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New Zealand

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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.
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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.

  • 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.
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