Train gang back at work

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 651, 27 August 1996, Page 7

Train gang back at work

Atiny team of volunteers heaved into action on the weekend to get started on a new Main Trunk Rail Ohakune (MTRO) project — to lay a new "road" at the Ohakune Railway yards. The new siding line is intended to be used for the South African Beyer Garrott 200-tonne steam locomotives, six of which were recently brought into the country. However, MTRO president Bob Norling said these trains would not be running "until next century" so the group has about three years to have everything ready. In the meantime the line will be used for loading export carrots. About 12,000 tonnes were shipped by rail from Ohakune last season. Another advantage is that it allows for servicing of excursion trains away from the overhead electrification lines. The track will eventually incorporate a loading bay (bank) to allow loading directly at wagon deek level, water tanks for refilling steam locomotives, and a locomotive workshop next to the turntable. The track will be the second line to link to the turntable which will make for easier shunting. Another feature of the line will be that there is enough space between it and the existing siding to allow swing cranes to drive between two trains, for better loading and servicing. Much good-will is going into the project. Transrail has donated the $60,000 worth of track which came from ^Taihape, although technically they still own it as it is being laid on their land. The ballast has also been donated as was the cartage by Ted andiNoel Bates. Sue Joe & Sons donated the use of three trucks and a huff for the work, and Errol Sue donated his time and digger. MTRO will spend about $2500-$3000 on the project, said Mr Norling. "This is just the beginning, we' ve got a lot of work to do yet," he said.