Welcome to the forum   
Welcome Guest! To enable all features please Login or Register.

Notification

Icon
Error

Share
Options
View
Go to last post in this topic Go to first unread post in this topic
Offline DamonKelly  
#1 Posted : 02 June 2008 16:22:25(UTC)
DamonKelly

Australia   
Joined: 26/03/2006(UTC)
Posts: 1,423
Location: Brisbane, QLD
My dad sent me a photo - I assume he took it (perhaps not, I'll check...)

UserPostedImage
Ka-951

His comments:
Quote:
[size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:It is Ka-951 on the main line from Wellinton I think Paekakariki where there was a tea break.

I seem to recall they were just under 150 tons and the rarer Kb of which there were 2 only at the tunnel to the West Coast at Arthur's Pass and they were 156 tons.


Any Kiwis have any information about this loco or class?
Cheers,
Damon
Offline Purellum  
#2 Posted : 02 June 2008 20:22:24(UTC)
Purellum

Denmark   
Joined: 08/11/2005(UTC)
Posts: 3,528
Location: Mullerup, 4200 Slagelse
Quote:
[size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Any Kiwis have any information about this loco or class?


I have found some; but I'm not a Kiwi [:I] What shall I do confused

Fond here: http://www.hiwinui.co.nz/climatic-conditions.html

[img]http://www.hiwinui.co.nz/user/image/large/37/Manawatu%20Gorge%20Train%20Crash[/img]

On August 20th 1946, the railway engine KA 951 and three wagons were engulfed by a slip across the railway line. The engine driver and the fireman lost their lives, while the guard survived and walked back to Ashhurst in the dark and pouring rain to raise the alarm.

They must have gotten it out of the water again, here is a bit more, from 1960: http://steammachine.com/hvmes/bp/bpaug2004.pdf

Found here: http://www.greatnzsteamjourneys.co.nz/about.asp

K Class: 4-8-4 (See Ka 945 at Steam Inc )

These were New Zealand’s largest and most powerful locally built locomotives weighing nearly 90 tons. They proved very successful for heavy mixed traffic main line work with the most powerful being used on coal trains across the heavily graded Midland Line in the South Island . They were built from 1932 until 1956 and survivors are at Mainline Steam, Steam Incorporated, MOTAT and the Silverstream Railway. Most were converted to oil firing during their working lives and No. 942 is particularly interesting as it is preserved in streamlined form.



Per. ( Chicken, maybe; Kiwi, no way! biggrin Actually the opposite way ! biggrin biggrin )


If you can dream it, you can do it!

I, the copyright holder of this work, hereby release it into the public domain. This applies worldwide.

In case this is not legally possible:
I grant anyone the right to use this work for any purpose, without any conditions, unless such conditions are required by law.

UserPostedImage
Offline Webmaster  
#3 Posted : 02 June 2008 22:58:07(UTC)
Webmaster


Joined: 25/07/2001(UTC)
Posts: 11,165
Per, great that you found some info!

Damon, do you know when the pic was taken?
Juhan - "Webmaster", at your service...
He who asks a question is a fool for five minutes. He who does not ask a question remains a fool forever. [Old Chinese Proverb]
Offline steventrain  
#4 Posted : 02 June 2008 23:45:19(UTC)
steventrain

United Kingdom   
Joined: 21/10/2004(UTC)
Posts: 31,695
Location: United Kingdom
Very interesting links, Purellum.Smile
Large Marklinist 3- Rails Layout with CS2/MS2/Boosters/C-track/favorites Electric class E03/BR103, E18/E118, E94, Crocodiles/Steam BR01, BR03, BR05, BR23, BR44, BR50, Big Boy.
Offline Bigdaddynz  
#5 Posted : 03 June 2008 04:15:44(UTC)
Bigdaddynz

New Zealand   
Joined: 17/09/2006(UTC)
Posts: 18,772
Location: New Zealand
Ok guys, here's some info on the Ka series of locomotives:- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NZR_Ka_class

You will note that it was Ka 949 that perished at Tangiwai. 151 people died in NZ's worst rail accident. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tangiwai_disaster

Some specs on the Ka locos

Length 69’ 8”
Width 8’ 5”
Height 11’ 6”
Weight 148 tons
Tractive force 32,740 pounds
Water capacity 5000 gallons
Working steam pressure 200psi
Track gauge 3’6”
Fuel oil capacity 1570 gallons
Wheel arrangement 4-8-4
Power output around 1500 HP
Offline Bigdaddynz  
#6 Posted : 03 June 2008 04:24:44(UTC)
Bigdaddynz

New Zealand   
Joined: 17/09/2006(UTC)
Posts: 18,772
Location: New Zealand
Some pictures

UserPostedImage

UserPostedImage

UserPostedImage


I got an opportunity a while back to climb into the drivers cab of Ka935, which is stationed across the road from our Marklin Club Rooms. Looking down the loco you realise how long 70 feet is, and the very restricted view you have. Awesome machine though.
Each of these locos did over 1,000,000 miles of operational service, and 3 of them have been preserved, including Ka935. Unfortunately, Ka935 is not operational, as she is in the process of having maintenance work done.

Edited by moderator 11 January 2011 13:46:22(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

Offline kimballthurlow  
#7 Posted : 03 June 2008 05:40:13(UTC)
kimballthurlow

Australia   
Joined: 18/03/2007(UTC)
Posts: 6,764
Location: Brisbane, Australia
And to add more interest to all of this, NZR is on 1067mm gauge (3' 6") which some may consider to be a narrow gauge.
But that same gauge is "standard" for much of Japan, Queensland(Australia), South Australia, Western Australia, South Africa, Kenya, Finland?, Argentina etc.

regards
Kimball
HO Scale - Märklin (ep II-III and VI, C Track, digital) - 2 rail HO (Queensland Australia, UK, USA) - 3 rail OO (English Hornby Dublo) - old clockwork O gauge - Live Steam 90mm (3.1/2 inch) gauge.
Offline ozzman  
#8 Posted : 03 June 2008 06:39:49(UTC)
ozzman

Australia   
Joined: 23/11/2007(UTC)
Posts: 1,828
Location: Sydney, Australia
This has been a most interesting post.

As an addendum to the last comment, the 3'6" gauge sometimes used to be referred to as "Cape Gauge".

And for the Kiwi members, does the Tranzalpine train still go all the way across to the west coast? A current ad in the travel section of the paper seems to imply that it doesn't.
Gary
Z Scale
"Never let the prototype get in the way of a good layout"
Offline Bigdaddynz  
#9 Posted : 03 June 2008 07:11:45(UTC)
Bigdaddynz

New Zealand   
Joined: 17/09/2006(UTC)
Posts: 18,772
Location: New Zealand
That's interesting Kimball, I've only used Australian rail in Victoria and NSW, so thought all of Australia was the larger (standard) gauge (4' 8 1/2").


The 3'6" gauge was used here because of the mountainous terrain through the central North Island, and parts of the South Island.

I think the Tranzalpine still runs, at least you can do an online booking: - http://www.tranzscenic.c...ervices/tranzalpine.aspx

Of course, as Macca previously posted, NZ Rail has been brought back by the NZ Government recently.
Offline nevw  
#10 Posted : 03 June 2008 07:54:15(UTC)
nevw

Australia   
Joined: 27/08/2005(UTC)
Posts: 11,071
Location: Murrumba Downs QLD
Victoria really uses the big Gauge 5'3" the Irish Size. There are standard Lines in most states now.
Nev
NOt wearing the Pink Pinny, which is hard to see and now I have a white Pinny which also is hard to see against MY pure white Skin Still have 2 new shiny tin Hips that is badly in Need of Repair matching rusting tin shoulders
and a hose pipe on the aorta
Junior member of the Banana Club, a reformist and an old Goat with a Bad memory, loafing around
Offline Larry  
#11 Posted : 03 June 2008 09:37:50(UTC)
Larry

United States   
Joined: 14/11/2003(UTC)
Posts: 1,443
Location: Northeast Ohio
Looks like a mean machine. What are the 2 vertical flanges on the front of the loco? Are these for aerodynamics? Did this thing actually take off and fly?

Love the huge headlight; would have been a better model for the Polar Express stories.
Offline Bigdaddynz  
#12 Posted : 03 June 2008 10:15:36(UTC)
Bigdaddynz

New Zealand   
Joined: 17/09/2006(UTC)
Posts: 18,772
Location: New Zealand
Larry, the locos were originally streamlined, and I think the flanges may be mounting points for the streamlining. The streamlining was removed during the late 1940's / early 1950's. Here's a picture of a streamlined Ka.


UserPostedImage

Edited by moderator 11 January 2011 13:45:46(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

Offline Bigdaddynz  
#13 Posted : 03 June 2008 12:49:59(UTC)
Bigdaddynz

New Zealand   
Joined: 17/09/2006(UTC)
Posts: 18,772
Location: New Zealand
Here's a better picture, of Ka942 with streamlining.

UserPostedImage


And for good luck, here's a neat picture of a J class steam loco, J1234

UserPostedImage


And here's a couple of pictures of Ka935, the loco that is stored across the road from our clubrooms, that I got to at least climb into.


UserPostedImage


UserPostedImage

Edited by moderator 11 January 2011 13:45:21(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

Offline DamonKelly  
#14 Posted : 03 June 2008 16:48:35(UTC)
DamonKelly

Australia   
Joined: 26/03/2006(UTC)
Posts: 1,423
Location: Brisbane, QLD
Yes indeed, my Dad took that photo:
Quote:
[size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:The Ka was the engine pulling the train we took to Wanganui - must've been the end of '53 as it was 35mm and I remember the train stopping for a dining room rest. At the time I was sorry it [the photo] didn't have more detail. I expected too much from a hand-held ordinary film/developer shot.


Yes, my Father comes from Wellington [:I]. Over the years, he's gotten over the whole sheep thing...[:0]

Just kidding (Hi Dad, if you're reading wink)

I should mention that my Dad got me into this whole Märklin thing -- we were living in Amsterdam, and I had the measles/mumps or something, and he arrived home one night with a 2963 set (3000 with flat car and red coal wagon)...
The rest is history.

On the gauge thing -- was this line (Wellington-Auckland) narrow gauge?

Yes indeed, Queensland is all narrow gauge (3' 6"). The excuse was that the sheer quantity of track required was so large that narrow gauge was the only alternative. Queensland couldn't afford anything else...

I remember finding a discussion about gauge vs speed vs capacity. The conclusion was that with modern technology, it didn't make a lot of difference. Japan still uses narrow gauge (3' 6") for everything except Shinkansen. All the Tokyo "circle" route, and the regional lines.

And yes, Victoria is "Wide" gauge, I believe the same as the old "Great Western" in Britain.

Cheers,
Damon
Offline DamonKelly  
#15 Posted : 03 June 2008 16:58:24(UTC)
DamonKelly

Australia   
Joined: 26/03/2006(UTC)
Posts: 1,423
Location: Brisbane, QLD
Quote:
[size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by ozzman
<br />And for the Kiwi members, does the Tranzalpine train still go all the way across to the west coast? A current ad in the travel section of the paper seems to imply that it doesn't.


It certainly does:
TranzAlpine
Christchurch to Greymouth

Greymouth is an interesting spot. Monteith's brewery are there -- fine beer! CoolCoolCool
Also get one of Barry's Burgers with Kumara chips...yum Cool
Cheers,
Damon
Offline steventrain  
#16 Posted : 03 June 2008 18:58:09(UTC)
steventrain

United Kingdom   
Joined: 21/10/2004(UTC)
Posts: 31,695
Location: United Kingdom
Very nice pictures, Bigdaddynz.
Large Marklinist 3- Rails Layout with CS2/MS2/Boosters/C-track/favorites Electric class E03/BR103, E18/E118, E94, Crocodiles/Steam BR01, BR03, BR05, BR23, BR44, BR50, Big Boy.
Offline Bigdaddynz  
#17 Posted : 03 June 2008 20:11:04(UTC)
Bigdaddynz

New Zealand   
Joined: 17/09/2006(UTC)
Posts: 18,772
Location: New Zealand
Quote:
[size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by DamonKelly
<br />On the gauge thing -- was this line (Wellington-Auckland) narrow gauge?


Yes Damon, all of NZ uses the 3'6" gauge, so the Main Trunk line, as we call it, is 3'6".

If your dad is still into Marklin Damon,I'm sure he would be welcome to pay us a visit at our clubrooms. We are based in Lower Hutt, about 20kms from Wellington.
Offline Macfire  
#18 Posted : 04 June 2008 02:09:11(UTC)
Macfire


Joined: 04/11/2006(UTC)
Posts: 2,652
Location: New Zealand
Quote:
[size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by DamonKelly

His comments:
Quote:
[size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:I seem to recall they were just under 150 tons and the rarer Kb of which there were 2 only at the tunnel to the West Coast at Arthur's Pass and they were 156 tons.


Any Kiwis have any information about this loco or class?



Great Pic Damon, Per and Bigdaddy.
Thanks for the information.

A couple of extra details as follows:
K Class 30 built. K900 - 929. 136 tons. 3 preserved including the protorype at MoTaT)
Ka Class 35 built Ka930 - 964. 146 tons. 3 preserved.
Kb Class 5 built Kb965 - 970. 146 tons. 1 preserved.

As you say the Kb was for the trickier parts of the South Island and differed from the Ka mainly by having a two-cylinder auxiliary booster in the rear bogie.

The accident to 951 happened in the Manawatu Gorge and yes the loco was retrieved.
A dangerous area for both road and rail. They run on opposite sides of the gorge. I travelled many times through there on rail. Always very slowly. The last time I drove through the gorge it was a terrible day and a horizontal water spout / jet / whatever was shooting out, horizontally mind you, for a distance of over 20 meters, hitting a rock face then cascading down under the raiway track. Spectacular and a little scary!!! I lived in Palmerston North on the western side of the gorge for 16 years and had never seen that sight!

Welcome Per, Bigdaddy & I now confer on you the status of Honorary Kiwi. The only thing holding up the ceremony is the Oath of Allegiance to the Hurricanes biggrin

Edit:I have a book on NZR disasters that lists the accident. Packed away and inaccessible at the moment just when I needed it [:(!]
I know that we took our kids to the site, well the road opposite where we could see the site.
Lord Macca
New Zealand branch of Clan Donald.
Offline Bigdaddynz  
#19 Posted : 04 June 2008 10:27:56(UTC)
Bigdaddynz

New Zealand   
Joined: 17/09/2006(UTC)
Posts: 18,772
Location: New Zealand
Welcome to Clan Kiwi Per. As part of the initiation, we will take you to a bridge high above a river, and throw you off
with nothing more than a large rubber band attached to your legs!! (called a bungie jump). biggrinbiggrin[:0][:0]

Go the 'Canes (you need to learn that one for the Oath of Allegiance).

BTW, if Märklin was ever short of a new item to model, they could do worse than to make a model of the mighty Ka.

The Ka class of locos is held in the same esteem by Kiwis that the Germans hold for the Class 44 Jumbos, I would say.
Offline RayF  
#20 Posted : 04 June 2008 10:38:31(UTC)
RayF

Gibraltar   
Joined: 14/03/2005(UTC)
Posts: 15,870
Location: Gibraltar, Europe
Great pics! I love these "main-line" narrow gauge locos. They look powerful but compact.

BTW - I have always heard the 3'6" gauge refered to as "Cape Gauge".

Ray
Ray
Mostly Marklin.Selection of different eras and European railways
Small C track layout, control by MS2, 100+ trains but run 4-5 at a time.
Offline DamonKelly  
#21 Posted : 04 June 2008 15:40:44(UTC)
DamonKelly

Australia   
Joined: 26/03/2006(UTC)
Posts: 1,423
Location: Brisbane, QLD
Quote:
[size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by Bigdaddynz
<br />If your dad is still into Marklin Damon,I'm sure he would be welcome to pay us a visit at our clubrooms. We are based in Lower Hutt, about 20kms from Wellington.


Unlikely, he's lived in Brisbane about 45 years now -- from before I was born, in fact.
He did go to Silverstream College in Upper Hutt, though.

Cheers,
Damon
Offline Bigdaddynz  
#22 Posted : 05 June 2008 00:31:52(UTC)
Bigdaddynz

New Zealand   
Joined: 17/09/2006(UTC)
Posts: 18,772
Location: New Zealand
Quote:
[size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by DamonKelly
<br />Unlikely, he's lived in Brisbane about 45 years now -- from before I was born, in fact.
He did go to Silverstream College in Upper Hutt, though.


No problem Damon. Our clubrooms are across the road from the Silverstream Railway, where, as I said before, Ka935 is stored. By Silverstream College, I take it you mean St Pats College, Silverstream, (Catholic Boys school) as there is actually no Silverstream College as such.
Offline DamonKelly  
#23 Posted : 05 June 2008 14:17:14(UTC)
DamonKelly

Australia   
Joined: 26/03/2006(UTC)
Posts: 1,423
Location: Brisbane, QLD
Quote:
[size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by Bigdaddynz
<br />No problem Damon. Our clubrooms are across the road from the Silverstream Railway, where, as I said before, Ka935 is stored. By Silverstream College, I take it you mean St Pats College, Silverstream, (Catholic Boys school) as there is actually no Silverstream College as such.


David, yes - St Patrick's. He always called it just "Silverstream".
I only became aware that it was actually called "St Patrick's" last night biggrin
Off topic again...[:0][:0][:0]
Cheers,
Damon
Offline Bigdaddynz  
#24 Posted : 05 June 2008 14:42:58(UTC)
Bigdaddynz

New Zealand   
Joined: 17/09/2006(UTC)
Posts: 18,772
Location: New Zealand
No problem Damon, it is your thread, so you can take the topic anywhere you like!!

St Patricks is about 1km from our clubrooms, and the Silverstream Railway is right next door - http://www.silverstreamrailway.org.nz , http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silver_Stream_Railway

Offline kimballthurlow  
#25 Posted : 05 June 2008 14:55:40(UTC)
kimballthurlow

Australia   
Joined: 18/03/2007(UTC)
Posts: 6,764
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Those flanges or shields at the front of the locomotive, while probably part of the streamlining frames, were also used to hide the Westinghouse brake pumps. If exposed, the front would look rather ugly.
The New York Central did the same on their J3a 4-6-4.
A reasonable picture here - http://madisonrails.railfan.net/nyc/j3a_700.jpg
or in model form:
http://www.fineartmodels.com/ed...s_140_t-j3ahudson_01.jpg

regards
Kimball
HO Scale - Märklin (ep II-III and VI, C Track, digital) - 2 rail HO (Queensland Australia, UK, USA) - 3 rail OO (English Hornby Dublo) - old clockwork O gauge - Live Steam 90mm (3.1/2 inch) gauge.
Offline DamonKelly  
#26 Posted : 05 June 2008 18:04:58(UTC)
DamonKelly

Australia   
Joined: 26/03/2006(UTC)
Posts: 1,423
Location: Brisbane, QLD
Quote:
[size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by Bigdaddynz
<br />No problem Damon, it is your thread, so you can take the topic anywhere you like!!

St Patricks is about 1km from our clubrooms, and the Silverstream Railway is right next door - http://www.silverstreamrailway.org.nz , http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silver_Stream_Railway


It's funny, that as one ages, one starts to value one's "heritage"...
Was that suitably pompousSmile

By that I mean that I remember driving through Upper (and Lower) Hutt on our (MrsK and I) last holiday in NZ. I remarked that my father had attended school here at "Silverstream", but we never stopped. I regret that now.
Doubly so now that I know there is a Ka at Silverstream Station...
This was before my Märklin "re-awakening", so trains weren't high on the list. [:(]

Still, NZ is a pretty cheap destination now from Oz. I was comparing the TranzAlpine with the Ghan, and for airfares+trainfares NZ vs airfares+trainfares Oz it is a close call, considering "cultural differences" and novelty. Maybe we should re-visit my ancestral stomping grounds...

Although MrsK is decidedly in favour of the Ghan...

OT again...
Cheers,
Damon
Offline ulf999  
#27 Posted : 05 June 2008 22:31:46(UTC)
ulf999


Joined: 12/05/2005(UTC)
Posts: 1,908
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Great pics! What a steamer Smile
Ulf, American HO. www.goldenvalleyroute.com/
Offline steventrain  
#28 Posted : 05 June 2008 23:45:08(UTC)
steventrain

United Kingdom   
Joined: 21/10/2004(UTC)
Posts: 31,695
Location: United Kingdom
Very good, How many total of class is made?
Large Marklinist 3- Rails Layout with CS2/MS2/Boosters/C-track/favorites Electric class E03/BR103, E18/E118, E94, Crocodiles/Steam BR01, BR03, BR05, BR23, BR44, BR50, Big Boy.
Offline Bigdaddynz  
#29 Posted : 06 June 2008 00:23:23(UTC)
Bigdaddynz

New Zealand   
Joined: 17/09/2006(UTC)
Posts: 18,772
Location: New Zealand
Stephan, see Macfire's post for your answer, but to summarise:

K Class 30 built. K900 - 929. 136 tons. 3 preserved including the protorype at MoTaT)
Ka Class 35 built Ka930 - 964. 146 tons. 3 preserved.
Kb Class 5 built Kb965 - 970. 146 tons. 1 preserved.
Offline steventrain  
#30 Posted : 06 June 2008 00:25:49(UTC)
steventrain

United Kingdom   
Joined: 21/10/2004(UTC)
Posts: 31,695
Location: United Kingdom
Ah, Thanks.
Large Marklinist 3- Rails Layout with CS2/MS2/Boosters/C-track/favorites Electric class E03/BR103, E18/E118, E94, Crocodiles/Steam BR01, BR03, BR05, BR23, BR44, BR50, Big Boy.
Offline Macfire  
#31 Posted : 06 June 2008 04:39:58(UTC)
Macfire


Joined: 04/11/2006(UTC)
Posts: 2,652
Location: New Zealand
Quote:
[size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by DamonKelly
Although MrsK is decidedly in favour of the Ghan...


Life's short
Do both [:p][:p]
Lord Macca
New Zealand branch of Clan Donald.
Offline Macfire  
#32 Posted : 06 June 2008 09:04:23(UTC)
Macfire


Joined: 04/11/2006(UTC)
Posts: 2,652
Location: New Zealand
PAEKAKARIKI 1963

UserPostedImage

Ka's and an Ab Class locomotive at the depot.
Trains from Wellington (to the south in this photo) were pulled by electric (Ed or Ew) or diesel (De, Df) power into paekakariki where Steam power took over.
Interestingly the mainstay of diesel power in New Zealand, the Da Class, was not used into Wellington as they could not fit through the original era tunnels until they were lowered in the late '60s.

Original photo caption:
"Paekakariki Yard, photo scanned from inside cover of the NZ Woman's Weekly, May 1963. A few of these buildings are still remaining today, with Steam Incorporated's engine shed taking the place of the NZR depot, although in a slightly different location."

From: PARKAKARIKI RAIL & HERITAGE MUSEUM
http://pspt.wellington.net.nz/

The (country) road at the bottom of the picture is State Highway 1.
The main north highway to Auckland and still used today!!!
Lord Macca
New Zealand branch of Clan Donald.
Offline steventrain  
#33 Posted : 06 June 2008 09:40:28(UTC)
steventrain

United Kingdom   
Joined: 21/10/2004(UTC)
Posts: 31,695
Location: United Kingdom
Nice colour picture, Macfire.Smile
Large Marklinist 3- Rails Layout with CS2/MS2/Boosters/C-track/favorites Electric class E03/BR103, E18/E118, E94, Crocodiles/Steam BR01, BR03, BR05, BR23, BR44, BR50, Big Boy.
Offline Bigdaddynz  
#34 Posted : 06 June 2008 11:58:38(UTC)
Bigdaddynz

New Zealand   
Joined: 17/09/2006(UTC)
Posts: 18,772
Location: New Zealand
Great picture Macca. Not a lot seems to have changed in 45 years!! Looks pretty much the same today. The turntable has gone, some of the sheds have changed, and the line is now electrified as far as Paraparaumu. The road still follows the same route.

BTW, for rugby fans, Paekakariki is the home of the 'Paekakariki Express' (no it's not a train!), aka former Hurricane and All Black Christian Cullen, who recently ended his playing days playing for Munster in Ireland.

Tomorrow night (Saturday) the All Blacks play Ireland in Wellington, will you be watching Stephen?? (Sorry guys, off topic here biggrin).
Offline Macfire  
#35 Posted : 06 June 2008 12:30:39(UTC)
Macfire


Joined: 04/11/2006(UTC)
Posts: 2,652
Location: New Zealand
Kiwi topic Dave
Not really off topic, more parallel.
We (including Per after the oath of allegiance) can bring up rugby as we wish.

Now Beer - Speight’s or Macs please [:p]
Lord Macca
New Zealand branch of Clan Donald.
Offline Bigdaddynz  
#36 Posted : 06 June 2008 12:55:16(UTC)
Bigdaddynz

New Zealand   
Joined: 17/09/2006(UTC)
Posts: 18,772
Location: New Zealand
Both, maybe a Gold.
Offline DamonKelly  
#37 Posted : 06 June 2008 18:14:35(UTC)
DamonKelly

Australia   
Joined: 26/03/2006(UTC)
Posts: 1,423
Location: Brisbane, QLD
How about a Monteith’s Pilsner? An excellent beer! CoolCoolCool

Back on topic...[:(]

Are there HO scale models of the fabulous Ka?
Regardless of 3-rail or 2-rail...?
Cheers,
Damon
Offline Bigdaddynz  
#38 Posted : 07 June 2008 01:30:36(UTC)
Bigdaddynz

New Zealand   
Joined: 17/09/2006(UTC)
Posts: 18,772
Location: New Zealand
Damon, I don't think there are any commercially made models of the Ka. Possibly some enterprising modeller may have built a scratchbuilt one, but I'm not aware of any. Macca may know something more.
Offline Macfire  
#39 Posted : 07 June 2008 04:14:11(UTC)
Macfire


Joined: 04/11/2006(UTC)
Posts: 2,652
Location: New Zealand
None ready-made as far as I am aware.
Check these out:

From here:
http://downunder.railfan.net/others.html
is
http://downunder.railfan.net/jg.html

UserPostedImage

Kb Class.
A Nine Mill Scale model built by John Gardener of Christchurch.

UserPostedImage

K900 & Ka945
From David Weedon's Module at:
http://homepages.paradis...murg/gallery/layouts.htm

Check out Gary Gloag's layout at:
http://homepages.paradis...llery/layouts.htm#ggloag

Fantastic layout showing the treacherous Manawatu Gorge scene of the Ka de-railment mentioned in pers reply.
Lord Macca
New Zealand branch of Clan Donald.
Offline Macca  
#40 Posted : 07 June 2008 06:31:47(UTC)
Macca


Joined: 11/11/2006(UTC)
Posts: 33
Location: Auckland,
I well remember, as a 13 year old schoolboy in 1963, travelling between Wellington and Auckland to boarding school on the Overnight Express Train which, as Lord Macca has said, left Wellington Station at about 7.30 pm behind either an Electric or Diesel Loco, and switched to a KA Steam Loco at Paekakariki.
It reached Frankton Station in the Hamilton area south of Auckland in the early morning, where the Ka Loco would be replaced by either a Diesel or Electric Loco for the final stretch into Auckland, arriving usually at around 7.00 am or so.
Many memories of smoke and soot filled carriages during the tunnel sections of the trip, and in the Winter months, stopping for water for the Ka somewhere in the middle of National Park near the North Island Volcanoes at 1.00 or 2.00 am in the middle of the night. The ice on the tracks meant that the Ka would slip for quite a while attempting to get mobile again, and I will never forget the noise this made.
I think it was a crying shame when the Steam Locos were taken out of service.[V][V][V]
Quite a few Loks & bits & pieces but no layout yet, hope I never grow up
Offline Murray Kelly  
#41 Posted : 09 June 2008 09:51:45(UTC)
Murray Kelly


Joined: 09/06/2008(UTC)
Posts: 3
Location: Brisbane, QLD
Thanks to Damon I found this thread, and it's most interesting.

There waere some good links. I especially liked Purellum's pointers to the two Ka's and Wellington Terminus. The trams met right outside - the Lambton Quay route and the Featherstone St route. There were lines to Thorndon and Musgrave street too. Many of those trams did I catch every day to/from primary school.

I was unaware the Ka951 had been retrieved from a previous crash. The picture was, now I think of it, actually taken at Levin because there are no steep hills in the background of a train on the north-bound track. The shadows are about right for a mid-day stop of the Wellington-New Plymoth Express. That would have been within days+- of the Tangiwai Disaster. The rest of the film had pictures of the Royal visit decorations and some snaps of the Queen and Phillip being received at town hall, Wellington.

The Wellington-Auckland overnight express was called the "Limited" as there was a fixed capacity for an express to get over the rugged central highlands and it could be hard to get a seat often. The two trains usually passed at or near National Park, one from the south gradually climbing up the mountain and the other having just struggled up the Spiral south of Taumaranui to gain height.

I actually had the good fortune, once, to travel on the rare 'Daylight Limited' from 7am to 7pm - a service resorted to only at peak periods, like Xmas. What a great way to see the country it was. Pity the wash-out hadn't occurred in daylight - The crew would've seen it in time, most likely.

I imagine the Tangiwai train would have been going faster than stated in the newspaper report. I worked with an ex-NZRail engine driver who told me that with a J class engine pulling freight on the stretch between Palmerston and Dunedin, thru the hills and tunnels, he would get the speed up on the downhill stretches to 70mph+ so the fireman didn't have to work so hard on the up gradients! The fireman would curse him if he even blew the whistle, as it meant extra shovels of coal to keep up pressure. This was disturbing news to me as there were a lot of unguarded level crossings on that stretch and I had had a narrow squeak there once, myself.

It was he who told me there were no Ka's in the South Island but there were 2 of the slightly heavier Kb's (that I didn't know existed) on the pull over the Southern Alps.

Queensland adopted the 3'6" gauge because of it's population distribution. Altho 90% is wide-open flat as a tack country, it was the east of the Dividing Range where settlement occurred and grew that the rail had to go to. That meant tight curves and the occasional steep climb. Narrow gauge was the best answer. The standard gauge ends at Brisbane 50 miles from the border w NSW. I once saw the 'Flying Scotsman' in the yard at Yeerongpilly among the standard rail stuff. It was on some kind of visit. I wonder if they flew it out? :-)

As for Silverstream being St. Pat's - we rarely called it 'St Pat's' because the original St Pat's was still going in Wellington 17m away and it would've been confusing with two of the same name. In 1931 they stopped taking boarders at the 'Old Coll' and it became a day school only. Boarders went to Silverstream from then on. Thanks for the invite to see the museum. I doublt I will get to see it, but one never knows!

Cheers and thanks for the memories.
Murray

All the time learning
Benny Hill
Offline Bigdaddynz  
#42 Posted : 09 June 2008 10:34:31(UTC)
Bigdaddynz

New Zealand   
Joined: 17/09/2006(UTC)
Posts: 18,772
Location: New Zealand
Thanks Murray for your report, great reading. Unfortunately, I don't remember the Ka and other steam engines at all, although they were around when I was a child (born 1960). The English Electrics were in use for the Wellington Commuter trains (and they are still in use 48 years later), and the Steam engines never seemed to be around any time I was in Wellington. I do remember the Wellington trams, but these were removed in 1966, I think.

The Silverstream Railway now runs where the main old line used to run, before they put the double tracked commuter line in in the mid 1950's. Our clubrooms are in the old Silverstream Hospital complex, across the road from the Silverstream Railway. The Hospital is now owned by a Christian Retreat. They are slowly demolishing a lot of the old derelict wards, and putting up new buildings, but for now we remain in one of the better condition old wards.
Offline Murray Kelly  
#43 Posted : 09 June 2008 12:42:15(UTC)
Murray Kelly


Joined: 09/06/2008(UTC)
Posts: 3
Location: Brisbane, QLD
Bigdaddynz, I suddenly clicked where the hospital is. It's down the raod on the other side of the rail, just this side of the bridge. :-) My memory of it anyway. It was still in use by the military when I was at school, I think. 1950-53. A mass of (typical army) temporary huts - rather like some at the school - intended for a short life and still alive 60 years later!
Some of the trams were quite modern - they had a model called the 'Fiducia' (?) which were introduced for the Wellington World Exhibition in 1940. Not a good year to pick, I'm afraid. Still, on a really busy morning, I can recall some trams from the early part of last century turning up at Wadestown terminus with open sides and brakes operated by the driver cranking a wheel up front. And that was some steep hill to come down fully laden with people on a frosty road.

Murray
____________________________________________________________________
The Silverstream Railway now runs where the main old line used to run,
before they put the double tracked commuter line in in the mid
1950's. Our clubrooms are in the old Silverstream Hospital complex,
across the road from the Silverstream Railway. The Hospital is now
owned by a Christian Retreat. They are slowly demolishing a lot of
the old derelict wards, and putting up new buildings, but for now we
remain in one of the better condition old wards.
_______________________________________________________________________
All the time learning
Benny Hill
Offline Bigdaddynz  
#44 Posted : 09 June 2008 12:53:33(UTC)
Bigdaddynz

New Zealand   
Joined: 17/09/2006(UTC)
Posts: 18,772
Location: New Zealand
Yes you are right Murray regarding the location of the hospital. It was used as a general hospital for a time, I remember my grandmother being there in the mid '70's. I think they closed it up not long after that, and it sat for many years, looking for someone to find a use for it.

Many of the old wards are still there, but are in very bad condition. The one we have is one of the better wards, we have done some work to it, and at least it is watertight and dry.
Offline steventrain  
#45 Posted : 10 June 2008 18:55:31(UTC)
steventrain

United Kingdom   
Joined: 21/10/2004(UTC)
Posts: 31,695
Location: United Kingdom
Welcome to the forum, Murray.Smile
Large Marklinist 3- Rails Layout with CS2/MS2/Boosters/C-track/favorites Electric class E03/BR103, E18/E118, E94, Crocodiles/Steam BR01, BR03, BR05, BR23, BR44, BR50, Big Boy.
Offline Murray Kelly  
#46 Posted : 11 June 2008 16:28:33(UTC)
Murray Kelly


Joined: 09/06/2008(UTC)
Posts: 3
Location: Brisbane, QLD
Thank you.
Murray

steventrain Posted - 2008/06/10 : 16:55:31 Welcome to the forum, Murray.
All the time learning
Benny Hill
Offline Macfire  
#47 Posted : 11 June 2008 17:11:42(UTC)
Macfire


Joined: 04/11/2006(UTC)
Posts: 2,652
Location: New Zealand
Yes, Welcome to the Fold, Murray.
God I am really showing my age here...
Trams I remember well. The mainstay of our transportation system and we could catch Miramar or Seatoun trams depending whether mum fancied a walk over the hills to Karaka Bay or not.
I used trams regularly to get home from school at Marist Miramar. I remember the first trolly bus ride after they were replaced. I thought they were palacial but realised the significance of the ending of the tram era.
Other memories include passing the old Rongotai aerodrome with silver Lockheed Lodestars and Electras with DH Herons and biplane Rapides as well as local Wellington Aero Club types.
The aerodrome could not take the DC-3's.
I also remember steam engines at Wellington station. The family always maintained that I would have been too young to remember. This happened before I was 3 years old. But then I reminded them of the time I ran away from home - only my nappy falling down and catching my ankles prevented a clean get away - I was 18 months at the time and I remember THAT clearly....
Lord Macca
New Zealand branch of Clan Donald.
Users browsing this topic
Guest
Forum Jump  
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.

| Powered by YAF.NET | YAF.NET © 2003-2025, Yet Another Forum.NET
This page was generated in 1.442 seconds.