Memorable ride on Rail Ranger

Ruapehu Bulletin, 3 August 1993, Page 1

Memorable ride on Rail Ranger

Around 250 joy-riders climbed aboard the MTRO Rail Ranger at Ohakune Station on Saturday, for a day's excursion to Hunterville and retum. The trip was run by Main Trunk Rail, Ohakune, in conjunction

with the Auckland Railway Enthusiasts Society Incorporated that supplied the train and a further 250 peopie who disembarked at Ohakune for a day's adventuring. A number opted to ski, while some 90 day-trip-pers ventured to Pipiriki

for some jet-boating thrills on the Wanganui River. Those that rode the train to Hunterville enjoyed several photo stops, including one on the Rangitikei Viaduct which offered a spectacular vantage point. A lunch break at Taihape proved memorable for two passengers who failed to retum in the allocated 40 minutes and were left behind. MTRO spokesperson

Bob Norling, said the feed-back from those that took advantage of the weekend's sojourn was "overwhelming", and very encouraging for future excursions. Mr Norling thanked those local businesses that supported the venture and advises Waimarino people that a steam excursion is to be run on Saturday 18 September. The steam engine KA945 will be prevailed upon to pull a train load of skiers

from Wellington on the Friday night, with arf ovemight stop scheduled in Ohakune. The visit will leave the train free for a day trip to Taumarunui by Waimarino enthusiasts on the Saturday with the train returning to Wellington on Sunday.. Those Waimarino people registered with MTRO receive generous discounts on all excursions.