Bulletin Flyer trip pleases

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 474, 23 February 1993, Page 11

Bulletin Flyer trip pleases

Over 250 train enthusiasts joined a grand old lady of steam, engine KA942,' on her inaugural scenic excursion from Ohakune to Taihape recently. Two hundred passengers began the journey at Hamilton, disembarking at Ohakune for an afternoon of jetboating the Whanganui River, scenic flights and sight-seeing in the Waimarino area. For the less adventurous the Hot Lava Nightclub showed steam train videos throughout the afternoon. Horse and buggy rides run by the Ruapehu Homestead also proved popular with visitors. Around 250 enthusiasts from Hunterville, Taihape, Mangaweka and the Waimarino boarded the train' s six carriages at Ohakune Railway Station for a nostalgic trip to Taihape, enjoying breathtaking photo opportunities at the Turangarere Horse-Shoe and Waiouru bank. A whistle-'stop was made at Waiouru Station to view ongoing restoration. A sausage sizzle organised by Ohakune 's Cafe Loco staff greeted passengers arriving at Taihape Station The excursion, run by

Main Trunk Rail Ohakune in conjunction with New Zealand Locomotive En-gineers was a huge success, according to MTRO spokesperson Bob Norling. Feedback from passengers was tremendous, he said. "One observer remarking on the Horse Shoe curve said it was one of the most beautiful sights she'd ever seen," said Mr Norling. MTRO members wearing brand new uniforms to mark the occasion operated as car attendants throughout the trip, handing out route maps and supplying railway history of the area. Mr Norling said MTRO is optimistic that ongoing work at the Ohakune Railway Station will be completed and the turntable operational by Easter. The committee is exploring the possibility of further steam excursions, including the concept of overnight stays by passengers on future visits, he said. Distinguished passengers on the day included the owner of KA942, Ian Welch; Mayor Garrick Workman and Ruapehu Distric.t Council 'top guns* Cliff Houston, John Murrihy and Bruce Rolliston.