Happenings in 2014
(February 2014 to January 2015)
November 2014 to January 2015
November 26th: We combined with WMR&ES on this club night to
visit Richmond Harding’s Aviation Museum. Mr Harding is one of the Founders of
Wanganui Aero Works. 14 members attended the visit. The first Hanger we visited
housed his Spitfire which was undergoing repairs, the second Hanger housed his
Tiger Moth (ZK-AUZ) which is still flying today. It also housed display boards
of Wanganui Aero Works, photos of aeroplanes used for topdressing/spraying. There
are also engines from a Fletcher aircraft and an Iroquois Helicopter and a
memorial made from a Hopper lists pilots who have died in air crashes since
1950 and others who have died in agricultural accidents concerning top
dressing/spraying. Mr Harding spoke about his trip to Turkey and also about GPS
in aeroplanes. A very enjoyable visit and we thank Mr Harding for letting us
visit and also Ray Deerness for organising the visit. Written by Colin Hughes and photos
taken by Colin Hughes and Charley Masters.
December 13th: Combined
SRW and WMR&ES Xmas BBQ. 30 people attended the BBQ and a great evening was
had by all. Thank you to all who prepared food and to Les and Ross from P Nth
and Denyse and Eileen from Waitara who travelled from out of town to be with us
on this day. We finished off running a few trains on the WMR&ES club
layouts and then packing up. Thank you all for coming, also a big thank you to
Eileen for the lovely Xmas cake she made for the club. Written by Colin Hughes.
January 17th - 19th 2015, Wanganui Vintage Weekend (Wellington Anniversary Weekend): Over this long weekend SteamRail Wanganui was once again involved with the Vintage Weekend
The first day (Saturday 17th)
we opened our doors to the public to show off the restoration progress on our
locos, rolling stock and buildings. Like last year we had Steam Crane E 120
running on steam supplied by the Steam Traction Society with their Marshall
Traction Engine operated by John Munro. We had a steady stream of people
looking through our shed. Mainline Steam’s AB 663 was due in at 12.20pm but due
to a fuel problem at Greatford on the way up (it had to be pushed to Marton by
a DL hauled milk train, clear of the wires before they could relight it and
transfer the fuel oil over from the tank wagon), it did not arrive until
5.30pm, with their 2 tank cars, their Heritage Car (Aotearoa) AA 10134 and 4 carriages
they borrowed from Feilding Steam Rail. Because of the train being so late the
trips to Castlecliff and Kai Iwi were cancelled. SRW were asked to help out
during the day with crowd control and helping passengers on and off the train.
We were also hired to do the security of the train overnight, which also
included filling the tender with water. After Blair had a quick talk to the
driver Phil Wagner (Tea Pot) it was decided to bring the train down the gantry
line so that it would be closer to the building and easier for us to keep an
eye on it overnight and closer to the tap to fill it up. We also ended up with the Traction Engine and
a Steam Launch to look after overnight as well. These were all parked up next
to the steam loco.
We started early on Sunday
morning (18th) as the AB had to be warmed up and we also wanted to
get our locos out of the shed to give the public more room to move in our shed
as we were again open to the public. We didn’t have the Traction Engine there
this day as it was needed to give rides down near the riverboat, but we did
have the crane running off our compressor a few times. The AB did three trips,
the first one to East Town, the second was to Kai Iwi (as part of this trip a
photo shot of the Train, River Boats and Plane was organised on the Aramoho
Rail Bridge, but the plane was too high for any good photos to be taken) and
the final one was out the Castlecliff Branch and we were asked again to help
out with crowd control and with the passengers. After the trips were completed
the train was serviced and left a little late at 6pm to the tune of Auld Lang
Syne, played on the bagpipes by our member Ross Duncan QSM. Thanks Ross for
doing this. To thank us for all our help a few members took up Main Line Steams
offer for a free ride to Feilding.
Monday 19th
was our day to shine. We had the Motor Trolleys (Jiggers) operating in the yard
giving rides to the public. It was another great day with over 160 people
wanting rides for a gold coin donation. We had 4 Trolleys in sets of two
running. We also ran a sausage sizzle and our shed was open again to the public
with the locos outside. During a quiet
period we managed also to put Warwick, Russell and Steven through their Motor Trolley
tickets. We finished off having a bit of fun ourselves on the Velocipede.
In all, the whole weekend went well although the wind and dust was a bit trying at times. We must say a big thank you to all members who helped out over the weekend with the public and security. Thank you also to The Steam Traction Society (C/o John Munro) for use of the Traction Engine, Mark Seconi for being our liaison officer keeping us informed with what was happening with the late train, to Langley Atkinson, Ewan Pound and Blair Jordan for the use of their Motor Trolleys, Greg Tinnion for use of the Phillips Electricals Gazebo and to the family members, partners and friends who helped out with the sausage sizzle.
Written by Colin Hughes. Photos taken by Charley Masters, Zane Gracie, Colin Hughes and Blair Jordan.
Written by Colin Hughes. Photos taken by Charley Masters, Zane Gracie, Colin Hughes and Blair Jordan.
Construction/ Maintenance: The Sunday morning crew have been busy over the last few months not only continuing working on our projects e.g: Guards Van, Price loco 212, steam crane and the signal box, but a couple of other projects as well. We have now had a big change around in the shed which also included laying some more rails. We have now laid rails down past where our old smoko table was (smoko is now in the signal box). This has allowed us to move the Guards Van, Drewey loco and the LC wagon down to give us room at the front door to house the parts we got from the Waitara group and our motor trolleys so they are easier to get to on our open days, this has also involved moving some of our storage cupboards etc. All this was done a few weeks before the Wanganui Vintage Weekend so the team had a bit of cleaning up to do. One of our members (Ross) has also started to clean up the parts we got from Waitara. Greg has been putting up some more lights which have been a big improvement, especially during our guarding of the AB while it was here over Vintage Weekend. Also due to our smoko room move Blair has now hung 2 gates at our main doors which we can lock when we are having smoko stopping people from walking in unannounced. Over the last 4 months members and volunteers have done approximately 761 man hours for the club.
Shunting Course: We would like to congratulate Warrick Laws, Eddie
Frith and John A’Hern who have passed their shunting course.
Motor Trolley Drivers: On Monday 19th January during a quiet period of our motor trolley operating we took the opportunity to train a few more people on the motor trolley’s. We would like to congratulate the following: - Warrick, Steven and Russell who are now certified to drive them. This is great news, we now have 13 members qualified to operate our trollies during our Open Days.
Motor Trolley Drivers: On Monday 19th January during a quiet period of our motor trolley operating we took the opportunity to train a few more people on the motor trolley’s. We would like to congratulate the following: - Warrick, Steven and Russell who are now certified to drive them. This is great news, we now have 13 members qualified to operate our trollies during our Open Days.
Donations
SRW would like to thank the following for their kind donations:
John Pudsey for his donation of a small engineers vice.
W A Trillo for his donation of 3 tablets.
SRW would like to thank the following for their kind donations:
John Pudsey for his donation of a small engineers vice.
W A Trillo for his donation of 3 tablets.
August to October 2014
May 28th:
We enjoyed
another one of our DVD and video nights.
September 24th: Another Hobbies Night. This was a very disappointing night with only 5 members, however 2 members brought along other hobbies. John Pudsey brought his 4-4-0 1 1/4 gauge G 57 engine which took him around 6 years to build. He can remember these engines on the Castlecliff Branch when he was young. Colin Hughes brought along 2 of his collections, his novelty pens, including pens shaped as trees, dinosaurs, bananas, corn, lipstick and many others. His other collection was his rocks used as fishing sinkers and his stone adzers. Supper was held afterwards. Thanks to Russell for the date loaf. Photos taken by Colin Hughes.
September 24th: Another Hobbies Night. This was a very disappointing night with only 5 members, however 2 members brought along other hobbies. John Pudsey brought his 4-4-0 1 1/4 gauge G 57 engine which took him around 6 years to build. He can remember these engines on the Castlecliff Branch when he was young. Colin Hughes brought along 2 of his collections, his novelty pens, including pens shaped as trees, dinosaurs, bananas, corn, lipstick and many others. His other collection was his rocks used as fishing sinkers and his stone adzers. Supper was held afterwards. Thanks to Russell for the date loaf. Photos taken by Colin Hughes.
October 21st:
Members of both groups had a combined social BBQ on this night.
Members enjoyed each others company and finished off with running the
WMR&ES Club layouts and watching DVDs.
Construction/ Maintenance: There had been steady progress going on down at the yard. Work has carried on with the crane, Imlay Price loco cab, the guards van and signal box. We have been donated a steel box to hold our flammables in and work is getting done on this making it better suited for the job. We have also been donated some more lights which are getting put up at the moment. We have done some maintenance on one of the motor trolleys as well as the usual upkeep eg. lawns, weedeating, weed spraying and painting out tagging.
Public Open/Running Day: Unfortunately due to bad weather our planned Open Day and Motor Trolley rides didn't happen on Labour Day Monday. Members carried on working in the shed for the day. We did get a couple of visitors in the afternoon, but they only had a look through the shed.
Shunting Course: We would like to congratulate the following who passed their shunting course on September the 28th: Stephen, Russell, Ewan, Colin, Hamish, Lloryian, Ray, John and Ross, also Mark, Jamie and Greg who passed it a few weeks later on the 26th of October.
Motor Trolley Drivers: On Sunday 26th October we had training day for all those who wanted to become Motor Trolley drivers. We would like to congratulate the following:- Lloryian, Ray, Jamie, Mark and Ross. This is great news, along with the other 5 that passed earlier in the year, we now have 10 members qualified to operate our trollies during our Open Days.
Construction/ Maintenance: There had been steady progress going on down at the yard. Work has carried on with the crane, Imlay Price loco cab, the guards van and signal box. We have been donated a steel box to hold our flammables in and work is getting done on this making it better suited for the job. We have also been donated some more lights which are getting put up at the moment. We have done some maintenance on one of the motor trolleys as well as the usual upkeep eg. lawns, weedeating, weed spraying and painting out tagging.
Public Open/Running Day: Unfortunately due to bad weather our planned Open Day and Motor Trolley rides didn't happen on Labour Day Monday. Members carried on working in the shed for the day. We did get a couple of visitors in the afternoon, but they only had a look through the shed.
Shunting Course: We would like to congratulate the following who passed their shunting course on September the 28th: Stephen, Russell, Ewan, Colin, Hamish, Lloryian, Ray, John and Ross, also Mark, Jamie and Greg who passed it a few weeks later on the 26th of October.
Motor Trolley Drivers: On Sunday 26th October we had training day for all those who wanted to become Motor Trolley drivers. We would like to congratulate the following:- Lloryian, Ray, Jamie, Mark and Ross. This is great news, along with the other 5 that passed earlier in the year, we now have 10 members qualified to operate our trollies during our Open Days.
Donations
SRW would like to thank the following for their kind donations:
The Friends of the Waverley Railway Station for their donation of $4000. Although it is sad to hear the Club has finally gone we thank them for their donations and all their help to us over the years.
Waitara Railway Preservation Society for their donation of spare parts for SRW Drewry locomotive.
Graeme Jackson for his donation of Hi Viz Vests.
Arthur Stokes for donation of Rail Video's
SRW would like to thank the following for their kind donations:
The Friends of the Waverley Railway Station for their donation of $4000. Although it is sad to hear the Club has finally gone we thank them for their donations and all their help to us over the years.
Waitara Railway Preservation Society for their donation of spare parts for SRW Drewry locomotive.
Graeme Jackson for his donation of Hi Viz Vests.
Arthur Stokes for donation of Rail Video's
Wanganui
Vintage Car Club Visits SRW
The Wanganui Vintage Car Club have a monthly car run and on the 24th of August they visited SRW's shed. A great collection of vintage cars and one motorcycle attended. Some of the cars that arrived were- a 1965 Fiat Bambina, 1929 Nash, 1968 Chrysler Valiant, Morris Minor and Triumph Motorcycle plus others.
After a briefing by SRW member Ewan the vistors enjoyed a look through our shed and then headed down to our other rolling stock by the turntable. The visitors were very impressed with what we are achieving. They left at approx 2.45pm to continue their run.
Written and photos taken by Colin Hughes.
The Wanganui Vintage Car Club have a monthly car run and on the 24th of August they visited SRW's shed. A great collection of vintage cars and one motorcycle attended. Some of the cars that arrived were- a 1965 Fiat Bambina, 1929 Nash, 1968 Chrysler Valiant, Morris Minor and Triumph Motorcycle plus others.
After a briefing by SRW member Ewan the vistors enjoyed a look through our shed and then headed down to our other rolling stock by the turntable. The visitors were very impressed with what we are achieving. They left at approx 2.45pm to continue their run.
Written and photos taken by Colin Hughes.
May to July 2014
May 28th: We visited the Wanganui Airport Control Tower which is being restored on this club night. An
excellent turnout of 16 members were shown through by SRW member Owen. The Control Tower was opened in 1959 and closed in 1989. Owen talked about aviators who had Wanganui connections and showed us all the memorabillia that had been donated. These included an old Flying Helmet, an old signalling lamp, various electrical gear and control panels used to run the Tower. We got to see all the runway lights working when at 6.40pm the Sounds Air flight from Wellington landed and again at 7.40pm the Air NZ flight from Auckland landed. These planes stay overnight before departing on their next services. We would like to thank Owen CantillonRice for opening the tower for us and showing us their progress in the restoration and also their aviation museum. An enjoyable night was had by all. Written and photos taken by Colin Hughes.
excellent turnout of 16 members were shown through by SRW member Owen. The Control Tower was opened in 1959 and closed in 1989. Owen talked about aviators who had Wanganui connections and showed us all the memorabillia that had been donated. These included an old Flying Helmet, an old signalling lamp, various electrical gear and control panels used to run the Tower. We got to see all the runway lights working when at 6.40pm the Sounds Air flight from Wellington landed and again at 7.40pm the Air NZ flight from Auckland landed. These planes stay overnight before departing on their next services. We would like to thank Owen CantillonRice for opening the tower for us and showing us their progress in the restoration and also their aviation museum. An enjoyable night was had by all. Written and photos taken by Colin Hughes.
June 25th: We had another one of our DVD/ Video Nights. We enjoyed watching some rail related
films.
July 18th:This club night we once again combined with the Wanganui Model Railway & Engineering Society for the club's mid year dinner. This year we had it at the Anndion Lodge in Anzac Parade. We enjoyed everyones company and the food was good. The only downside was where we were seated. We were outside on the deck under a covered in awning and the ones who were close to the gas heater were
warm but the other members froze.
films.
July 18th:This club night we once again combined with the Wanganui Model Railway & Engineering Society for the club's mid year dinner. This year we had it at the Anndion Lodge in Anzac Parade. We enjoyed everyones company and the food was good. The only downside was where we were seated. We were outside on the deck under a covered in awning and the ones who were close to the gas heater were
warm but the other members froze.
Fronz Conference: Well its been and gone, SRW hosted the Fronz Conference here in Wanganui over Queens Birthday Weekend (30th May to the 2nd of June). A big thank you to all members who helped with this very interesting weekend. From the pre event planning putting together the information booklets to over the weekend welcoming the delegates to the city and helping out with the trolley rides and our shed being open for them to have a look through. Your President (Blair) and Secretary (Greg) attended the
conference. This was the first time for both and it was surprising the issues this weekend covers, from rail safety, tram and railways, KiwiRail access agreements, Land Transport requirements. Saturday was mainly guest speakers. Sunday was the AGM followed by visits to the SRW shed and Motor trolley rides, a trip on the river boat and the first ride on the tram. Unforturnity there was a small delay when the tram derailed. The night was finished off with the prize giving and dinner for the restoration awards. Fronz and NZTA have also sent out a big thank you for the great weekend with praise on the excellent job on the information booklets.
conference. This was the first time for both and it was surprising the issues this weekend covers, from rail safety, tram and railways, KiwiRail access agreements, Land Transport requirements. Saturday was mainly guest speakers. Sunday was the AGM followed by visits to the SRW shed and Motor trolley rides, a trip on the river boat and the first ride on the tram. Unforturnity there was a small delay when the tram derailed. The night was finished off with the prize giving and dinner for the restoration awards. Fronz and NZTA have also sent out a big thank you for the great weekend with praise on the excellent job on the information booklets.
NZTA/KiwiRail: Well it has been a very interesting and challenging few months for SRW. As mentioned in the last newsletter Graeme Hudson (NZTA) had finally convinced KiwiRail (KR) to allow us to run in the Taupo Quay Railway Yard over Queen's Birthday weekend (Sunday for the Fronz Conference and Monday for public rides). This was meant to be a test to see how it went and with the possibility of us getting a Joint Operating Plan (JOP) in the future, but with only a couple of weeks before the event KiwiRail dropped a bombshell saying we couldn't do this unless we had the JOP first. After a quick bit of
talking between your president and KR P Nth manager Brian Fryer, the club has been issued a JOP. This gets renewed every 5 years and comes with a few conditions with the main one being we have to give 14 days notice if we want to operate in the yard so that KR can put blocking on the branch to stop other
movements from entering while we are operational. A big thank you goes out again to Graeme Hudson, Brian Fryer and John Keenan (KR) for all their help to get us up and running but also don't forget the guys in the background, your committee and your past president Rob Walker who kept on their case over the years about the JOP, without this we wouldn't be where we are today.
Public Open/Running Day: Our first public running day on Queen's Birthday Monday was a great success. People were lining up right from when we first opened. The motor trolleys were kept busy all day, the public enjoyed looking through our shed and over our locos and we ran out of food at the sausage sizzle. We carried 333 people for the day and made a profit of around $800. We are looking at doing this again shortly and we ask for all members to give a hand. We need a few more members certified as trolley drivers and more hands with the sausage sizzle and crowd control would be great. During the day we also had visits from a Steam Tracton Engine, Vintage Tractor, Vintage Bus and the Vintage Car club with their cars.
talking between your president and KR P Nth manager Brian Fryer, the club has been issued a JOP. This gets renewed every 5 years and comes with a few conditions with the main one being we have to give 14 days notice if we want to operate in the yard so that KR can put blocking on the branch to stop other
movements from entering while we are operational. A big thank you goes out again to Graeme Hudson, Brian Fryer and John Keenan (KR) for all their help to get us up and running but also don't forget the guys in the background, your committee and your past president Rob Walker who kept on their case over the years about the JOP, without this we wouldn't be where we are today.
Public Open/Running Day: Our first public running day on Queen's Birthday Monday was a great success. People were lining up right from when we first opened. The motor trolleys were kept busy all day, the public enjoyed looking through our shed and over our locos and we ran out of food at the sausage sizzle. We carried 333 people for the day and made a profit of around $800. We are looking at doing this again shortly and we ask for all members to give a hand. We need a few more members certified as trolley drivers and more hands with the sausage sizzle and crowd control would be great. During the day we also had visits from a Steam Tracton Engine, Vintage Tractor, Vintage Bus and the Vintage Car club with their cars.
Construction/ Maintenance: A lot of our work pre the Queen's Birthday Weekend was getting the Motor Trolleys up to certification, making signage for public safety while in the yard and getting the Fronz
booklets together. Work has also continued on our other projects. Price loco 212 has continued to get the inside of the cab cleaned up and repainted as well as one of its sand boxes. The guards van has had one of its end corner boards removed ready for replacment. The ex North end Aramoho signal box also continues to get sanded and repainted. Work also carries on on the steam crane.
booklets together. Work has also continued on our other projects. Price loco 212 has continued to get the inside of the cab cleaned up and repainted as well as one of its sand boxes. The guards van has had one of its end corner boards removed ready for replacment. The ex North end Aramoho signal box also continues to get sanded and repainted. Work also carries on on the steam crane.
February to April 2014
February 26th: WMR&ES hosted us on this night and we had along side their members a layout tour around some of the WMR&ES members home layouts. After we all meet at the club rooms we headed off to Blairs place first to see his Hornby Dublo, Thomas and NZR layouts (pic 1-3). It was then on to Russells house to veiw his big Marklin layout (pic 4-5). We then moved onto Rob's place to view his Big American HO layout (pic 6-7). Finaly we moved to Walters home to veiw his Marklin layout (pic 8-9). Its was great seening the detail the WMR&ES members put into their models and layouts we thank the four that show off their layouts to us.
March 26th: We tried something different this night and Gregs new shed came in handy. Greg hosted the club at his place with plenty of room in his shed. Hamish set up his big screen and projector coming off Gregs lap top. We then had a You Tube night. We watch a lot of old movies as well as New Zealand ones, including some taken by our local members. It is amazing what you can now find over the internet. A big thank you to Greg, Hamish and Natalie for the great supper.
April 23rd:This night was SteamRail's A.G.M. It was well attended by members. The new Committe
is as follows:- President Blair Jordan, Vice President Colin Hughes, Secretary/Treasurer Greg Tinnion and Committe Members Russell Jackson, Ewan Pound and Hamish Coull. The only change to the Committe is Rob Walker is no longer on it. We would like to thank him for his years on the committee and we thank him too for all he has done while on the board. We finished off the night talking about the up coming Fronz conference and other club projects.
Fronz Conference:As most members will be aware, SRW is hosting the Fronz Conference here in Wanganui over Queens Birthday Weekend (30th May to the 2nd of June). Your club needs your help. We need members to help hand out the information booklets as people turn up on the Friday night and again on the Saturday morning, this is only for a few hours. Also we will need a hand down at our shed on Sunday from 12.30pm (for about an hour) onwards when the delegeits visit us to see our restoration
progress.
NZTA/KiwiRail:It has been a busy couple of months for your committee after we got a phone call from Graeme Hudson (NZTA). Graeme after years of trying he has finaly convince KiwiRail to consider letting us run in the Taupo Quay frieght yard. There is alot of paper work and certification to do but after talking to KiwiRail management in P Nth it looks like we may be able to operate the clubs motor trolleys on the Sunday of the Fronz Conference when they visit out shed. We have been told this will be a test and if
everything goes ok they will look at a Joint Operating Plan for the yard so we can do it more often. We have had to sumit a proposal and plan of how we will run this. Members also visited Waitara group with our Trolleys to get them checked and for five of us to pass our Trolley drivers tickets so we can operate
them on the Sunday of the conference.
Construction/Maintenance: Work has carried on with the ex Nth End Aramoho Signal Box with sanding and getting the outside ready for painting. The club will also like to say thank you to Chesters Plumbing who were kind enough to sponsor us spouting and down pipes etc for the signal box. Most of our other
effords over the last few months is getting things ready for the up coming Fronz Conference which also now includes getting our Motor Trollies up to running contition.
April 23rd:This night was SteamRail's A.G.M. It was well attended by members. The new Committe
is as follows:- President Blair Jordan, Vice President Colin Hughes, Secretary/Treasurer Greg Tinnion and Committe Members Russell Jackson, Ewan Pound and Hamish Coull. The only change to the Committe is Rob Walker is no longer on it. We would like to thank him for his years on the committee and we thank him too for all he has done while on the board. We finished off the night talking about the up coming Fronz conference and other club projects.
Fronz Conference:As most members will be aware, SRW is hosting the Fronz Conference here in Wanganui over Queens Birthday Weekend (30th May to the 2nd of June). Your club needs your help. We need members to help hand out the information booklets as people turn up on the Friday night and again on the Saturday morning, this is only for a few hours. Also we will need a hand down at our shed on Sunday from 12.30pm (for about an hour) onwards when the delegeits visit us to see our restoration
progress.
NZTA/KiwiRail:It has been a busy couple of months for your committee after we got a phone call from Graeme Hudson (NZTA). Graeme after years of trying he has finaly convince KiwiRail to consider letting us run in the Taupo Quay frieght yard. There is alot of paper work and certification to do but after talking to KiwiRail management in P Nth it looks like we may be able to operate the clubs motor trolleys on the Sunday of the Fronz Conference when they visit out shed. We have been told this will be a test and if
everything goes ok they will look at a Joint Operating Plan for the yard so we can do it more often. We have had to sumit a proposal and plan of how we will run this. Members also visited Waitara group with our Trolleys to get them checked and for five of us to pass our Trolley drivers tickets so we can operate
them on the Sunday of the conference.
Construction/Maintenance: Work has carried on with the ex Nth End Aramoho Signal Box with sanding and getting the outside ready for painting. The club will also like to say thank you to Chesters Plumbing who were kind enough to sponsor us spouting and down pipes etc for the signal box. Most of our other
effords over the last few months is getting things ready for the up coming Fronz Conference which also now includes getting our Motor Trollies up to running contition.