View ahead from the trolley at speed. My Lords!

GVR 18/4/04 Well worth a visit to this line near Auckland (if you must go to the big city)

Ja1250 was the working loco at the GVR on 18/4/04. Built at hillside (Dunedin) in 1949 these 2-8-4s are classic late steam power for the NZR. Despite their bulk they are 3'6" gauge but even so look somewhat willowy alongside the US inspired K class 4-8-4

Doyen of the Da class 1400. delivered by GM in 1955 she is one of 5 survivirs in original condition. 85 were rebuilt as class DC and 1 as DAR(heavy shunter) the remainder being scrapped in the 80's. Seen at MOTAT1 in Auckland

Trolley rides are a feature of the GVR - just do it

Glenbrook vintage railway - Pukeoware Sheds 18/4/04 GVR 8 = De507 (EE 1745/51)

42 Driving creek railway #1. 15" gauge madness at barry brickells pottery in Coromandel.

1 DC 4801 as middle unit on the TranzAlpine 27/03/2004. These 1650HP A1A-A1A are Clyde engineering 645 engined rebuilds of the classic Da class 567 engined GM design that swept steam from the North island. They are now found on both islands on just about any duty. 4801 models the International orange or 'Fruit salad' livery now sadly well on its way to extinction.

2 DC4559/4801/4761 at Arthurs Pass were 4761 and a number of coaches were removed returning later that afternoon to CHCH as an extra portion ahead of the main Tranz Alpine. leaving CHCH the train was load 13. 27/3/04

4 DC 4559/4801 on the Tranz awaiting departure from a wet and windy (no surprises there then) Greymouth on 27/3/04.

3 DX class locos stationed at Arthurs Pass to bank trains through the deelectrified Otira Tunnel. the lead unit shows the 'tunnel' fittings (cowls over the air intakes to pick up cooler air from track level and the Black and Yellow bumble Bee livery.

Stored at ferrymead although since returned to Toll and moved to Picton are ex-Otira tunnel locos on 28/3/04

Vulcan Railcar at Ferrymead 28/3/04 with a bacdrop of the Port Hills

Beast! De 512 preserved with its TMS number 1429 in Fruit salad livery at Ferrymead by the Diesel traction group - owners of English Electric classes DI, DE and Dg

Time for a break at Timaru 29/3/04 sees Dx 5304 and DC4784 in cato blue and DC 4876 in Fruit salad. The Dx class are2750 HP GE U26C locos introduced from 1972 to 1975.