Steam train on track for Anzac Day appearance
A historic steam locomotive built in memory of fallen railway workers in the Great War is nearing the end of a 20-year restoration.
The $350,000 overhaul of the Passchendaele by Stream Incorporated in Paekakariki is hoped to be completed by Anzac Day 2014.
Publicity officer Clive Thompson said the group needs about another $20,000 largely to help ‘‘commission’’ the locomotive – preparing it for use on the main line.
This means gaining full certification from KiwiRail and installing equipment such as radios.
The Passchendaele, named after the site of a World War I campaign in Belgium, was built in 1925 in memory of New Zealand Railways workers killed in the war.
The locomotive was retired in October 1967 when its boiler needed repairs.
It was given to the New Zealand Railway and Locomotive Society for preservation, and in 1993 Steam Incorporated took charge to restore it to operating condition.
‘‘We don’t like making too many predictions, but the aim is to have it operating by Anzac Day,’’ Mr Thompson said. ‘‘ And hopefully, if we raise the necessary funds and we haven’t hit any snags on the way, then we’ll actually be able to do some sort of oper- ation in region.’’
the
Wellington