For some years a small group of enthusiasts has been setting up a 2ft gauge railway at Ferrymead Historic Park, Christchurch, New Zealand. Starting as a sub-group to the Garden City Model Railroad Club they formed their own incorporated society in 1999.
They originally obtained two Planet diesel powered industrial locomotives for restoration, the first of which is now fully operational. Enthusiasts often affectionately refer to such locomotives as 'critters' although at times stronger descriptions are used!
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An early stage in the restoration process |
| The first loco takes shape |
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These Planet locos are powered by Lister 2 cylinder diesels manufactured around 1950. |
| The locomotives originally saw service with Dominion Salt's Lake Grassmere salt works in 'sunny' Marlborough. |
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The light rail system was used at the solar evaporation salt plant from 1950 until 1963 when new mechanical harvesters fed the salt direct to trucks |
The group is in the final stages of laying a circuit of track through part of the Ferrymead Park complex. This will later be extended and further sidings added to enable the various items of rolling stock to be displayed and run.
The Ferrymead 2 Foot Railway is one of the few groups in New Zealand actively restoring and preserving the heritage of these unique railways and are constantly on the lookout for suitable equipment.
Presently awaiting restoration are:
2 salt tubs
3 salt tub chassis (one has been converted for personnel transport)
4 mine tubs (steel)
1 mine tub (wood)
1 pit prop wagon (wood)
1 pair of pit prop log buggies (wood)
2 1/2 mine tubs.
The group was recently fortunate in obtaining from a Fiji sugar mill at Lautoka a cane car, an ordinary car and a '1st class' passenger car - the only one of its type remaining. Due to their rapidly deteriorated condition these would most likely have been lost to 'rust'.
The 30' passenger car had to be cut in half to enable it to be shipped in a 20' container. It has now been rejoined and once fully restored will make a fine and practical addition to the working railway.
Work is underway to complete a circuit of track and more rail for this was recently obtained along with some steel road barriers which will be used as sleepers. The last year saw a 6 x 11 metre workshop go up. This was a relocated 'skyline' building mounted on 4 rows of concrete blocks. The concrete pad was originally to go down in March 1999 but did not take place until October. However the lunch room has been completed with the next job being the building's windows, doors and interior lining. Then it will be back to the restoration of the passenger car.
These two foot critters just love Sugar n Salt !
For further information: |
telephone: 0064 (3) 3888 116 |
fax: 0064 (3) 3881 090 |
or Email |
