More steam trips on track

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 583, 25 April 1995, Page 7

More steam trips on track

Breaking even was deemed a successful effort for the recent steam train excursions using the F163 engine and the event will be repeated, said Main Trunk Rail Ohakune president Bob Norling. He said thanks to support from the local community and schoois the trips were worthwhile, though changes would be looked at to avoid the problems experienced this year. The group would try to get the engine to Ohakune earlier so as to avoid the problems of trying to Fit in with New Zealand Rail's freight train timetable. They would also look at using a larger engine and extending the run to the Makatote Viaduct and crossing loop and also incorporating a run to the Army Museum. Meanwhile, plans are proceeding well for a return of the Ka945/ Ka942 double-header trip on 13 May, which was a very successful event held last year. "The double-header is now a nationally-important rail event," said Mr Norling. Again, one train will come from Wellington and one from Auckland to meet at T aumarunui where they will link up to run back to Ohakune for the 'Steam on the Spiral' — three trips up and down the Raurimu Spiral. Passengers will stay overnight in Ohakune. Locals can ride on the train from Ohakune to Taumarunui and

tickets are now available from Ohakune TV & Electrical.