.00pm;
3.30pm and 5.00pm

Dunedin to Invercargill and return, Monday, October 23

Buses depart from Hotel/Motel at 7.40am & 8.00am to Dunedin railway station for
the day trip to Invercargill – Ja1271’s base depot throughout its NZR days - and return.
Departing Dunedin at 8.30am with a train of Steam Incorporated and Taieri Gorge
Railway cars; the train heads south past the TGR junction at Wingatui. For the route of the
day’s tour; follow the accompanying maps that feature the Main South Line.
We cross the Clutha River before passing through Balclutha; followed by a series of
southland towns including Clinton; Waipahi; Gore; Mataura; and Edendale; arriving at
Invercargill at 1.25pm.
During the Invercargill stop over there should be time to visit the nearby replica of the
Lady Barkly, New Zealand’s first operating steam locomotive.
After turning the loco; the train will depart Invercargill at 3.00pm; arriving at 8.00pm
Buses will meet the train at Dunedin to transfer you to your hotel or motel.

10
11
12
13
14
 Dunedin to Oamaru; Tuesday, October 24
Today we start heading back home with an easy day to Oamaru, arriving
there early afternoon. Buses depart hotel/motel at 8.30am and 9.00am for the
railways station; with the train leaving Dunedin at 9.50am.
A number of photostops should be held during the journey; likely sites
include Calders Crossing; north of Seacliff; between Waitati and Warrington;
and Hampden or Maheno. At Waitati; we’ll cross southbound freight 937; and at
Merton we’ll cross the TGR’s Seasider.
Arriving at Oamaru at 2.30pm; there is the option to visit the Oamaru Steam
& Rail Society operation. They will have their Hudswell Clark 0-4-0 industrial
saddle tank (B-10) in steam. Or you may prefer to explore the Oamaru historic
precinct. In the evening there will be a chance to watch the local blue penguins
come ashore at dusk.

Oamaru to Christchurch, Wednesday, October 25

Buses leave our accommodation at 7.15am and 7.30am for Oamaru railway
station. Departing Oamaru at 8.10am; a photostop is planned for Glenavy; while
at Timaru we have an extended stop of about two hours to allow a visit to the
nearby Pleasant Point museum. The society’s Ab699 will be in operation and
their model T replica railcar RM4 on display. Or if you prefer you may choose
to spend some time exploring “downtown” Timaru. Further north we will stop at
Tinwald for a quick visit to the Plains Railway (the normal home of K88), where
fellow Rogers K92 and Vulcan railcar RM50 will be operating. Arrival in
Christchurch is expected at 5.20pm.
Thursday,October 26: Christchurch
Bus will depart Hotel/Motel at 9.00am for visit to Ferrymead & Weka Pass
Railway Return bus departs from Ferrymead at 4.30pm
If booked for Thursday evening restaurant tram, report to Tram Station tram
stop, Cathedral Junction at 7.20pm (departs at 7.30pm).

Christchurch to Picton; Friday; October 27

Buses depart 8.00am for Christchurch railway station for our final day of the
tour and a full day of steam. We will depart Christchurch at 8.45am crossing
train 723 at Rangiora; followed by a non-stop run to Claverly and a crossing
with train 725. A photostop is planned for the Oaro area.
Coal and water will be taken at Kaikoura between 1.05pm and 2.11pm
before a non-stop run along the spectacular coast to Pines; where we’ll cross
train 701; the Coastal Pacific. A photostop is planned for the Waima overpass;
north of Wharanui; while water will be taken at Seddon. Arrival at Picton is
expected at 6.30pm.

15
 Cab Rides
We hope to be able to offer many of you the opportunity to ride in the cab of
Ja1271. For the lucky ones this will be a memorable experience! Unfortunately
we are restricted on the numbers we can offer a ride to as we are only allowed
one visitor in the cab at a time and we can not have a visitor in the cab on
sections of line with tunnels. This limits a lot of the Picton line and the Midland
line. Any potential cab riders must be:
• 15 years of age
• Adequate physical mobility
• Not under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Wearing appropriate clothing and footwear (fully enclosed
footwear & no high heels)

We want your loco cab ride to be an enjoyable and safe experience. Before the
cab ride you will be briefed by one of on board crew and be required to agree to
the conditions of a “Cab Pass”. These are listed below. After being escorted to
the cab of the locomotive you will then be briefed by our loco representative in
the cab as to where to stand, what to hold onto, and what to expect in the way of
movement and noise.
Our “Cab Pass” contains the following safety requirements. Please follow these
instructions when or around the locomotive.
• You may not move around inside any Rail building nor in the vicinity
railway tracks unless accompanied by a Fronz, Toll or OnTrack representative.
• The Fronz Operators Safety Plans and the Rail Operating Rules and
Procedures require that persons moving through marshalling yards or alongside
the main line or crossing loops must wear regulation hi-visibility clothing. (we
will loan you a hi-visibility vest)
• Before boarding the locomotive, look both ways at any railway line you need
to cross or is adjacent. Trains and wagons can approach quietly.
• Rail lines protrude above the adjacent ground. Be careful when moving around
them. Wet rail heads can be very slippery.
• Do NOT board any locomotive without the permission of the locomotive
engineer.
• Do NOT attempt to board or alight from any railway vehicle whilst it is
moving.
• When in the locomotive you must follow all instructions given to you by the
locomotive engineer including instructions on where to stand.

16
• Do NOT distract the locomotive engineer.
The locomotive engineer needs to be very observant in watching the track ahead,
level crossings and listening for instructions on the radio.
You will find locomotive engineers very friendly and they will engage in
conversation with you when they are not busy.
• Do NOT touch any equipment in the locomotive cab.
• Do NOT allow any part of your body to extend outside the locomotive
windows
• In the rare event of the train being involved in an accident or breakdown you
must not leave the locomotive unless authorised by the locomotive engineer.
• When leaving the locomotive please remember to look both ways for other
trains or vehicles.

17
 Souvenirs
A selection of our range of souvenirs available from the souvenir counter
located at one end of the buffet car……

T-Shirts $29

Polo Shirts $30

Caps Ja1271 $15

Fridge Magnets $2-60

Tea towels $8.50

Teaspoons $4-60

Key Rings $4.50 & $7.50

Cap badges (many to select from) $4.70 to $7.50

Cloth badges $11

Mugs (Ja1271 & Dunedin Station) $7.50

NZRLS Desk Calendar 2007 $15

Passing Trains Calendar 2007 $18

Dunedin Tour Handbook $5

Dunedin “Just the Ticket” Poster $3.50

DVD “The Steam Inc Story” $31.50 Just

released!

Visit Margaret at the souvenir counter to inspect our full range of

merchandise.

18
 Locomotive Ja1271
Our locomotive for the Dunedin Station Centennial tour, Ja1271, is the youngest
operational steam locomotive in New Zealand. It entered service with the New
Zealand Government Railways in April 1956 after construction at Hillside
Workshops, Dunedin, with builder’s number 394.
Ja1271 was allocated to Invercargill depot and spent its entire working life
there. Although taking its share of freight work, it was often to be found on the
South Island Limited working as far north as Dunedin. It was only ever recorded
twice as having travelled north of that town when in NZR service. The engine
had a relatively short working life; being involved in a collision in October 1970
when it was withdrawn from service considered uneconomic to repair. It was
officially written off in November 1971, having run only some 416,000 miles,
and from then until December 1976 it served as the hot water washout boiler at
Dunedin locomotive depot. It was sold to Steam Incorporated in March 1978
and subsequently towed to Paekakariki.
The Ja class was a development of the earlier J class locomotives built by the
North British Locomotive Company, Glasgow, and introduced in 1940. The J, Ja
and Jb classes eventually numbering 91 locomotives.

19
 It became apparent early that they were not only a good all-round engine, but
capable of very fast running. There are numerous instances of them being
recorded at sustained speeds of 70 miles per hour (and reputedly more) when
hauling the South Island Limited across the Canterbury Plains south of
Christchurch. For an engine with 56-inch driving wheels this results in a
rotational speed of 360 revolutions a minute or six revolutions a second - quite
an achievement for the 3 foot 6 inch gauge and a locomotive that by world
standards falls in the “mixed traffic” class. In fact their driving wheels are
smaller than those of many locomotives overseas considered to be freight
engines.
Ja1271 was in the final batch constructed at Hillside fully equipped with
roller bearings. Every bearing on all the axleboxes, valve gear pins, side rods
and connecting rods except for the crosshead pin and intermediate crank pin are
either spherical rollers or needle bearings. This produces a very friction free and
quiet running engine requiring the minimum of greasing and preparation time.
The Ja class are very similar to the J class, employing the same frames, boiler,
cylinders, wheels and the same basic motion arrangement except for the roller
bearings. There are however major differences in the copper pipe layouts, to
reduce costs, and some cab fittings are different. Unlike the J class, the Ja’s were
never streamlined.
Restoration of Ja1271 began in earnest in the mid-1990s. The locomotive
was stripped to the bare frames. Wherever possible all welding, riveting,
machining, repair and fitting was carried out by society members. The only
work carried out by commercial contractors or other organizations were those
that required machine tools or facilities not possessed by the society. The
principal items contracted included the manufacture of the new motion bracket,
manufacture of the new left hand slide bars, welding of the firebox patches and
other boiler welding where a certified operator was required, manufacture of
new castings for pistons, valves, valve liners, ring drums and one new main
steam pipe.
The locomotive operated under its own power for the first time in 26 years
on October 11, 1997, when it made several runs up and down the yard at
Paekakariki. Less than two weeks later, on October 24, 1997, it hauled its first
excursion train the 593km from Christchurch to Invercargill and was subjected
to its official load test on the way. On the rising gradient south of Dunsandel it
generated a rail power output in excess of 1200 horsepower.
In 1998 Steam Incorporated was awarded the A & G Price Restoration
Award, for the second time, for their efforts in restoring Ja1271 for main line
operation.
It has in recent years been the mainstay of Steam Incorporated mainline
operations, being a very reliable locomotive. Following the discovery in August

20
of a leaking boiler tube, the locomotive was given a complete tube renewal
before commencing this trip.
Technical details:
Wheel arrangement: 4-8-2
Driving wheel dia: 54 inches
Cylinders: 18 inches dia. 26 inches stroke
Valve gear: Baker, 9½ inch dia inside admission piston valves
Working pressure: 200 psi
Weight in working order: 110 tons
Overall length: 67 feet
Tractive effort: 26,520 pounds @ 85% boiler pressure
Fuel: coal (hand fired)
Tender capacities: coal 6 tons. Water, 4000 gallons.

The carriages
Your train today is typical of the kind which would have operated passenger
services in New Zealand from the 1930s through to the 1960s. The wooden-
bodied, open-platform carriages are representatives of the fleet of Aa class wide-
bodied vehicles built from 1908 for service on Wellington-Auckland trains on
the then-newly completed North Island Main Trunk railway.

21
 The steel-bodied carriages were built as the next generation stock for the
major Wellington-Auckland services from the early 1930s. The wooden
carriages continued to be used on provincial expresses, such as those between
Wellington, Wanganui and New Plymouth.
After being displaced by railcars in the mid-1950s, the wooden carriages
and most of the steel carriages soldiered on in operation on suburban services in
Auckland and Wellington until the 1970s, when the volunteers of Steam
Incorporated rescued them for preservation and restoration.
Steam Incorporated currently has a fleet of nine carriages certified for main-
line operation, with others undergoing heavy maintenance and restoration and
yet more in storage for future restoration. All are painted in a red scheme that is
a little brighter than the original NZR ‘Crimson Lake’ livery.
The four wooden carriages in the seven-car Steam Incorporated consist for
the Dunedin celebrations are:
Aa1030, the oldest of the society’s fleet, was built at Petone Workshops, near
Wellington, and entered service in March 1909 in time for the early North Island
Main Trunk services as a two-compartment car with centre toilet and gas
lighting. It was used in long-distance services through both world wars, but in
1946 was converted to its present configuration with a single saloon and end
toilet. It gained electric lighting in 1924. Post-war use was predominantly on
suburban services and relief trains. Officially retired in August 1977, the car was
little more than a hulk when purchased by Steam Incorporated for restoration.
Rebuilding began in 1980 and the car was returned to service in 1981, covering
many thousands of kilometres in preservation.
Aa1073 was also built at Petone Workshops; entering service in October 1909.
When new, it was assigned to the Auckland district for Main Trunk duties and
ran between Auckland and Wellington until returning to the Petone Workshops
for a general overhaul in 1926 when similar work to that done on Aa1030 was
carried out. In 1934 the car was demoted from the Main Trunk and sent to the
Wanganui district where it remained until 1960. In that year it went back to
Auckland but allocated to suburban work until withdrawn in 1976. After
purchase by Steam Inc, it arrived at Paekakariki in July 1977, was fully restored
and ran on its first excursion in November 1979. It is notable for having its
original pressed metal decorative ceiling and polished copper light fittings.
Aa1265 was built at Newmarket Workshops, Auckland, entering service on
Main Trunk trains in October 1912. In 1927 it was rebuilt as a first class car,
with electric lighting, but the following it was again rebuilt, this time as the
North Island General Manager’s car. In 1934 it was rebuilt again, returning it to
its original second class layout, in which form it stayed till retirement in 1977.
Arriving at Paekakariki with Aa1030, restoration began in 1980 and the car
entered society service in April 1981.

22
Aa1267 was also built at Newmarket in 1912, running in Main trunk trains as a
second class, two-compartment car until 1939, when it was altered to a
composite first and second class car. In August 1944 it was rebuilt as a single
compartment second class car to the present arrangement and continued in
Wellington suburban service for a further 30 years, finishing its NZR days on
mixed trains in Hawke’s Bay. It was retired in September 1976, becoming
Steam Incorporated’s first car on purchase in December 1976, still retaining its
pressed metal ceiling. The car was completely rebuilt, entering service in July
1980.
Aa1769 is representative of the series of 50ft steel-panelled cars introduced in
1930. Built at the Otahuhu Workshops, Auckland in 1932, it is the sole
surviving North Island wide-body (and hence the Aa classification) enclosed
vestibule 50ft First Class passenger car. Built with steam heating and electric
lighting, the car remained a pool first class car based in Wellington until the
1950s, though latterly displaced from regular Main Trunk use by the later 56-
foot carriages. By September 1959, the car was reseated as a second-class
vehicle, mainly for Wellington suburban services. The car was purchased in July
1981 after lying derelict in Wellington’s East car yards, becoming Steam
Incorporated’s first steel panelled car. After overhaul, it joined the society fleet
in 1984.
Aa1618, now Steam Incorporated’s buffet/souvenir/crew car, was built at Petone
Workshops in 1927 as one of four 56-foot steel-panelled sleeping cars, with 18
births in nine compartments. Assigned to Auckland-Wellington overnight
services, the cars eventually played second fiddle to the fleet of more modern
sleepers introduced in 1938 as part of the fleet of standard 56-foot cars. In the
late 1950s, 1618 was stripped and refitted at Otahuhu as a second class car and
used on Wellington suburban services. Written off in August 1982, the car was
purchased the following October and used a few times in society excursion
service before becoming the buffet car in 1984.
AL1917 was built as a standard 56-foot second class car A1917at Otahuhu
Workshops in 1939, one of a batch of 30 cars. Placed in service primarily on
Main Trunk trains, the car was in general fleet use until the 1970s by which time
it was in Auckland suburban service. In the late 1970s the car was rebuilt with a
luggage compartment, at the same time losing its toilets, while its original
windows were replaced by rubber-sealed units with hopper opening top-lights.
On retirement from Auckland suburban service in the mid 1990s, the car was
bought by the society. In its present form it has become particularly useful for
locomotive support crew occupation of the luggage compartment.

23
 The Steam Incorporated Collection
As well as Ja1271 and the carriages in use on the Dunedin Station
Centennial Tour, Steam Incorporated owns or has custodianship of a range
of other locomotives, both steam and diesel, carriages, wagons and ancillary
rail vehicles.
Most are kept at the society’s base, The Engine Shed, at Paekakariki,
however four locomotives are currently off-site due to storage space
constraints while the new running shed was being built.
Notable items in the collection include:
Ka945, first of a class of 35 large 4-8-4 type locomotives, built at the
NZR Hutt Workshops in 1939. The locomotive, currently dismantled for
overhaul, was one of the tow locomotives used on the 1985 celebration tour
to mark the centenary of the start of construction of the critical central
section of the North Island Main Trunk. The tour brought about the return
of preserved steam to New Zealand’s main lines. It subsequently hauled
many Steam Incorporated trains through both islands for the next decade.
J1234 was the first locomotive bought for preservation by Steam
Incorporated members, having been one of the locomotives used on the
final NZR steam-hauled trains. The 4-8-2 type locomotive was also built in
1939, by the North British Locomotive Company, Glasgow. Used on
occasional steam days at Paekakariki for many years, the locomotive was
returned to main line excursion service in 1992, working tours in both
islands before moving on loan to the Glenbrook Vintage Railway. With its
boiler ticket expired, it is currently in store at the GVR. Among its tasks, at
the end of a South Island tour, was to tow Ab608, see below, and 40-ton
Craven steam crane 201 from Christchurch to Paekakariki.
Ab608, built at the NZR Addington Works in1915, was the prototype of
New Zealand’s most numerous class of steam locomotives. The 4-6-2 type
locomotive is owned by the New Zealand Railway and Locomotive Society
and on long-term loan to Steam Incorporated. After the First World War it
was named Passchendaele in memory of railwaymen killed in the war. It
was the only 20th century locomotive officially named by the NZR. It is
midway through a major overhaul at Paekakariki, with work currently
concentrating on completion of a new tender.
Wf386, built at NZR Addington Works in 1906, is claimed to be one of
the locomotives used to haul the first train from Wellington to Auckland in
August 1908, three months before the line was completed. The 2-6-4 tank
locomotive subsequently spent much of its time working from Cross Creek,
at the foot of the Rimutaka Incline, before becoming Otahuhu Workshops
shunter in Auckland. In 1958 it was put on display at Taumarunui to mark
the 50th anniversary of the first train. In the late 1970s, rapidly deteriorating,

24
it was dismantled and moved to Paekakariki, where work has begun on its
restoration.
Dsb202, is one of Steam Incorporated’s two diesel depot shunters. The
0-6-0 diesel-mechanical loco was built in 1954 at the Vulcan Foundry,
England, to a Drewry Car Co design, an early model of what became a fleet
of similar shunters on the NZR. It has been on the Steam Inc roster since the
mid-1980s and has recently had a full engine rebuild.
ORB #2 is the society’s most modern locomotive, being built for the
former Ohai Railway’s coal-haul operation in Southland in 1968 by
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries of Japan. The 0-6-0 diesel hydraulic
locomotive has been the society’s regular shunter in recent years, but is
currently out of service undergoing an engine rebuild.
The Da fleet. Although none of these first generation main line diesel
electric locomotives is currently based at Paekakariki, Steam Incorporated
owns or has guardianship of examples of the three main variants of these
General Motors Electromotive Division G12 type locomotives, the most
numerous class of locomotive to run on the NZR.
Da1410 represents phase one, built in Canada in 1955; 1431 is the sole
survivor of the ten slightly longer phase two locomotives built by Clyde
Engineering in Australia in 1957; and 1471 is the sole phase three survivor
built in Canada in 1965. Most phase three and the similar phase four locos
were rebuilt as the DC class and are still in use with Toll Rail and the
Auckland suburban operator. Nos 1410 and 1431 are currently based at the
GVR, while 1471 is under overhaul in the Wairarapa.
Crane 201 is the only survivor of a fleet of four Craven 40-ton capacity
steam breakdown cranes, built in England in 1935. Restoration of this
impressive machine by the Craven Crane Group is nearing completion with
the boiler almost ready to be reinstalled.
Rolling stock includes a range of similar cars to those in this train, a
number of which are currently being restored. The wagon fleet includes a
number of service wagons which are sometimes used for extra fuel supplies
during rail tours. There are also a number of traditional four-wheel wagons,
which find use as site equipment stores and for transport of materials around
the Paekakariki yard.

25
 Membership Application Form
The Membership Secretary
Steam Incorporated
PO Box 4
Paekakariki
Kapiti 5258

I wish to apply for Associate membership of Steam Incorporated. I

understand that such membership entitles me to participate in society
activities and receive the society’s magazine, Steamline.
Payment Details
I wish to pay my first years subscription of $45 as detailed below. Cheques
should be made out to “Steam Incorporated”.

My cheque is enclosed Please debit my

credit card

VISA Mastercard

Credit Card
Number

Expiry Date ____/__ Amount $___________________

Signature __________________Card holder’s name___________

Contact Details

Name ___________________________________________________

Address________________________________________________

________________________________________________

Tel (Home) _____________________ (Work)______________________

Email
_____________________________________________________________

Occupation___________________________

26
On behalf of the Art Deco Trust we will be operating the following
trains during February 2007:
th
Thursday 15 Paekakariki to Napier (Returns Sunday)
Return $130, One way $65
th
Friday 16 Napier to Wairoa and return $75
th
Saturday 17 “Huffn Puff” Napier to Hastings (am)
Adults $20, Child $10

“Pea Pie Pud” Napier to Otane (pm)

$75. Includes meal. 20s & 30s attire
requested!
Sunday 18th “Sunday Sojourn” Napier to Holts Forest
(am) $55
Napier to Paekakariki (pm)
One way $65

Bookings should be made direct with the Art Deco Trust in Napier.
Phone: +64 6 835 1191
Website: www.artdeconapier.com

Napier's Art Deco Weekend is held every year on the third

week of February. Join our hectic programme and enjoy
wining, dining, jazz, dancing, film, theatre, house tours, vintage
cars, plane rides, and much, much more.

27
Edited by Andy Maciver for Steam Incorporated, Box 4, Paekakariki 5258, New Zealand.

28