MOTAT collections facts for kids

The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) in Auckland, New Zealand, is a super cool place where you can explore all sorts of amazing vehicles! It has a huge collection of planes, trains, trams, and buses that show how people and goods have moved around New Zealand over the years. From old steam engines to speedy jet fighters, MOTAT helps us understand the history of transport.

Awesome Aircraft at MOTAT

The Sir Keith Park Memorial Aviation Collection at MOTAT 2 in June 2012

MOTAT's replica of OK1

MOTAT has a fantastic collection of aircraft, from old trainers to powerful military planes.

Jet Fighters and Trainers

• Aermacchi MB-339CB NZ6466: This was one of 18 advanced jet trainers used by the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) between 1991 and 2002. It has two seats, one for the student and one for the instructor. It arrived at MOTAT in 2012 and was put together right in front of visitors!
• De Havilland Vampire FB.9: A fast jet fighter from the 1950s. This plane was used by the RNZAF in 1955.
• Douglas A-4 Skyhawk NZ6206: This powerful jet fighter was built in 1970 and used by the RNZAF. It arrived at MOTAT in three big pieces in 2011 and was reassembled for everyone to see.

Bombers and Patrol Planes

• Avro Lancaster NX665: A huge bomber from 1945, used by the RAF (Royal Air Force).
• Grumman Avenger TBF-1 NZ2527: A torpedo bomber from 1943. This plane was brought to MOTAT for a full restoration. Its wings can fold, and bomb bay doors can open, just like when it was flying!
• Lockheed Hudson Mk III NZ2031: A patrol bomber from 1941, used by the RNZAF. It was found in an old farm shed before being brought to MOTAT.
• Lockheed Ventura NZ4600: Another patrol bomber from the 1940s, also used by the RNZAF. This one is currently stored.
• Short Sunderland Mk V NZ4115: A large military flying boat from the 1940s. It was built in 1946 and used by the RNZAF.

Airliners and Transport Planes

• Beechcraft 18 AT-11-BH Kansan ZK-AHO: Built in 1943, this plane was used for survey duties in New Zealand. It flew for many years before coming to MOTAT in 1982.
• De Havilland DH.83C Fox Moth ZK-APT: A 1947 airliner, painted to look like ZK-AEK.
• De Havilland Dragon Rapide: A 1930s airliner, displayed in the colours of NAC (National Airways Corporation).
• Douglas DC-3 ZK-BQK: A famous 1945 airliner, also from National Airways Corporation. It's currently being restored.
• Handley Page Hastings C.3 NZ5801: A military transport plane from 1952. MOTAT has its cockpit and engines, which can be moved using the original hydraulic system!
• Lockheed Model 10 Electra 10A ZK-BUT: A 1939 airliner on display.
• Short Solent Mk IV S.45 ZK-AMO Aranui: A large flying boat from 1949, used by TEAL (Tasman Empire Airways Limited).

Other Interesting Aircraft

• AESL Airtourer 115 ZK-CXU 'Miss Jacy': Cliff Tait's plane from 1969.
• Auster J/1B Aiglet ZK-BWH: A small plane from 1947.
• Commonwealth Aircraft CA-28 Ceres ZK-BPU: A topdressing plane from 1959, used for spreading fertiliser on farms.
• Cessna A188 Agwagon ZK-C00: Another topdressing plane from 1966.
• Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk: A replica of a famous fighter plane from 1942.
• De Havilland Tiger Moth: MOTAT has two of these, a 1930s trainer and a 1940s topdresser.
• De Havilland Mosquito FB.40: A fast plane from 1946, used by the RAAF (Royal Australian Air Force) and RNZAF.
• Everson Gyrocopter: A unique helicopter from the 1960s.
• PAC Fletcher FU-24 ZK-CTZ: A topdressing plane from 1966, now fully restored.
• Gere Sport Biplane: A homebuilt biplane from the 1930s.
• Hawker Hurricane: A replica of a famous 1940s fighter plane, displayed as a gate guardian.
• Lockheed Lodestar ZK-BVE: A 1939 plane that was later used for agricultural topdressing. It's currently stored.
• Mignet HM.14 Pou-du-Ciel ("Flying Flea") ZM-AAA: A unique homebuilt plane from 1936.
• Miles Gemini ZK-ANT: A light twin-engine plane from 1947.
• Miles Magister: A 1940s trainer plane.
• North American Harvard (AT-6) NZ944: A 1941 trainer, suspended in the main hangar. You can even move its flight controls remotely!
• Ryan STM PT-21: This aircraft is operated by the New Zealand Warbirds Association and is kept in flying condition.
• Schneider ESG-31 Grunau Baby II: A glider from 1945, suspended in the main hangar.
• Tui Sports: A homebuilt plane from the 1930s.
• Pearse Plane: The original engine and propeller from a very early homebuilt plane from 1903.
• Link Trainer: An early flight simulator.
• MGM-5 Corporal E rocket: A rocket on display at MOTAT 1.

Aircraft No Longer at MOTAT

Some aircraft that used to be at MOTAT have moved to other places:

• Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk P-40E 41-25158/NZ3009: Now flying with the Old Stick and Rudder Company.
• De Havilland Devon NZ1813: A communications aircraft from 1953, now back at Ohakea.
• Fairey Swordfish: A replica torpedo bomber, now at the Classic Flyers Museum in Tauranga.
• Fieseler Fi-103 (V-1 flying bomb): Now at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand in Christchurch.
• Westland Wasp NZ3909: A 1966 helicopter, returned to the Torpedo Bay Navy Museum.
• Vought F4U Corsair FGU-1 88391/NZ5648/ZK-COR: Owned by the Old Stick and Rudder Company.
• Vought F4U Corsair NZ5612: Now flying in the USA.
• Republic P-47 Thunderbolt 42-8066: Now at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand and being restored to fly in Australia.

Railway Locomotives: Trains at MOTAT

NZR K class No.900

MOTAT has a fantastic collection of locomotives, from powerful steam engines to modern diesels.

New Zealand Steam Locomotives

• NZR F class No.180 'Meg Merrilies': This steam locomotive from 1874 is named after a character in a book. It was used for shunting (moving wagons) in Auckland. It's now restored and working!
• NZR L class No.207: Built in 1877, this steam engine is operational. It even helped pull the 'Parliamentary Special' train in 1908, being the first train to travel the full length of the North Island Main Trunk line!
• NZR D class No.170: A steam locomotive from 1880, currently on display at Helensville Station.
• NZR WW class No.491: Built in 1914, this steam engine is currently in storage.
• NZR Y class No.542: A steam locomotive from 1923, operational at MOTAT 2.
• NZR Ab class No.832: A tender locomotive from 1925, currently static (not moving) at MOTAT 2.
• NZR K class No.900: A very large tender locomotive from 1932. It's currently being repaired at MOTAT 2.

Industrial Steam Locomotives

• Mining/Logging Locomotive: This small steam engine from 1904 was used in coal mines and for logging. It's operational at MOTAT 2.
• Taupo Totara Timber Co No.6: A steam locomotive from 1912, used by a timber company. It's currently stored.
• Kerr Stuart & Company Limited No.4183: A steam locomotive from 1926, used by a company called Kempthorne Prosser. It's at MOTAT 2.

Diesel, Petrol, and Electric Locomotives

• New Zealand DA class locomotive No.1400: A powerful diesel engine from 1955, capable of 62 mph. It's in covered storage.
• New Zealand EB class locomotive No.25: This diesel-electric locomotive from 1929 is currently being overhauled.
• Diesel-Mechanical locomotive: Built in 1936, this diesel engine has a unique chain drive.
• NZR TR class No.21: A light shunting (moving wagons) tractor from 1938. It's operational at MOTAT 2.
• NZR TR class No.171: Another light shunting tractor from 1960. It's operational at MOTAT 2.
• NZR DSA class No.223: A diesel-mechanical shunting locomotive from 1953. It's operational at MOTAT 2.
• Oberursel: A German-built locomotive, currently being restored.
• Simplex 'Yellow Peril': This locomotive has been heavily changed over the years and is now powered by a Chevrolet engine. It's in service.

Railway Carriages and Infrastructure

MOTAT also has many old railway carriages and wagons from the late 1800s and 1900s, including a sleeping car. You can also see the old Waitakere Station buildings and the Mount Albert Signal Box at MOTAT 1.

Railway Carriages at MOTAT

MOTAT has a selection of complete railway carriages. On special days, the Western Springs Railway can even run trains with some of these carriages.

• A 302: A "Gum digger car" from 1884.
• A 851: A suburban carriage from 1904.
• A 1819: A 50-foot carriage from 1935.
• Aa 1068: A 50-foot carriage from 1908.
• Aa 1136: Another 50-foot carriage from 1909.
• Aa 1480: A 50-foot carriage from 1916, which was used as a dining car and sleeper car.
• Af 970: A carriage from 1907, later converted into a "carvan."
• AL 50147: A 50-foot carriage from 1934.
• D 490: A carriage from 1879.
• F 10: A 20-foot carriage from 1883, later used as a ballast plough.
• F 247: A 30-foot carriage from 1901.

Trams: Riding the Rails of History

1921 Wellington tram No.135 and 1902 Auckland tram No.11

Trams were a big part of city transport for many years. MOTAT has trams from different New Zealand cities and even from Australia!

Auckland Trams

Auckland had horse trams from 1884 to 1902, then electric trams from 1902 to 1956.

• No.11: A 1902 electric tram, currently out of service for bodywork.
• No.17: A 1902 double-decker tram, currently stored.
• No.44: A 1906 tram with an open front, currently operational.
• No.89: A 1909 tram with 52 seats, currently stored.
• No.147: Another 52-seat tram from 1913, currently stored.
• No.203: A 1926 Art Deco style tram, currently stored.
• No.248: A 1938 "Streamliner" tram, currently operational.
• No.253: A 1940 "Streamliner" tram, currently stored.

Wellington Trams

Wellington had steam trams, then horse trams, and finally electric trams from 1904 to 1964.

• No.47: A 1906 open-top double-decker tram, currently operational.
• No.135: A 1921 tram, currently operational.
• No.252: A 1940 "one-man safety car," currently stored.
• No.257: A 1950 "one-man safety car," currently operational.
• No.301: A 1911 freight tram, operable but stored.

Wanganui Trams

Wanganui had trams from 1908 to 1950.

• No.10: A 1912 tram, currently stored.
• No.21: A 1921 electric tram trailer, currently being restored.
• No.100: A steam motor from 1891, used for building the tramline. It's operational after several restorations.

Napier Tramway Remnants

The Napier tramway closed after a big earthquake in 1931.

• MOTAT has the only surviving part of a Napier tram, a 1913 truck (the wheels and frame).

Mornington Cable Trams (Dunedin)

Dunedin had cable trams from 1883 to 1957.

• No.4: A cable car trailer from 1883, currently stored.

Melbourne Trams (Australia)

Melbourne has had trams since 1885.

• No.321: A 1925 tram, currently operational.
• No.893: A 1944 tram, currently operational.
• No.906: A 1945 tram, currently operational.
• No.1032: A 1956 tram, currently stored.

Sydney Trams (Australia)

Sydney had trams from 1879 to 1961.

• No.100: This 1891 steam motor was used in Sydney before being exported to Wanganui in 1910 (see Wanganui Trams above).

Trams No Longer at MOTAT

Some trams that used to be at MOTAT have moved to other places:

• Auckland No.91: Now in storage with the Auckland Electric Tramway Trust.
• Wellington No.244: Donated to the Wellington Tramway Museum in 2021.
• Melbourne No.3: A rail grinder, returned to the Sydney Tramway Museum.
• Sydney No.1808: Now operated by the Christchurch Tramway.

Petrol and Diesel Buses at MOTAT

Buses have been a flexible way to get around Auckland since the late 1800s, especially in areas not served by trams.

North Shore Transport Buses

• No.4: A 1924 petrol bus with 23 seats.
• No.72: A 1949 diesel bus with 33 seats, currently stored.
• No.80: A 1955 diesel bus with 33 seats, currently stored.

Auckland Transport Board / Auckland Regional Authority Buses

1953 Daimler Freeline, 44-seat under-floor diesel bus.

• No.201: A 1953 diesel bus with 44 seats. It was shown in England before coming to New Zealand! It's now restored and working.
• No.301: A 1954 petrol bus with 35 seats, currently stored.
• No.464: A 1953 diesel bus with 44 seats.
• No.1603: A 1978 rear-engine diesel bus with 45 seats. It was used by several companies until 2008.

New Zealand Railways Road Services Bus

• No.3592: A 1964 bus with 35 seats. This was a very common bus design in New Zealand.

Buses Formerly in the MOTAT Collection

• No.14: A 1946 petrol bus, returned to its former owner in 2017.
• No.359: A 1953 diesel bus, given to the Omnibus Society of New Zealand in 2018.
• No.1527: A 1978 diesel bus, also given to the Omnibus Society of New Zealand in 2018.

Trolleybuses: Electric Buses of the Past

Trolleybuses are electric buses that get their power from overhead wires.

Auckland's First Trolleybuses

In 1938, the Farmers Trading Company department store started running four trolleybuses on a short loop in Auckland. These buses ran until 1967.

Replacing Trams with Trolleybuses

Auckland started replacing its tram system with trolleybuses in 1949. By 1960, the trolleybus system covered 86 kilometres and used 133 buses!

• The "Queen Street Shuttle" trolleybuses were special. They had a red band painted around them and were designed for quick passenger movement, with entry and exit at both front and rear doors.

Decline and Closure

The trolleybus system used old electrical wires from 1902. By the 1970s, it was getting old. Trolleybus routes started closing in 1977, replaced by diesel buses. The last Auckland trolleybus ran on September 28, 1980.

Farmers Trading Company Trolleybuses

• No.1/No.3: These 1938 trolleybuses had 37 seats. They were operated for the Farmers Trading Company.

Suburban Trolleybuses

• No.50: A 1953 trolleybus with 43 seats. It's restored, working, and on display at MOTAT 1.
• No.85: A 1956 trolleybus with 45 seats, on display at MOTAT 1.
• No.120: A 1958 trolleybus with 44 seats. This is the only one of its kind still around in its original suburban setup.

Queen Street Shuttle Trolleybuses

• No's 108 and 115: These 1958 trolleybuses had 38 seats and were designed for the busy Queen Street route. No.115 was the very last trolleybus to run in Auckland! Both are currently in storage.