The 1960's were always a special time in New Zealand's rail history- the diesels were gaining a strong foothold and the days of steam were numbered.

Of course, there were many more railway sites and branch lines open then, so it was not difficult to encounter working trains.

Please join us in this nostalgic look at the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island, in particular... 'Westport to Reefton'.

Your patience while the photos load will be rewarded... enjoy each picture!

I could spend all day watching trains!

(and often do just that!)

More than Just a home!

Many good memories are tied up with this building...

and many hours painting it!

This must be a favourite..

the same design as Christchurch's Heathcote signal box.

Time has made this all but obsolete!

Its paintwork was like new when this photo was taken

I still remember the fire,

later, started to demolish the building ...

but its still standing today!

Lost track of the number of hours sitting at this spot.

The fishing was no good but the solitude and an occasional passing train made it all worth while.

Pity the days of steam have passed.

This was a good vantage point to view the branch line up to the mine.

The narrow gauge always held a fascination for me.. even today it is still going strong

Westport to Reefton, is loosely based on a section of line between these two towns. The period is 1960 ~ 1970 which allows the running of both diesel and the last of the steam era.

The layout which was started in 1990 runs around the wall of a 6 x 3 metre room. The benchwork is constructed using an L girder of 90mm x 20mm plus 60mm x 20mm cross braces spaced at 600mm. A hinged section allows access to the centre of the room.

As shown on the track plan the layout has a main line which travels around all 4 sides of the room, and a branch line runs from the station up to a second level where it meets up with a narrow gauge line. This is a design which captures the atmosphere of the area while providing countless operating scenarios.

Hills have been made from a web of cardboard overlaid with plaster soaked paper towels. Yarrow weed has been used to good effect in creating clumps of vegetation. Peco track and points have been used throughout.

Most of the rolling stock and locomotives have been made from kits and meticulously finished. Stephen's modelling skills are also demonstrated by the buildings that he has scratch built.. even including a model of his own home!

As well as having a keen interest in NZ3/16 he has also tackled interests from Z scale to LGB.

The Garden City Model Railroad club is fortunate in having Stephen as a member.