MARCH 2019 - The Official Magazine of Steam Incorporated
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The Official Magazine of Steam Incorporated ISSUE 163 MARCH 2019
Photographic Highlights
Changeover - At Palmerston North on the
afternoon of the 24th of March,
Paekakariki stablemates Ja 1271 and Da
1431 are seen changing positions via
various shunting manoeuvres via the
crossover to reshuffle the Da to lead the
train south. Something which doesn’t
happen all that often, and a neat view.
Photo: Cameron Persson
Diesels...everywhere! A number of DBM
Railroading’s DBR locomotives are seen
posed outside one Saturday in February.
Photo: Tommy Secker
About time! - After well over 18 months
of politics and paperwork, our newly re-
stored and converted “Lounge” car
AA1783 finally joined the steel train for
the “Heartland Flyer” on 24th March. By
all accounts, the car rode very well, gar-
nered a lot of attention and compliments -
and was a hit with the crew! It should be
recognised the efforts of certain staff who
worked incredibly hard to get it back on
the mainline after all these years. Here it is
seen at Shannon on the trip home.
Photo: Tommy Secker
STEAMLINE
The official newsletter of Steam Incorporated
PO Box 4, Paekakariki New Zealand
Website: www.steaminc.org.nz
Registered Charity: 29197
Issue 163 March 2019
In amongst of a mountain of university related work, I’ve managed to churn out this edition of Steamline! Before you
read on, I am aware that this edition is rather “picture heavy”, I apologize for this as I much prefer written content for
this newsletter with the odd few pictures. However, some pictures are something else. On the Heartland Flyer late
last year we had photographer Ken Downie and a North and South magazine reporter onboard to cover what we do,
and what goes into the running of an excursion. Ken has captured some brilliant images of our team at work, and
possibly one of the rarest of captures - a full team photo. Taken during the stopover at Woodville, a small gap in time
after servicing of the locomotive and before passengers boarded the train again, a lot of our team got together for a
group photo, a rare event indeed! Enough on photos, thank you to all who have contributed to this edition of
Steamline, and as always I am very open to more contributions! *subtle hint*. Many thanks, and enjoy the viewing.
Tommy Secker
NOTICE OF 2019 AGM
Members of Steam Incorporated are hereby advised that the Society’s
Annual General Meeting for 2019 will be held as follows:
Venue: Paekakariki Bowling Club, Wellington Road, Paekakariki
Date: Sunday May 19th, 2019
Time: 7:00pm
Stepping up to the Souvenirs
Margaret Norman is stepping down from her role as Souvenir Manager
for Steam Incorporated.
Obviously the committee are now on the hunt for a replacement, so if you
are interested and have a keen interest in creativity - please get in touch
with David Rowland at secretary@steaminc.org.nz
COVER - J 1234 en route to Palmerston North with it’s all steel consist for the ‘92 PP Rally. Photo: Ray Matthewson
Membership
I would like to take this opportunity to warmly welcome aboard the following new members:
Terry Hunn, Nathan Martin, William Tether, Kevin Buck, Marty Melville and Michael Bale.
Welcome back to all of those who have renewed their membership for 2019 and many thanks to the
members who have made generous donations, it is very much appreciated!
We hope you enjoy being a supporter of Steam Incorporated, please get in touch with me if you wish to
participate with hands on volunteering via email - membership@steaminc.org.nz and we will get you
started.
Linn Alexander
Secretary’s Notes
David Rowland writes...
The wooden pegs that appeared in among the cut grass to the north of the turntable will be joined in
coming weeks by some earthworks and track panels ready for the new carriage restoration workshop. In
addition track panels will be laid alongside the existing carriage shed to form a new Road 4.
Why the need for additional storage capacity you ask? Ab608 and her consist of six wooden carriages and
Guard’s van return to the depot during April after another very successful cruise ship season as the
Marlborough Flyer and will need to go under cover for much needed maintenance. A couple of items
currently in the carriage shed are to be shrink-wrapped and stored outside. In addition we are hoping to
have a couple of new units join the rolling stock fleet in the coming weeks.
A1783 our new Lounge Car had a trouble free outing as part of the Heartland Flyer consist recently. It
attracted a lot of attention and we had many compliments on the standard of finish; the coffee wasn’t too
bad either.
Wayne’s container has now been loaded with tyres and associated metalwork so we just need to get a coat
(or two) of paint onto it; stops it looking scruffy alongside his mansion. Linn has started this paint project
but I am sure she would appreciate some assistance.
And for your diary’s; the AGM will be held on Sunday 19 May at 7.00pm at the Paekakariki Bowling
Club. Nomination form and draft minutes from last year are on the Mess Room notice board and attached
to this mail out
Many thanks again from the Management Committee to all the volunteers and staff that have assisted with
recent excursions and charters. Thank you also to all those who attend either the Thursday or Saturday
working sessions; whether you are working on the locomotives, the carriages or our buildings, it is all
important railway heritage restoration. So keep up the great work.
Remember to check the website and notice board for details of future excursions and charters.
Feedback
Hi,
As a foundation member of Steam Inc, I just want to express my appreciation for not only the great work still being
done at Paekakariki after all these years but also the high quality of Steamline, which I always thoroughly enjoy
reading. (I was actually the editor of Steamline back in the mid 1970s and produced each issue on my trusty type-
writer!).
The latest issue I received as a paper copy: are you still producing electronic (PDF) copies? Receiving these would
be preferable for me, and I suspect would also save Steam Inc some money on printing and postage. So would be
happy to receive these via email in the future, otherwise no problems.
Cheers and thanks,
Harvey Watts
Excursion Feedback
“My friend is very picky about her food and
was carrying an injury that made things diffi-
cult for her to sit. She loved this train ride
where she could walk around and that the on
board catering would make her a sandwich
with what she wanted in it. She was very im-
pressed with the hills and plains of the Kapiti
coast and the dramatic Manawatu Gorge.”
- PETER FLANAGAN
“Had a great time. Good commentary with in-
teresting information and saw so much more
than what you see driving State Highway 1.
Loved the Steam train and really good photo
opportunities. the old carriages were great and
the atmosphere with steam/smoke flying past
windows.”
- STEPHEN HOLDEN
“Excellent service on board”
- IAN STEPHENS
“Thank you so much for such a fabulous day.
Boarded the train at Paekakariki at 6:00am.
Beautifully restored carriages, fabulous service
provided by all volunteer staff. Very well or-
ganised day. Fantastic landscape with good
Comments like these are really why we’re here. Running trains is
commentary. Maybe an idea to look at staying
just part of it, a lot more goes in - and as can be seen here - a lot in Napier overnight and doing the return train
comes out of it. Satisfied passengers and a happy crew make for a trip back to Paekakariki the next day? Can't
good day. As for the other comments, I thank Mr Watts and Mr rate this trip high enough. A real must do!”
Webb for their comments regarding the publication of Steamline, it - ALISON TALBOT
doesn’t go unnoticed! - Editor
Deco Delights Express
Trip Report
Tommy Secker writes…
Napier and return from Paekakariki is a loooooooong
day, and most long days on the rails for us start even
earlier than the passengers would even think about.
During the week prior, all carriages go under the eye of
inspection, making sure they are fit for service,
mountains of paperwork to actually allow the trip to run
is completed - and lets not forgot, the food for the buffet
is prepared. All carriages are cleaned inside and out, not
just by staff but volunteers during the week as well.
Unfortunately, although planned to be Da 1431 for this
trip, crew could not be provided. It should be added that
we were short of guards this day, so we were lucky to
have to assistance of Lance from GVR on the outbound
run. Many, many thanks to him for his services! The 16th
of February was an enjoyable but incredibly hot day.
Having made a pre-dawn departure under the cover of
darkness, our hired engine for the day - DFB 7282 -
gathered pace up the island to Palmerston North for 8am,
before venturing east up the PNGL to Napier and into the
picturesque landscape of the Hawkes Bay. Having turned
very sunny from a dismal overcast Manawatu, the
passengers spirits brightened when we made headway
into Napier. Unlike a couple of years ago when I last
helped on Art Deco, it was stonking hot! Passengers
alighted at Napier to see the festivities of the city’s Art
Deco celebrations, while some crew accompanied the
train through to Pandora depot/triangle to be turned ,
while some went along with passengers to check out the
festivities. Beautiful weather for a beautiful portrayal of
city pride, everyone involved was proud to be! The 4
hour time in Napier seemed to fly, and just like that the
troops were rallied to head back to the train, by which
time was stationed back at the platform, and assist in
making sure everybody was back onboard for the long
hike home. We left at 1530, and after crossing RM 31,
we were off for a relatively trouble free run home,
minimally affected by heat restrictions along the PNGL.
The normal passenger drop off points were seen too, and
arrival back at Paekakariki not long before 10pm - earlier
than planned. After a short and sharp shun, a combined
team effort from the KiwiRail LE and Jack Dolman t to
get the carriages away, all crew departed, pleased with
their efforts on an otherwise long and hot day.
Pictures: John Bovis & Tommy Secker
Bits and bobs...
T-Lift - Having suffered for a while now with issues with its clutch and gearbox, the decision was taken to bring it
in the workshop for some much needed TLC. After all, it is things like this and the tractor which keeps things ticking
on site, it’s not just all rolling stock around here! Parked onto Shed Road 2, and quite literally welded to the rail, it
enabled the time honoured job of “splitting” a tractor. The gearbox was split from the clutch around 12”, making
clear the recurring problem that has faced the machine for a good while now. The carbon thrust bearing is well
passed it’s use by date. A new specific part is on order from the UK and all going well, once fitted should remedy
the issues. I suppose only time will tell!
Da Spares - recently Josh and Andrew under the watchful eye of Peter Steer have been overhauling a spare water
pump that is destined for the “reserves” in the diesel store if required. Supporting the fleet of 2 operational,
eventually 3 Da’s requires a substantial parts inventory and it is only fit that we maintain it. It should also be noted
that Dion McKenna has been overhauling a fuel pump which is destined for Da 1471.
ORB #2 - after a few months out of action, for a scheduled ‘B’ check and thorough cosmetic tidy up, ORB #2 now
makes a welcome sight around the yard. (We hope to do a feature of the overhaul of this locomotive in SL 164. -
Ed).
AA 1783 - A lot of people were very pleased to see AA 1783 hit the rails for the first time on 24th March as a part of
our Heartland Flyer consist, bringing the “steel” train up to a good size of 9 total. It marks the end of nearly 2 years
of to-ing and fro-ing in regards to paperwork to get it certified for mainline use. It makes for an impressive sight, and
the interior is something to be marvelled. It adds a new dimension of travel for our customers and we are looking
forward to seeing it out on the train on a frequent basis.
Ja 1271 - before our members day on the 16th March, and the trip to Woodville the following week a bit of work had
to be done on the Ja. In February, it was noted that the Exhaust Injector wasn’t operating correctly. Society stalwart
Alan Bailey came down one Saturday and with the assistance of Tommy Secker and Titch Gibson changed out the
changeover valve and fitted new packing to the exhaust valve. It tested as working as it should on recent steaming’s
since the repair. Nessacery checks have been carried out, notably removal and crack testing of both leading and
trailing buffers. This was followed by a repaint before refitting. At the same time, all axle centres were cleaned,
crack tested and either refitted or repainted. Peter Steer has repainted the fireman’s side cab side, and it looks
fantastic.
Ka 945 - Not much to report on the Ka front, however on Friday 18th of January the boiler passed its official
hydraulic test after comprehensive work carried out on it. The test was carried out under the watchful eye of SGS
inspector Neville Simpson, and the success of this test is a credit to the work done by Alastair and his team.
Resplendent in her new coat, ORB #2 shines in the Kapiti
sun. Photo: P Steer
New Arrivals
In a partnership between Steam Incorporated and DBM Railroading, our site has become the home of 6
DBR locomotives. Originally introduced as the DB class in 1965-66, 10 of these EMD G8’s were rebuilt
between 1980 and 1982 becoming what we know as the DBRs. Having lived a varied life, in both islands,
in Auckland Commuter service and on Wellington banking duties, the last of the class were withdrawn by
May 2017. DBRs 1254 and 1295 are now firmly embedded in their new homes at the Glenbrook Vintage
Railway, and the remaining 6 are now located around our depot at Paekakariki. These number 1199, 1200,
1213, 1226, 1267 and 1282. Attached are some images from their new, albeit temporary, home and with
some familiar residents mixed in.
All Photos: Tommy Secker
Heartland Flyer
Trip Report
Graeme Clover writes...
This year, instead of the previous regular steam excursion in March to Taihape,
because of falling patronage and the long day requiring multiple operating
crews, this year the run was made to Woodville. As usual, the passage through
through the Manawatu Gorge is always of interest to passengers, and a sold-out
train of some 250 passengers filled the 7 available “steel” carriages for this
excursion. Of course, the wooden-balcony carriages are still in Picton for the
Marlborough Flyer operation. The consist also included an 8 th carriage, the 50'
“Lounge” car Aa1783, which performed admirably for it’s first outing and was
well liked by crew and passengers.
Departure from Paekakariki was at the leisurely time of 9:10am after the arrival of the
Wellington 8am departure unit, at Paekakariki. This time, the powered-locomotive was JA1271
leading DA1431 (shutdown), with the Palmerston North based steam crew of Adam O'Sullivan
and Blair Jordan. The S.I. loco crew “boss” was Alastair Maciver, and after Woodville was
Wayne Mason. Also, Peter Steer was in attendance in D A1431 for the day. Charlotte Norman
was rostered as Guard with Graeme Clover her Assistant from Paekakariki, until the change-over
of these roles at Woodville. Bob Smyth was Excursion Manager and Peter Norman filled his
now regular role as Buffet Manager, both for all day with their respective assisting crews who as
usual also did a sterling job. Also from time-to-time, Peter filled his new role as café barista in
“1783”, and this trip the Buffet Car was relatively empty as off-duty staff took their ease in
“1783” for the first time.
The run through the Horowhenua was uneventful in rainy overcast weather with a pleasing photo-run-by at the
Buckley Rd over-bridge, before taking water at Shannon. John Bovis was one of the intrepid photographers making
the most of all the photo opportunities during the day. A “false-start” photo opportunity was taken when leaving
Shannon, then the quick run-through to Palmerston North was achieved in style (Adam doesn't waste any time on the
rail). After Palmerston North, the slow trip through the Manawatu Gorge had passengers craning the their necks at
the unusual sights, including the slips and closed highway. Then the arrival at Woodville was designed to confuse
“the natives” (the waiting food supply volunteers on the platform there) as the whole train ran straight through the
Station, then reversed around the “balloon-loop” to run back into the platform from the Gorge direction.
After the approximate 1 hour stop, the excursion departed
Woodville on time at 2pm, with another “false-start” photo
opportunity taken there. As the passengers' carriage seating had
swapped sides from the Woodville train reversal, this assisted
the passengers with viewing the Gorge on the return run. Then
again Adam made good time bringing the train into Palmerston
North some 15 mins early, where “1271” was cut-off to pull
forward to take water. Here, the new Locomotive Engineers for
the run home to Paekakariki, John Rumble and Lindsay his
second-man, climbed into “1431”. They then executed an
unusual manoeuvre, by going forward through the cross-over to
the Loop to wait for “1271” to reverse back onto the train.
Finally, “1431” was backed on to the train in front of
“1271” (now in “light-steam”), to take the lead position for the
homeward run.
The last photo stop of the day was held at the north-end of the Koputaroa Loop in bright sunshine, then the regular
passenger stops were held through the Horowhenua, arriving back at Paekakariki Station on time at 6pm. With
Wayne Mason now in the control of “1271” being used as the shunting locomotive and Graeme Clover the shunter,
the carriages were safely put away into the Carriage shed, at the conclusion of another great safe and uneventful day
out. This excursion is relatively simple to run and seemingly always popular with the passengers, so more similar
excursions are to be expected during the coming months.
Steamline is a publication by Steam Incorporated, compiled and edited by Tommy Secker. Letters, articles or photographs relating to Steam
incorporated, its fleet, and it’s activities are welcome for consideration by the editor. Please send these to The Editor, PO Box 4,
Paekakariki, or email them to steamline@steaminc.org.nz Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the society or editor.You can also read
