Feilding and District Steam Rail Society facts for kids
The Feilding and District Steam Rail Society, often called Feilding Steam Rail, is a group of people who love old trains. They work to save and restore historic trains in Feilding, a town in the Manawatu region of New Zealand.
This society brings old locomotives and wagons back to life. These trains once ran on New Zealand's main railway lines. Their most famous train is a special steam engine called WAB 794. It's a powerful tank locomotive. They also have other cool trains like X 442 and F 163. F 163 is extra special because it's the only F class engine that can still run on the main tracks. The society also owns smaller diesel engines, DSA 227 and TR 13. Plus, they have a big diesel locomotive, DA 1401, and many different passenger and freight wagons.
The society's main base in Feilding has some interesting historical railway parts. They have a large turntable that used to be in Palmerston, a town far away in the South Island. They also have the old Taonui station building. This station was once near Feilding on the important North Island Main Trunk railway line.
Feilding Steam Rail often runs exciting train trips from their base. You can ride their historic trains to places like Wanganui, Ohakune, Dannevirke, and Pahiatua. In 2004, there were big floods in the Manawatu Gorge. The society even ran special sightseeing trains through the Gorge during that time. This allowed people to see the amazing landscape.
Meet the Locomotives and Rolling Stock
The Feilding Steam Rail Society has a fantastic collection of trains. These include powerful steam engines, useful diesel engines, and various wagons. Each one has its own unique history.
Steam Locomotives: Giants of the Past
Steam locomotives are classic trains that run on steam power. They are often the most popular attractions.
F 163 "Ivanhoe": A Historic Journey
- F 163, nicknamed "Ivanhoe", is a very old steam engine. It was built by a company called Dubs and Co.
- It started working for the NZR in July 1881.
- In 1963, it was given the name "Ivanhoe".
- F 163 stopped regular service on October 10, 1964. It was then stored away at Arthurs Pass.
- Later, the NZR used it for special events.
- In February 1979, it was borrowed for a display.
- During the 1980s, it was fully restored and used for special trips in Wellington.
- In 1993, the Rail Heritage Trust of New Zealand bought it.
- Since 2002, F 163 has been leased to the Feilding and District Steam Rail Society. They keep it running and share its history with visitors.
