On the 18th February 2010 we provided Ja1275 for the re-opening of the old Auckland signal box which has been converted to office space for a company called Datamine. They have done a terrific job of preserving this building which would have otherwise probably been demolished. We provided Ja1275 free of charge for thei...r corporate event in recognition of their efforts. All the guests were given a short cab ride and 1275 proved to be the star of the party.
On the weekend of the 7th and 8th November we provided our Bagnall locomotive to the Glenbrook Vintage Railway for their Thomas weekend. Photos by Mark Butler and his children.
On June 7th 2009 Mainline Steam, in conjunction with KiwiRail, took Ja1275 to Sturgess Road in order to give locals a close up look at a steam locomotive. This was part of the consultation process with regard to the possibility of Mainline Steam building a locomotive depot in the area. The day was a great success with around 2000 people turning out for a look. By far the majority indicated they would like to see mainline Steam move in.
Photos of Ka942 on a positioning move from Plimmerton to Feilding. 12/02/2009.
Photos of Ka942 on the special train which celebrated the 100th anniversary of the 1st commercial passenger train on the Main Trunk. 15/02/2009.
During October we operarted our annual NZ Steam Tour. The tour ran from Christchurch to Auckland via Dunedin, Queenstown, Wellington, Napier, Gisborne and Palmerston North. Lots of steam action and plenty of time for sightseeing. Unfortunately Jb1236 suffered a failure while returning from Dunedin and we had a couple of days diesel hauled. However, this did not distract from everyones enjoyment of the tour and we certainly made up for it once back in the North Island. If you missed this one we are doing it all again in October 2009. See the Excursion page for details. See the Feilding album for photos of the action during that event.
In the early hours of Friday 22nd May 2009 Mainline Steam, in conjunction with KiwiRail Services operated Mechanical Test Train 14 around the junction curves from the Northern Line to the Newmarket line. Although these curves have been in place for some time it has been a matter for debate as to whether or not Ja1275 would negotiate the curve. The test has proved it will.
Thank you to Geoff Blackmore for all the photographs of the test.
In October 2008 Feilding District Rail Society hosted a Centennial Event at Feilding to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Main Trunk Railway. Mainline Steam was heavily involved providing 4 of the steam locomotives for the trains.
