2. Trains
  3. Southern Hemisphere

New Zealand

A totally different world at the other end of the world. Narrow in gauge, but grand in scenery,
and not always easy to railfan. Join the Kiwi trip...
Read More
The train traverses the second road/rail bridge.
25 / 55

The train traverses the second road/rail bridge.

  • Northbound along the coast, in tropical vegetation.
  • The milk train, approaching Kumara Jct.
  • What better place to build a roundabout than right smack on the railroad tracks. Here everything comes to a halt while the milk train passes Kumara Jct.
  • End of train-device, Kiwi-style...
  • The train traverses the second road/rail bridge.
  • Those drivers unfortunate enough to have stopped too close by the bridge have to push back, thereby losing a few places in the queue...
  • The crown jewel of South Island railroading - Otira at the base of Arthur's Pass. Here, a three-engine helper set waits for an eastbound loaded coal train.
  • A view up the pass. At right in the distance, the old electric motor barn can be seen. A small spot in the middle of nowhere, Otira even boasts a pedestrian underpass.
  • Sand storage tanks at the back of the station building.
  • Caught in a time warp, the CTC machine in the dispatcher's office.
  • A horn announces a loaded eastbound coal train. 4755 is in worktrain duty today.
  • The lead Dx Micro eases the train to a stop under the station canopy.
  • The helper set pushes back against the train.
  • A quick exchange of pleasantries and the helper crew gets on to the job. This shot shows the relative proportions of the GE engines well.
  • Highball, and 5 GE units make a run for the hill. The grade begins even within the interlocking.
  • Heat waves rise as the train passes a sign reminding the crew of potential danger in the summit tunnel ahead.
  • On the other side of the pass, Arthurs Pass station is a shade of its former self.
  • The helpers have coupled on to a westbound empty move for the run back to Otira.
  • Shortly beyond the station, the train enters the tunnel.
  • New Zealand's railroads are full of interesting details. This portable generator supplies electric power to refrigerated containers. The huge handbrake lever on the car is decidedly British in appearance.
  • No Comments
  • Photo Sharing
  • About SmugMug
  • Browse Photos
  • Prints & Gifts
  • Terms
  • Privacy
  • Contact
  • Owner Log In
© 2023 SmugMug, Inc.