For me one of the best looking steamlocomotive worldwide, semi-streamlined J # 1211 "Gloria" is sitting in the yard of the easternmost station of New Zealands 1067 mm gauge network, after arrival half an hour ago and turned on the turntable. Not only the number of J # 1211 is similar to the famous J # 611 of Norfolk and Western, which was built some years later. But the 1939 built 4-8-2 J # 1211 weighs less than half of the # 611.
Mainline Steam Heritage Trust operates steam specials throughout New Zealand from depots in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Each year an inter-island Steam Tour attracts fans from around the world. For more visit www.mainlinesteam.co.nz
