On 12th December 2006, a rake of three refurbished carriages for the daily Overlander service between Wellington and Auckland were showcased on Platform 9 at Wellington station.

The last remaining large headlight English Electric-built set still operating with over 50 years service has been restored in the very popular red livery. On 3rd April 2006 the 3-car set was showcased at Wellington station for public viewing. This collection shows the very high standard of restoration that has been undertaken. It re-entered public service on 4th April with its first duties being Wellington-Melling services.

On 21st August 2005, Ew1805 made its delivery run to its new home at Mainline Steam at Plimmerton. The loco ran by its own power from Wellington to Paekakariki and was then towed back to Plimmerton by DC4611 where it was backed into the preservation group's yard. Ew1805 was one of seven of the class introduced in 1952. The English Electric built Bo-Bo-Bo class were used on the Wellington 1600V system, and could often be found working trains between Wellington and Paekakariki which at that time was the end of the wires. By 1983 the class had all been withdrawn. Two locos of this class survive, Ew1805 and 1806; the latter can be found at Ferrymead in Christchurch. This album covers the events of the day from Wellington depot through to Plimmerton.

On 10.7.2005 I was able to obtain a cab pass from Wellington to Palmerston North and return, courtesy of Fred Hamer, who recently completed 50 years railway service! The outward journey was on Freight service 238 and I returned on Train 201 (Overlander), although by that stage darkness had fallen. I was also able to photograph locomotives in the Palmerston North railyards.

On 23rd June 2005, the first D/DM unit to complete a life-extending cosmetic refurbishment was released into service. It was open for a brief period of inspection before undergoing a test run to Porirua and then into public service later that afternoon. This unit has a new livery and Tranz Metro logo. Seating has been improved with upholstery rather than the previous vinyl, carpet has been laid and it is finished with a bright cream-coloured interior. The seat next to the driving position has been removed during this upgrade.

During the night of 11/12 June, two track machines, ETM214, a Mk3 ballast tamper and ETM296, a ballast regulator were stored on the down main in the station at Khandallah. The following are views of the machines coupled together and some views of Johnsonville units using the up main in both directions.

On 19.5.2005 permission was given for me to visit the Tranz Metro depot at Wellington to watch the exterior cleaning process given to their EMUs.

A further visit was made on 1.6.2005. These photographs are at the end of the collection.

The Fell Locomotive Museum at Featherston is home to the only remaining Fell locomotive in the world. H199 was one of six of its class that was built especially for use on the 1 in 15 Rimutaka Incline, where they worked for 77 years. The line was closed in 1955 when the Rimutaka Tunnel was opened to replace it. The locomotives climbed 265 metres up the 4.8km incline. Restoration of the locomotive was completed on 31 March 1989. The museum houses a splendid collection of photographs, relics and models recording the 77 years' operation of the Incline. Open daily 10-4pm (except Christmas Day and ANZAC morning). Admission $4.

EM80 is a self-propelled track machine which is used to detect and mark track defects as it travels along the track. It was built by Plasser Australia in 1981, measures just over 12m long and currently wears the 'Tranz Rail' livery, although it is expected to be repainted into 'Ontrack' colours. The vehicle expects to survey all lines and crossing loops that carry passengers four times a year.

On 2nd April 2005, an engineering possession on the Johnsonville branch resulted in a rare loco-hauled working. DSC2434 headed WT27 hauling ballast, rail and engineering equipment. The train was off-loaded at the Wadestown loop, where a new turnout was to be installed, and then continued to Ngaio station where the loco ran around its train and returned it to Wellington. Thanks to Transfield staff for permission in taking some of these images.

Dacresfield is situated a short distance north of Otaki. It is primarily 2 acres of beautiful gardens, but a quarter of an acre has been developed into a fascinating garden railway. Visitors can wander through the villages and miniature landscape through which the American themed railway runs. Dacresfield Garden and Railway is open between 11 and 4pm on Sundays and Public Holidays from beginning of October to the end of March. An admission charge applies. The photographs were taken on a visit to the gardens on 12.12.2004. Highly recommended.

The Northerner, was the night-time passenger rail service between Auckland and Wellington. Each night a train ran in each direction. The final trains ran on Friday 12th November 2004. This album contains images taken during the last few months of service and on the final day.

The following photographs were taken on the evening of 31st July 2004 between 7 and 9pm.

This collection, taken on 6th July 2004, gives an unusual view of Wellington Station and the Tranz Metro depot and sidings. The images were taken, with permission, from the roof of the adjacent Westpac Stadium between 12 and 1pm.

On 30th April 2004, a locomotive cab pass was obtained to travel between Wellington and Masterton (91km distant). The following scenes show various "drivers eye" views and lineside shots of the train. Thanks are extended to Locomotive Engineer Bruce Scott of Tranz Rail for arranging permission to travel on the loco.

On 5.5.2004, Toll Holdings become the new owner of Tranz Rail. Its rail business is called Toll Rail. Repainting of locomotives into the new livery has begun. The first 'DX' class to appear in the new livery was DX5379 and the first 'DC' was DCP4830. Both are seen in the Wellington railyards in this series of photographs. Other examples of Toll liveried locos have been added to the collection. Permission was obtained for visit to the loco yards.

This collection of pictures illustrates some of the locomotives that were in the yards at Wellington on 11th April 2004. The main purpose of the visit was to capture the two refurbished DC locomotives before they moved north to Auckland to take up duties on the suburban network.

Since their official launch at Auckland on 23 April, DC4415 has been adorned on its cabside with the name "Gwendoline" (after Gwen Bull, Chairperson of the Auckland Regional Council). DC4035 has similarly been named "Jo" after Jo Brosnahan, believed to be another Councillor.

A visit to the perimeter fence of the Hutt Workshops on 23rd March 2004 found these locos stored. Access for those locals interested is via Moana Grove. At the end of the street there is a large area being redeveloped (presumably into housing) and currently large piles of dirt and rubble which give a bit of elevation over the electrified fence!

A further visit was made on 30th January 2005. These photos are locoated at end end of the collection.

The first railway featured is the Aotea Railway, operating usually on Sundays as a fund-raiser by the Waitangirua Lions Club at Aotea Lagoon, just north of Porirua.

The second railway featured is found on the Petone foreshore, on Marine Parade and is operated by the Hutt Valley Model Engineering Society. Rides are available on "fine" Sundays between 1 and 4.30pm. There are a number of gauges ranging from 2.5", 3.5", 5" and 7.5".

The next collection is of images were taken at Avalon Park on 26th September 2004. It is home to The Lion Train which is operated by the Lions Club of Lower Hutt. The 10.5" gauge railway is just under 1 kilometre in length and operates between 1 and 4pm every day during school holidays and weekends (weather permitting). Rides cost $1 for adults and 50c for children. The railway was opened in 1978. On an average day it averages about 200 rides. The locomotive (1978) was built in 1978 by the Manawatu Miniature Railway and Model Engineering Society Inc of Palmerston North.

A further selection of views taken on 30th January 2005 at the Hutt Valley Model Engineering Society track at Petone features at the end of the collection.

The Cross Creek Railway is found in Featherston in a park opposite the Fell Locomotive Museum. It operates on Sundays from 10-3.30pm all year round, weather permitting. Rides cost $1 for 3 circuits of the park. The railway is relatively new and consists of a large loop around the park. The trust that operates it has plans to add more interest to the ride. The locomotive is petrol driven and is based on H199, the Fell locomotive that is found in the museum opposite.

In Queen Elizabeth II Park in Masterton can be found a 15" gauge railway, built on an island and surrounded by a lake. There are a number of bridges, a tunnel and Waipoua Station. The railways was opened in April 1972 by the Masterton Jaycees. It operates from 10-4pm on Saturdays and public holidays and 1-4pm on Sundays. On the day of my visit an NZ Railways replica diesel Dg class loco was operating. A very scenic railway and a photographer's delight!

Don't go past Palmerston North without visiting the Esplanade Scenic Railway. First opened in 1969, this 260mm gauge railway has now grown to a 2.2km long ride and further extensions are continuing. The operating group has 3 locos; Da1969, DXR1997 and DX1975. The railway operates from 1-4pm on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays and charges a very modest $1.50 for a very scenic ride.

This collection of photographs shows a track gang destressing a section of the line near Redwood on 6th April 2003. Track machinery is also featured.