Rail group reviews efforts, looks forward

Ruapehu Bulletin, 1 September 1992, Page 19

Rail group reviews efforts, looks forward

"We have come a long way since our inaugural meeting in November 1990," said Main Trunk Rail Ohakune (MTRO) president Bob Norling in his report to their recent annual meeting. Mr Norling traced the development of MTRO from its early beginnings as Preservation of the Ohakune Rail way Station (PORS), through to the present where the group has several big projects on the go including the restoration of the Paekakariki signal box, the commissioning of the turntable and the building of a Main Trunk Museum, locomotive sheds and goodsheds. "All this is being achieved by a small but dedicated group of enthusiasts with help from the local communities, the Ruapehu District Council

and New Zealand Rail Limited', he said. "We now have a railway station where you can get a cup of coffee while you wait for a train. People have not been able to do that for nearly 30 years in Ohakune," he said, referring to the Loco Cafe, now established in part of MTRO's Ohakune Railway Station. The rooms are leased by a group of young Auckland people who have completely restored them from their once-van-dalised state. Referring to the recent successful Ruapehu Bulletin Flyer Excursion to Taumarunui, Mr Norling talked of promoting Ohakune as a steam base for excursions from Auckland , Wellington and points between.