Christmas Meet, Pizza, And Trains At Otaki

[Gavin Sowry]

Blasted Windows 10 and the new photo folders, no end of trouble downloading shots from yesterday's superb annual outing to Loco at Otaki.

This is a test run, to see if the photos actually upload.... then I'll get into a starting report on the day's events.



That's me l'ill Critter running on battery power.

Looks like the posting works.

 

[Gavin Sowry]

Right, Easties on telly, that gives me half an hour train time.....

Let's start with a visiting railcar from Christchurch



In real life, the prototype of that car was right at home with those hills as a backdrop (the mainline is a few hundred metres behind the photographer.)



The assembled throng, practicing the art of finding some shade.



No grizzles from these passengers, as they rock and roll over some old track that us blokes haven't relaid, yet.



... and the track we have relaid, operates perfectly. I don't recall a track related derailment all day on it.

More to come, but I'll let JR and others have a crack.

 

[casey jones snr]

Nice pictures, nice weather.

 

[Gavin Sowry]

Since you liked them so much, here's some more...



Beer train on the trestle.




...and arriving at the main station.

Meanwhile, RM 133 rests in the shade





Finally, a spot of steam, to liven things up.

Thanks to David and Simone for a brilliant day (and the pizzas).

 

[trammayo]

Great set of pics - like the railcar set too (guess it's scratchbuild).

 

[Madman]

Nice pictures. Looks like the railcar, resting in the shade, has one "foot" off the rail.....

 

[Gavin Sowry]

Nice pictures. Looks like the railcar, resting in the shade, has one "foot" off the rail.....

Tropical illusion, dear boy..... must admit, I thought so too, but no, it was all feet on the floor, it was the truck/bogie sideframe that had one drink too many.

Damned good model that, yes, it is scratchbuilt. I believe the builder used some form of vacuum forming to make the drivers cabs. A lot of my misspent youth, and early railway career, were spent travelling around the country in the prototypes of this model. Recently, when I was at an Italian station, a train idled in behind me, and I recognized the sound, and sure enough, it had the same engine.

 

[JRinTawa]

Thanks for getting things underway. Getting on in the week now but here are my piccies from the day.
Chris's trains in the main yard awaiting there turn.

Gavin's beer train (mmm but no beer was drunk on the day ;-) )

Another of Chris's trains. A big load of diecast tractors and farm impliments. It looked really good, heavy though!

Chris's tractor train

 

[JRinTawa]

Phil's train

A bit of gesticulation going on, Phil pointing out something on his train. David, our host in the red shirt was actually in the process of taking Chris's pizza order and not break dancing!

Some of Loco Miniature Railway & Gardens self drive trains visiting kids can hire to drive in amongst the big boys.

Chris's tractor train on the big trestle.

 

[JRinTawa]

Lloyd's Accucraft (battery electric) Caledonia and matching IOM coach stock

Gavin's Critter and short version beer train.

Crossing at the central junction station. It's here you can change between the main loop Chris's tractor train is on and shorter branch loop Gavin's Critter is on.

I think Gavin has something going on with beer box cars...or may it's beer.

 

[JRinTawa]

Yellow seemed to be a very popular loco colour for much of the day!

Replacement power on the tractor train when the batteries died on the first loco.

Lloyd's IOM train passing through the loop junction.

My loco Kaitaki

 

[JRinTawa]

Kaitaki waiting for another of those dreaded diesels :-o

Here it comes, this one is Phil's

I didn't get far and had to wait again for Dean's scratch built NZR 88 seat (Fiat) railcar. Worth waiting for

Meanwhile in the yard John S's Argyle/Accucraft NA was raising steam.

 

[JRinTawa]

Golly Chris brought up a few trains, this Baldwin 3A is his as well.

John's NA gets a real workout hauling Chris's tractor train. Here pulling out of the yard.

Heading through the loop junction station.

Lovely isn't it

 

[JRinTawa]

I think you can tell which was my favourite loco on the day

John's NA on the big trestle.

And this is my other favourite, Dean's railcar. Just so many childhood memories riding in these railcar, just love 'em.

Isn't it a thing of beauty. Dean has really captured the prototype perfectly.

 

[JRinTawa]

Last few. Would be more but I had to dash off early sadly.

A wonderful, pleasantly warm afternoon, great trains, great company....

...and great pizzas