Rail turntable to reopen November

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 11, Issue 504, 21 September 1993, Page 1

Rail turntable to reopen November

Two vintage steam trains to meet Two Ka steam locomotives will bring in excess of 1000 visitors to the area as part of the opening celebrations of Main Trunk Rail Ohakune's turn-table to be held 28 November. As the Wellington-train, hauled by Ka 945, heads north toward Ohakune the second train hauled by Ka 942 will be heading south from Auckland to Taumarunui on the Saturday moming with both trains expected to reach their destinations mid to late afternoon. On Saturday evening passengers will enjoy a twilight trip to National Park where buses will transfer travellers to the Chateau for a buffet meal. The locomotives will then change over with Ka 945 heading the train to Taumarunui while Ka 942 will take the Ohakune train. Early on Sunday morning Ka 942 will take the Ohakune train to T aumarunui where the Auckland passengers and Ka945 will join them. Now with the two engines as one doubleheader the train will run to National Park. From here it will set back to Raurimu for a second run up the Spiral before continuing to Ohakune. This will be an historic first as Ka 942 and Ka 945 have never met before and it will be a sight that has not been seen in the area for over 30 years. Turn to Page 2