Another New Zealand Salvage

Hey, kids,

Just saw this posting in the Baldwin forum about the restoration of another steam engine in New Zealand.

http://railroad.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=45135


Here's a link to the website of the organization restoring the engine...

http://www.wmrt.org.nz/loco.html


Which, of course reminds me of the Omoto salvage that I've posted on as well...

http://railroad.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=22935


I still find it fascinating that the New Zealanders dumped a large number of their steamers in various locations (quarries, rivers, etc.), for use as rip-rap and other such things, whereas here in the states, we cut a majority of ours up for scrap. The places those old steamers turn up!

Almost an Indiana Jones version of Railroad Archeology.

The local historical society I belong to just bought a caboose from a private individual. It's parked among some trees in a small forrest-like area and will take a little doing to extract it, not to mention that it needs a little work... but it's nothing like the salvage of these steamers.

Hi Erik ,
Interesting what pops up ! .
The wellington and manawatu railway was the only large scale private railway to be built in New Zealand . It followed American practice to a large degree , and all rolling stock was of American origin i believe . ( one has to wonder what mother England thought of this ) . it survived for quite a few years , before been incorporated into the state owned national system . But those Wellington Businessmen who thought up and followed through with building the line , were quite a go getter bunch .

I'm contemplating my own guards van (caboose) purchase and restoration , though distance and bad state of repair mean it will probably be a dismantle and restore project .
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Antiques-colle ... 405777.htm

got to add its great to see a younger bunch of enthuisasts coming thru , and getting into preservation . It seems that steam engines wont be dying out with those that remember actually riding and driving them .
Certified drivers is another matter though , it seems theyre not been replaced as they retire .

David Benton wrote:got to add its great to see a younger bunch of enthusiasts coming thru , and getting into preservation. It seems that steam engines wont be dying out with those that remember actually riding and driving them .
Certified drivers is another matter though , it seems they're not being replaced as they retire .

I think there is a steam training school at Wolsztyn in Poland. Possibly some of the steam railways in Britain train drivers.

I dont think training them to drive steam trains is so much the problem George , Its training them + getting them up to toll rails certification as well .