Ja 1275 has just departed Pukekohe station letting out a large plume of smoke on a very bright and sunny morning. With its set of yellow Carriages from the Glenbrook Vintage Railway this train is on its Way to Tangiwai for the unveiling of a new memorial that has been placed for the Driver and Fireman of of the express passenger train which crashed into the Whangaehu River on December 24 1953 when a lahar took out the rail bridge. This became New Zealands worst rail disaster when 151 people tragically lost their lives.
Railway Enthusiasts Society has operated rail excursions around NZ since 1958, some steam hauled using rolling stock from Glenbrook Vintage Railway which it established in 1970's near Auckland. See www.railfan.org.nz
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
