Fell Locomotive Museum at Featherston

16th May 2005

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.

H199 - the last remaining Fell locomotive in the world - the centrepiece of the Fell Locomotive Museum's collection.	Visitors to the Museum enter a friendly and well-appointed shop.	The numberplate on 199. The restoration on this locomotive is magnificent!	On entering the museum, visitors meet the centrepiece - H199 - superbly restored and complete with a viewing platform at its rear to examine the footplate and controls.
A front right view of the locomotive showing the air pump.	A view showing the horizontal wheels that gripped the centre rail on the Fell system.	Another view of H199 front end detail including the air pump.	Front end left view of immaculate H199.
Standing on the platform at the rear of the locomotive, a good view can be had of the footplate and loco controls.	H199 controls.	A close-up of H199's outside motion.	The museum has a section of the raised centre rail which the Fell locomotive gripped as it ascended and descended the Incline.
Detail of Fell Brake Van F210.	The museum has a mezzanine floor with further exhibits. This floor also gives a good view of the locomotive.	An overall view of the Museum from the mezzanine floor.	Seven Fell brake vans were built for work on the incline. F210 was built at Petone in 1898. It worked on the incline for 57 years. Restiored in 1997, F210 is on long term loan from MOTAT in Auckland.
Other exhibits in the Museum include tablet machines....	Number plates and builders plates from all six H class locos are also on display.	A fine collection of photographs of the Rimutaka Incline in its heyday....	The stunning exterior of the Fell Locomotive Museum at Featherston.