Heritage - Rail - News
The Far Flung Flugel
15th November 2007
Just occasionally, I get the opportunity to offer something from rail preservation societies other than our Canterbury Railway Society. This week, I am more than pleased to show something of a sister society south of us near Timaru, but further inland. I speak of the Pleasant Point Railway Society. They operate on about 2 Km (I think) of track, re-laid after the original was torn up in the late 1960s. The District was fortunate in that a number of people had the foresight to arrange for the purchase of an 'Ab' class locomotive, track and the station, all smack in the middle of town. Even as the rail lifting gang approached, the 'Ab699' was towed to its resting place beside the station and the gang worked around it and on into Wansdyke, where the line joined the main trunk, just north of Timaru. I know one of the principal organisers of the saving effort, one Russell Paul. Now almost a legend in his own time, he and I were discussing the filthy locomotive sitting beside the station, which at that time, did not have the extended roof over the track that it now has. I suggested to Russell that within ten years, they'd have the engine running in steam. "No way', says Russell. "It'll be enough to clean it up and cover it with a roof for a static exhibit." Well, I won that one, for as I remember, the first running day was inside the ten years. They extended the track back to the nearest cross road, some 100 odd metres I'd guess and were able to steam back and forth on this severely truncated line. Since then, there has been endless sweat and tears to produce the now World Class facility, admired by people the world over. If you think I'm laying it on with a trowel, I say no way. Unlike us, they have but two steam locomotives and a finite number of rolling stock, all of which have been restored to the very highest standard and kept that way. The sheds and stations, you could eat a meal off the floor. The line runs through the most picturesque countryside and is thoughtfully planted with trees and in season, daffodils show for an amazing effect. In time, I want to go back there and do a picture shoot to try to convey the amazingly high standard of everything the society has. For now, let me share with you some pictures that give some idea of the place.
By sheer chance, I have two sets of pictures to offer. Firstly the set sent to me by my friend and fellow editing co conspirator, Mark Denne. A name known to many of you in the rail preservation movement, who in view of my indisposition, very kindly has provided me with a C.D. of pictures taken during a special steaming day (and evening) during which they celebrated the 50th. Wedding anniversary of stalwart members Sid and Hazel Lockhart. The pictures here were the work of Jeff Tollan. My congratulations to Sid and Hazel, I have yet some way to go to get to such an auspicious event. Well done you two. Jeff, I'm not sure if we've met, but you have my thanks for allowing us to share your work with the world via Flugel.
The second set of pictures are the work of our Flying Scotsman, Ian McDonald, who was down last weekend with Pete Soundy, doing promotional work for the Rail Museum of NZ. They were taken under the wing of Mark Denne and blown away by the hospitality offered by that august gentleman and Bryan Blanchard. (Society President?) How great it would be if the friendship shown them was universal throughout the movement. Pete and Ian came home, full of their experience.
Now let's get down to tin tacks...................
Starting with Jeff Tollans Pictures.................
Here 'Ab' 699 is easing away from the Keans Crossing end of the line.
A more spirited departure.
In tow, there's a single 'La' wagon, number unknown to me. Then the freshly finished Guards Van 'F243' of 1915 on its first outing since painting. There's a story to the red colour. Mark asked if we could supply the colour details from the paint we were using at the time on our 'A1177'. A word to our Mirthful Max and here's the result. At the time, the van lacked class and load plates, which have subsequently been affixed. Even further to the story........... This may be considered a 'light' train, but in fact they chose to replicate an earlier locomotive and train pictured some five or so miles up the line near Sutherlands, when it was still running. This picture still exists and was taken in 1967, not long before the line closed.
Getting down the line now and nearing the Pleasant Point Station. Soon the trees will be in leaf and this picture will be further enhanced.
Stacking on an act and the smoke would be black normally, but the steam engines here run on wood. Much softer on the fireboxes and tubes.
Taken during the evening. The engine is at the Pleasant Point Station and the evocative aura of twilight running pervades the scene. This is the last of Jeffs pictures I have used. You will note the cleanliness of everything, especially the locomotive. I'm sure they must clean the insides of the spokes on the driving wheels.
Now let's see some of what the Flying Scotsman has to offer.............
Back at Keanes Crossing end and we see their 'D16' which I showed in Flugel some time ago, which is well on the way together again.
This little Ruston is most useful for the yard work. Note the well presented utility buildings to the rear.
SNAP! Well almost. What has to be the tidiest Drewery Tr in captivity. 'Tr18'. Retrofitted with air brakes. Drives like a dream, I can vouch for that and the security of those air brakes can be greatly appreciated after the 'armstrong' or manual brakes on our 'Tr22'.
I'm fairly sure I've shown you the Model 'T' railcar before too. A replica of one of two produced and used around Southland. This is not a rebuild, having been entirely built from scratch, from drawings. Being easily transportable, this unit has seen service over most of the preserved sites in the South Island . Russel Paul had no small hand in the pioneering of this item too. I'm fairly sure the road number is 'Rm4'. I believe more recently, that a body of one of the originals has been found. I also believe there are no plans to do anything with it. The road beyond is the main highway from Timaru to the Mackenzie country, southern lakes and beyond. Quite a busy road, taking in quite a bit of tourist traffic. You will note, not so much as a piece of waste paper in evidence and the trees beginning to attain some height in the median.
Once again, 'Ab699' stands at the Keanes Crossing island platform. This time with her usual running passenger stock. Note the green livery. In this consist is a half birdcage carriage. A stunning restoration of quite some years ago and something I will feature when I get the chance.
Fortunately, Ian elected to get this shot of the running gear of 699. As clean as a whistle. Now you see why I mentioned the cleaning the back of the spokes! This engine runs as good as it looks and is really underutilised in this role. I have no doubt that burning wood must help in keeping the standard of cleanliness, not only on the locomotives, but also their surroundings. I defy you to find any evidence of soot!
Finally, a shot of the rear wall of the guards van. In keeping with everything else, the standard is truly amazing.
Here, I must leave. On something of a sad note. You see, this small country district is where I first went to school. It is where I had my first unaccompanied ride on the then 'Fairlie Flier' as it was called. You see, if I missed the school bus, Mother would put me on the train to get me to school, albeit slightly late, but what a pleasure! That's not all though. This district was later to provide me with the girl who was to become my Wife. I worked on a farm here for a few years, before we went to the big smoke of Christchurch . Had things been different, I could very easily have become a part of this exceptional preserved railway.
I imagine the population in and around Pleasant Point to be about 4,000 give or take a bit. Just stop and think what has been achieved by a farming district of so few. There is so much more to this venture than you have yet seen. I have but scratched the surface. As the old saying goes, 'I shall return!'
As said earlier, my especial thanks to Bryan Blanchard, Mark Denne, Jeff Tollan (for the pictures) and all others who made our Pete and Ian so very welcome on the day. They (and I) are blown away with the genuine, good old fashioned country hospitality. Long may the spirit of cooperation continue!
To my overseas readers; If you should elect to visit this country, don't be content to just visit railways such as ours in Christchurch . I earnestly recommend you arrange to take in this gem of our past, which is no more than 20 minutes off State Highway one. It is almost on the main tourist trail to the southern lakes as from Christchurch , or right alongside, if leaving from Timaru.
Cheers, 'K'.
To Mark or any others in your society; If in reading this, you would like to add comment or correct my work, please do so. Your comments or corrections will go into a following edition. 'K'.
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