Cab ride to Palmerston North 10.7.2005.
13th July 2005

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.

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DXB5206 and DX5114 ready to depart with Train 238 from Wellington railyards to Palmerston North on 10.7.2005.
DXB5206 and DX5114 ready to depart with Train 238 from Wellington railyards to Palmerston North on 10.7.2005.
 Nose end view of DXB5206 in Toll Rail livery.
Nose end view of DXB5206 in Toll Rail livery.
 Engineering works at MacKay's Crossing caused a short delay just north of South Junction and part of the train is seen on the sweeping curve above Pukerua Bay.
Engineering works at MacKay's Crossing caused a short delay just north of South Junction and part of the train is seen on the sweeping curve above Pukerua Bay.
 DXB5206 and DX5114 wait to resume their journey north in brilliant winter sunshine.
DXB5206 and DX5114 wait to resume their journey north in brilliant winter sunshine.
The cab view of Paraparaumu Station.
The cab view of Paraparaumu Station.
 A new road overbridge is being constructed just north of the present MacKay's Crossing. The worksite is being approached.
A new road overbridge is being constructed just north of the present MacKay's Crossing. The worksite is being approached.
 Crossing the Otaki River.
Crossing the Otaki River.
 Between Muri and Paekakariki the railway descends almost to sea level through five tunnels. This view of the Tasman Sea is between Tunnel 6 and 7.
Between Muri and Paekakariki the railway descends almost to sea level through five tunnels. This view of the Tasman Sea is between Tunnel 6 and 7.
Otaki Station has been preserved in its heritage condition. A pity more trains do not call there!
Otaki Station has been preserved in its heritage condition. A pity more trains do not call there!
 DSC2340 is seen in Palmerston North railyards.
DSC2340 is seen in Palmerston North railyards.
 Journey's end - the approach to Palmerston North station. On the left, the Capital Connection set can be seen. This train is primarily used Mondays to Fridays for the daily commuter service to Wellington.
Journey's end - the approach to Palmerston North station. On the left, the Capital Connection set can be seen. This train is primarily used Mondays to Fridays for the daily commuter service to Wellington.
 Driver Fred Hamer poses on the front of DXB5206.
Driver Fred Hamer poses on the front of DXB5206.
The electrified section of the North Island Main Trunk is between Hamilton and Palmerston North. The EF class was provided for this section. In perfect winter lighting 30128 poses in the yard at Palmerston North.
The electrified section of the North Island Main Trunk is between Hamilton and Palmerston North. The EF class was provided for this section. In perfect winter lighting 30128 poses in the yard at Palmerston North.
 Several members of the EF class are being robbed for parts to keep their fellow class members working. 30186 is one such example.
Several members of the EF class are being robbed for parts to keep their fellow class members working. 30186 is one such example.
 Winter shadows start to make their presence felt on class leader 30007.
Winter shadows start to make their presence felt on class leader 30007.
 30085 reflects on its future as it stands out of service and missing vital 'organs' at the rear of the yard.
30085 reflects on its future as it stands out of service and missing vital 'organs' at the rear of the yard.
Luckier members of the class are 30140, 30105, 30157 and 30059 seen in a line-up.
Luckier members of the class are 30140, 30105, 30157 and 30059 seen in a line-up.
 30157 and 30059 pose in a sunnier part of the yard.
30157 and 30059 pose in a sunnier part of the yard.
 There are but 5 members of the DSJ shunter class. 4017 basks in the winter sunlight at Palmerston North.
There are but 5 members of the DSJ shunter class. 4017 basks in the winter sunlight at Palmerston North.
 DX5120 and DX5144 form long winter shadows as they await their next duties.
DX5120 and DX5144 form long winter shadows as they await their next duties.
Another view of the sad-looking EF30065 with many of its useful parts now missing.
Another view of the sad-looking EF30065 with many of its useful parts now missing.
 Shunter DSC2569 undergoing repair at Palmerston North.
Shunter DSC2569 undergoing repair at Palmerston North.
 EF30232 is seen undergoing repair inside the workshops.
EF30232 is seen undergoing repair inside the workshops.
 As the sun begins to set DX5166 waits in the yard for its next duty.
As the sun begins to set DX5166 waits in the yard for its next duty.
© 1998-2009 Alan Wickens - All copyrights rest with the Author
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