Saturday June 27, 2009 and the Mini, almost fully operational, is quickly deployed to the Midland Line...
`...complete with your intrepid correspondent and his magic picture capturing box
The Tranz heads Christchurchwards at the Mount White bridge
Just before that, Eric Bryant piloted a pair of DXs up to Otira to pick up 18 wagons that were dropped by 832 that morning . The train is snapped here leaving what's left of Otira's top yard. While looking at this picture at 100%, I noticed that an unwarned Ontracker behind the middle signal was inadvertently snapped by the flash beside the subway without wearing MIB shades...
IS0 800 sans flash
The next morning is wasted walking, climbing, standing around, getting damp and hoping the fog would lift beside the Waimakariri. Sigh
A dull picture of a pair of the old-style signals which are being replaced by fancy, new, clean, characterless ones. Even in 2009 the old railway is disappearing before our eyes. How long before we're lamenting the loss of pukey green and yellow vomitbonnet DXs? No matter how dull, snap it now. It might be gone tomorrow.
Eric B again on 842. He was on the train above as well. I'm not a stalker. Promise.
An early running Rapahoe-bound 832 train exits the about-to-be-former No19 Brunner/Kiwi tunnel beside the Grey river with 5477 and 5195 in charge
Pushme-Pullyou. On Monday the 29th, the blue DX+DC combo at the far end of this Reefton train has died just south of the Stillwater yard while shunting. TC Dave Green orchestrates a textbook rescue using the two DXs off 832 to clean up the mess before the passenger arrives.
832 on its way to Rapahoe ahead ahead of the passenger. I think I've blown my Shots Taken in Crappy Weather allowance already.
Don't even think about it
The Mini then decides to head in for a muffler adjustment and an oil change. Obeying the first law of Physics According to British Leyland, the Blu-Tack holding the front left wheel on-centre failed, causing a nasty rubbing. Estimated time to repair... several days. Bugger.
As the Mini is up on the jack the next morning, the stars align and Mr Kilsby drives by. Shortly afterwards I still have no car but do have a cab pass in hand and find myself on Reefton loaded 832 at Tawhai
Crossing 829, the Reefton-bound freight train at the difficult to spell Mawheraiti loop. In my unprofessional opinion, 5454's split-infinitive KR livery would look better with the smaller decals used on the phase 1 version modeled by 5293. These monster sized ones are too in-your-face loud (A BIT LIKE SOMEONE WHO EMAILS YOU WITH THE CAPS LOCK KEY ON) and don't work well over the various loco grilles, lumps and bumps. Yes, lets be noticed, but lets not be a try-hard look-at-me. Its not the Kiwi way to build a brand
Mike getting things moving
Into the rabbit hole at Kaimata
Along the banks of the Arnold river
Taking the loop at Moana to cross the Tranz
Colin Kemp pilots 803 into Moana to pickup a giggle of schoolkids.
Preparing to leave Moana.
Receiving instructions from Mr Green in Wellington
Polecam deployed while departing Moana
Arriving at Otira where three grubby bankers will attach and assist the train up through the Otira tunnel. 5229 is one of a number of DXs with DF-esque flat top noses.
My work here is done
Steve and Mike wave Colin's 804 through Moana