New Zealand steam locomotive and historic railway trust
The Mainline Steam Heritage Trust is a New Zealand charitable trust[1] devoted to the restoration and operation of historic New Zealand Railways and overseas mainline steam locomotives. Regular day excursions and multi-day tours are operated over rail lines throughout New Zealand. Excursions are operated by the Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch branches.
About
The Trust began in 1988 after the Ferrymead 125 events in Christchurch. Based around the collection of steam locomotives that were privately owned by Ian Welch, the first of which had begun operating on the mainline with J 1211 with an excursion to Timaru and Arthurs Pass double-heading with the Glenbrook Vintage Railway's JA 1250.[2]
Depots operated by the Trust included Parnell, (Auckland) Middleton and later Plimmerton. The Auckland depot used to be based in the former Parnell diesel depot. It was in the past the organisation's primary restoration base and most of Mainline Steam's currently active locomotives were restored there. It closed in 2015. Mainline Steam is developing a new depot at Mercer.[3]
The Wellington depot, located at Plimmerton, is a purpose-built building that replaced the formerly leased Upper Hutt goods shed. It has now become the primary restoration base for the organisation. The depot in Christchurch is a former industrial building that used to be located at Studholme, it was relocated to land on the premises of CWF Hamilton. As of 2021, the trust was given notice to vacate the current Christchurch depot and is now building a new site at Midland Rail Heritage Trust's own lines and land in Springfield.
Mainline Steam is notable for having imported a number of African steam locomotives from South Africa and Zimbabwe (including a GMA/M Garratt), with more South African locomotives still overseas. It has also imported former British Rail Mark 2 carriages for use on its steam-hauled excursions and is in the process of overhauling them for New Zealand use. The organisation regularly operates excursions out of Auckland and Christchurch, the latter operating excursions primarily along the highly scenic Midland Line. Mainline Steam also has a number of diesel and electric locomotives in its care.
Currently sits at GVR awaiting new Auckland depot to be built. First ever Mainline Steam Locomotive, saved from scrap in 1982 and restored to mainline operation in 1988.
Sits at Plimmerton in Storage, however still Mainline Capable, to move to Springfield once a new site is built. First KA to ever run a train in the South Island, Mainline Steam's 2nd ever locomotive. Originally streamlined, however that was removed in 2010 and put back on within the next 2–3 years.
Used as stationary Boiler at Hutt Workshops, with K917 and K921. Purchased by Ian Welch 1992. Currently located at Mainline Steam's Plimmerton Depot, undergoing restoration to working order. Will have a K-style funnel but a KA-style Headlamp.
Was under overhaul when the Christchurch depot was closed, Still under overhaul, transported to Plimmerton where work will continue until a shed is built at Springfield, the locomotives old stamping grounds.
In addition to their core fleet of New Zealand locomotives, Mainline Steam owns a number of ex-South African and Zimbabwean locomotives. Four are stored in South Africa at Bloemfontein. Several engines have been shipped to the Auckland and Wellington depots. It is anticipated that some will not be shipped to New Zealand but remain in South Africa. The locomotives at Waterval Boven have reverted to the THF and are expected to be scrapped.
Purchased from the National Railways of Zimbabwe by Unicem Zimbabwe in 1994 and reclassified as their No.2. Out of service by July 2000. Purchased by Ian Welch in 2001 it received a running gear overhaul in Bulawayo from 2002 to 2004. In 2004 after being tested in steam, it was moved to the Bulawayo Railway Museum for storage while shipping to New Zealand was arranged. It was then dismantled and arrived in Napier on 30 December 2007 with 19D 2695. In August 2014 it was confirmed that its restoration to main line operating condition would commence in September of that year. Due to be recommissioned after an extensive rebuild to meet New Zealand loading and rail gauge standards, conversion to air braking and oil firing, Tire turning, a full boiler examination and re-tube. It received a New Zealand boiler ticket in July 2017 but has not yet steamed (February 2024)
After being withdrawn from the South African Railways it was placed into storage in Bloemfontein, South Africa. It was then sold to United Portland Cement. It was then on-sold to Ian Welch, restored to operating condition and is stored at Bloemfontein when not in use.[4][5]
15F 2909
Henschel & Son
23932
1938
Ex-South African Railways. Leased by Ian Welch in South Africa given a Loan agreement to Mainline Steam by Transnet, the Loco is stored at Waterval Boven Loco Depot and at present will remain in South Africa. .[4][5]
15F 2985
Beyer, Peacock & Company
7100
1944
Ex-South African Railways. Leased by Ian Welch in South Africa given a Loan agreement to Mainline Steam by Transnet, the Loco is stored at Waterval Boven Loco Depot at present will remain in South Africa.[4][5]
15F 3153
North British
26037
1946
Ex-South African Railways. Privately owned by Mainline Steam volunteer Grant Bradley in South Africa and stored at Epping Market now in increasingly poor condition from outdoor storage (2024) .[4][5]
Purchased from the South African Railways by Unicem Zimbabwe and fitted with a Class 24 tender. It was then reclassified as their No.1. Purchased by Ian Welch in 2004 and moved to the Bulawayo Railway Museum where it was dismantled for shipping to New Zealand. Arrived in Napier on 30 December 2007 with 14A 509 and a Vanderbilt tender. Stored at Plimmerton.
Ex-South African Railways. Purchased by Ian Welch and overhauled to operating condition. Now leased to North Cape Central Railway (NCCR) and moved to Robertson for use on a Dinner train.(September 2024)
Ex-South African Railways. Purchased by Ian Welch in 1994 from Spoornet via the Transnet Heritage Foundation. Overhauled by Spoornet at the Bloemfontein Locomotive Depot. Shipped to Auckland on 21 June 1996. Arrived at the Port of Auckland on 7 August of that year. Additional restoration commenced in early 1998 for the Kuranda Scenic Railway including conversion to oil firing. Work completed in late 2000, shipped to Cairns, Australia, on 23 January 2001. Entered service in 2004 but placed into storage in Cairns in 2006 due to a lack of hauling capacity which meant passenger numbers carried did not meet operating costs. Moved to Queenscliff near Melbourne, in January 2020 and is now in regular use on a dinner train.(2024)
Ex-South African Railways. It was purchased by Ian Welch in 1994 from Spoornet via the Transnet Heritage Foundation. It was overhauled by Spoornet at the Bloemfontein Locomotive Depot and shipped to Auckland on 21 June 1996. It arrived at the port of Auckland on 7 August in that year. Too large to operate in New Zealand, it is awaiting fresh cosmetic restoration after tens years stored outside.[4][6][5]
25NC 3476
North British
27336
1953
Carries a Class 25 Condenser Henschel Type EW2 Worshond tender, leased by Ian Welch in South Africa given a Loan agreement to Mainline Steam by TRANSnet, the Loco is stored at Waterval Boven Loco Depot to remain in South Africa.[4][6][5]
25NC 3508
North British
27368
1954
7 August 1996
Mercer
It entered South African Railways service in 1954 as 25 Cond. It was reclassified as 25NC 3508 in the 1970s. It was withdrawn in 1991 and purchased by Amcoal, Enyati Colliery Railway. It was later purchased by Ian Welch in 1993 and transferred to Princetown then shipped to Auckland on 21 June 1996. It arrived at the port of Auckland on 7 August in that year. Too large to operate in New Zealand, it awaits a fresh cosmetic restoration.[4][6][5]
Ex-South African Railways. Leased by Ian Welch in South Africa on a Loan agreement to Mainline Steam by Transnet, the Loco is stored at Waterval Boven Loco Depot to remain in South Africa.[4][5]
GMAM 4083
Beyer, Peacock & Company
7681
1956
7 August 1996
Mercer
Entered South African Railways service in 1956. Withdrawn in 1989 and sold to the Enyati Colliery Railway. It was then on-sold to Randfontein Estates Gold Mine and reclassified as R3. Purchased by Ian Welch in 1995 in operating condition, it was shipped to Auckland on 21 June 1996. It arrived in the port of Auckland on 7 August 1996. In September 1996 it was steamed for two open days at Parnell. Further work commenced with a conversion from a coal to oil fuel and the fabrication of a new air brake stand. This work was stalled due to the restoration of 24 class 3260 and no work has been done since that time because of the reality that it is too large for the New Zealand railway loading gauge. The locomotive actually comprises the front engine unit of GMA/M 4126, the rear engine unit of GMA/M 4088 and the boiler unit of GMA/M 4083. Garratt's because of the interchangeability of the engine units, by tradition carry the running number of the boiler cradle.[4][6][5]
GMAM 4135
North British
27787
1958
Ex-South African Railways. Initially sold to Reefsteamers, Germiston. It was then purchased by Ian Welch. In February 2011, it was moved to Hermanstad where it is stored by Friends of the Railway. In 2018, it was announced that the locomotive is for sale.[5] Sold to Bernd Seiler / FarRail in June 2019.
GMAM 4136
North British
27788
1958
Ex-South African Railways. Became Randfontein gold mine R12 "Barbara" then traded back to the THF. Leased to Mainline Steam, New Zealand by the THF as 4136. In storage at Bloemfontein
GMAM 4148
Henschel & Son
29607
1954
Ex-South African Railways. Purchased by Ian Welch, after a long period of storage, it was sold for scrap in 2011 and cut up at Reefsteamers in Germiston.[5]
Rolling stock register
Passenger rolling stock
Mainline Steam rosters a large fleet of carriages which will be formed into three trains:
Train One – a 1920s-era train, painted in Emerald Green (lined out in Pullman Green style).
Train Two – a train of 56' steel-panelled stock, painted Midnight blue with white lettering.
Train Three – a train of BR MkII coaches, painted in Midnight Blue with Pearl Grey window band.
At present the stock for these trains are kept at Plimmerton and Middleton (with some MkII coaches stored at Feilding).
Only surviving 60' suburban passenger coach. Purchased in 1967 by Milson Miniature Railway, donated in 2004 to Feilding District Steam & Rail. Placed in storage at Gladstone, Wairarapa in 2010. It is planned to install a generator for head-end power and to create a "Presidential Style" large end balcony at one end of the carriage.
Purchased from the NZR in 1977 and donated to the Tokomaru Steam Museum, before later being on-sold to a private individual at Pahiatua. Acquired by Mainline Steam in 2005, AA 1013 was restored by the Wheelwright Woodworks in 2006–07 as the Premier Car and named "Aotearoa" before re-entering service in 2008. Last surviving complete coach from the Parliamentary Special of 1908, and took place in the recreation of this train in 2008.
AA 1489
NZR Newmarket Workshops
50' 0" wooden body, wide-body mainline coach
1924
Purchased by Mainline Steam from the Bush Tramway Club and moved to Gladstone, Wairarapa in 2007. Built as a sleeping coach in 1924 but converted to a day car in 1925. Restored by the Wheelwright Woodworks in 2016 and named "Te Arawa".
Purchased by Mainline Steam in 2008 and moved to Gladstone, Wairarapa. Formerly Way & Works EA 4234, attached to a steam crane as a sleeping coach for the crane crew. Arrived in Plimmerton on 30 August 2016 where the last part of restoration will be carried out. Restored in December 2016 and named "Te Arawa".
F 458
F 721
NZR Newmarket Workshops
47' 6" wooden-bodied guards' van
1922
Initially donated for the Train One carriage set but believed to be surplus to Mainline Steam's requirements. Purchased from NZR by Bush Tramway Club member Eric Burns who donated it to Mainline Steam in 2008. F 458 is still at Pukemiro Junction as of 2013.
Purchased by Ian Welch from KiwiRail Scenic Journeys in May 2011.[7][8][9] Fitted with large 'scenic' windows and a large end observation window at rear. Transferred from Parnell to Plimmerton in April 2015.[10] Restoration commenced in November 2015.
Ex-Overlander car. Purchased by Feilding and District Steam Rail Society from KiwiRail Scenic Journeys in July 2013.[12][9] Partially restored while under F&DSRS ownership. Later sold-on to Ian Welch circa 2015.[10] Restoration recommenced in May 2018.
A 1955
A 56560
AO 146
NZR Addington Workshops
56' steel-panelled mainline coach
1939
2018
Middleton
Purchased from The Great Journeys of New Zealand in 2018.[11] Awaiting restoration.
A 1957
A 56587
ASO 151
NZR Addington Workshops
56' steel-panelled mainline coach
1939
2018
Middleton
Purchased from The Great Journeys of New Zealand in 2018.[11] Awaiting restoration.
A 1959
A 56600
ASO 136
NZR Addington Workshops
56' steel-panelled mainline coach
1939
2013
Plimmerton
Ex-Overlander car.[12] Purchased by Ian Welch from KiwiRail Scenic Journeys in July 2013.[13][9][10] Restored 2013 to 2014. Mainline certified.[14][15][16]
A 1964
A 56634
AO 123
NZR Addington Workshops
56' steel-panelled mainline coach
1940
2014
Plimmerton
Ex-Overlander car. Purchased by Ian Welch from KiwiRail Scenic Journeys in July 2013.[13][9][10] Restored in 2015 to 2016. Mainline certified.[14][16]
A 1966
A 56678
AO 215
NZR Addington Workshops
56' steel-panelled mainline coach
1940
2013
Plimmerton
Ex-Overlander car, fitted with large rear observation window.[12] Purchased by Ian Welch from KiwiRail Scenic Journeys in July 2013.[13][9][10] Restored 2013 to 2014. Mainline certified.[14][15][16]
A 1971
A 3346
AO 19
NZR Otahuhu Workshops
56' steel-panelled mainline coach
1945
2013
Middleton
Purchased by Ian Welch from KiwiRail Scenic Journeys in July 2013.[13][9][10] Restored 2014 to 2016. Awaiting mainline certification.
A 1972
A 3354
AO 25
NZR Otahuhu Workshops
56' steel-panelled mainline coach
1945
2013
Middleton
Purchased by Ian Welch from KiwiRail Scenic Journeys in July 2013.[13][9][10] Under restoration. Restoration commenced in August 2016.
A 1976
A 3397
AO 60
NZR Otahuhu Workshops
56' steel-panelled mainline coach
1939
2013
Middleton
Purchased by Ian Welch from KiwiRail Scenic Journeys in July 2013.[13][9][10] Restored in 2016 to 2017. Awaiting mainline certification.
A 1981
A 56726
A 2151
AO 31
NZR Otahuhu Workshops
56' steel-panelled mainline coach
1942
2013
Plimmerton
Ex-Overlander car.[12] Purchased by Ian Welch from KiwiRail Scenic Journeys in July 2013.[13][9][10] Restored 2014 to 2015. Mainline certified.[14][15][16]
A 1992
A 2060
EA 6709
AO 117
NZR Addington Workshops
56' steel-panelled mainline coach
1940
2011
Plimmerton
Purchased by Ian Welch from KiwiRail Scenic Journeys in May 2011.[7][8][9] It was sold-on to Feilding and District Steam Rail Society in 2013.[17] Later resold back to Ian Welch circa 2015.[10] Restoration commenced in September 2016.
A 2003
A 56876
AO 48
NZR Otahuhu Workshops
56' steel-panelled mainline coach
1939
2013
Plimmerton
Ex-Overlander car.[12] Purchased by Ian Welch from KiwiRail Scenic Journeys in July 2013.[13][9][10] Restored in 2014. Mainline certified.[14][16]
Restored c2007 to 2010 as generator/observation van, and renumbered as FM 3010.[18] Although originally restored for the train 3 rake,[19] but it is currently used train 2 rake. Mainline certified.[14][15][16]
Originally owned by Wairoa YMCA and converted to a carriage (one of two). Sold to MLS, converted to dining car FM 3027 at Plimmerton. Certification for mainline use pending, and will be used with the MkII rake.[10]
ML 3299
British Rail Engineering Ltd (Derby)
60' steel-clad mainline passenger coach
1972
2007
Plimmerton
Ex-Virgin Trains First Open (FO), sixth MkII overhaul. Currently under restoration.
ML 3433
Mangaweka
British Rail Engineering Ltd (Derby)
60' steel-clad mainline passenger coach
1972
2007
Plimmerton
Ex-Virgin Trains First Open (FO), fourth MkII overhauled. Restored 2007 - c2012.[10] Awaiting mainline certification.
ML 5914
British Rail Engineering Ltd (Derby)
60' steel-clad mainline passenger coach
1972
2008
Plimmerton
Ex-Virgin Trains Tourist Standard Open (TSO), fifth MkII overhauled. Restored c2012. Awaiting mainline certification.
ML 5915
Raurimu
British Rail Engineering Ltd (Derby)
60' steel-clad mainline passenger coach
1972
2007
Plimmerton
Ex-Virgin Trains Second Open (SO), second MkII overhauled. Restored c2012. Awaiting mainline certification.
ML 5939
Wellington-Manawatu Railway
British Rail Engineering Ltd (Derby)
60' steel-clad mainline passenger coach
1972
2007
Plimmerton
Ex-Virgin Trains Second Open (SO), first MkII overhauled.[20][19][21] Awaiting mainline certification. Restored 2007 - 2010.[10]
ML 6149
Rimutaka
British Rail Engineering Ltd (Derby)
60' steel-clad mainline passenger coach
1972
2007
Plimmerton
Ex-Virgin Trains Second Open (SO), third MkII overhauled. Restored c2012. Awaiting mainline certification.
SD 5761
British Rail Engineering Ltd (Derby)
64' 6" steel-clad mainline passenger coach
1973
2018
Plimmerton
Originally used in the United Kingdom. One of Ian Welch's original 15 BR Mark II cars ordered in 1997 sold to Tranz Rail then used as an Auckland Transport suburban driving compartment carriage from 2005 to 2015. To be rebuilt as an end-big window observation car.[10]
Freight rolling stock
Mainline Steam has a large collection of freight rolling stock, mostly consisting of tank wagons used for oil and water storage, some of which are mainline certified. These wagons are largely of the UC class, although there is one example of each of the UCA and URK wagons preserved. The group also has a number of KP, ZA, and ZL class box wagons for use as secure storage for locomotive and carriage parts, along with several other general-use goods wagons.
Entered NZR service in 1966. Renumbered as XP 278 in 1978. Withdrawn in September 1981. Stored in Otahuhu.
XP 3027
XP 687
Ventilated Box
NZR East Town Workshops
1966
Otahuhu
Entered NZR service in 1966. Renumbered as XP 278 in 1978. Withdrawn in November 1983. Stored in Otahuhu.
ZA 1521
ZA 2712
Box
NZR Otahuhu Workshops
N/A
Middleton
Entered NZR service on 5 November 1977. Renumbered as ZA 2712 in 1978.
ZL 387
Box
N/A
N/A
Plimmerton
Used as a storage wagon for parts.
Excursions
Mainline Steam operate regular excursions using steam locomotives from the trust's collection. These run from Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch to a number of destinations. These range from short half-day excursions to an annual national tour lasting several weeks and covering much of KiwiRail's rail network.