Weka Pass Railway facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Weka Pass Railway
A 428 just leaving Frog Rock cutting.
Locale	Waipara,  New Zealand
Terminus	Glenmark Station and Waikari Station
Coordinates	43°03′16″S 172°45′28″E / 43.0544°S 172.7579°E / -43.0544; 172.7579
Connections	KiwiRail Main North Line
Commercial operations
Name	Waiau Branchline
Built by	New Zealand Government Railways
Original gauge	1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)
Preserved operations
Owned by	Weka Pass Railway Society
Operated by	Weka Pass Railway Society
Stations	Two
Length	12.8 km (8.0 mi)
Preserved gauge	1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)
Commercial history
Opened	15 December 1919
Closed	15 January 1978
Preservation history
1982	Formation of Society
1984	First Operation of Trains
1993	Recommissioning of A 428
1995	Inaugural Waipara Vintage Festival
1999	Official opening of the railway
2003	Opening of the Waikari turntable
2009	Opening of the Glenmark turntable

The Weka Pass Railway is a special heritage railway in Waipara, North Canterbury, New Zealand. It runs on a 12.8 km (about 8 miles) section of an old railway line called the Waiau Branch. This line goes between Waipara and Waikari. The railway is run by a group of volunteers who love trains. Most of them live in Christchurch, which is about 60 km (37 miles) south. The Weka Pass Railway started carrying passengers in 1984. It is now a popular attraction for both locals and visitors.

Discover the Weka Pass Railway's Journey

How the Railway Began

The railway line through the beautiful Weka Pass to Waikari was finished in 1882. This area is famous for its amazing views. The railway goes through big cuttings, around tight curves, and up steep hills. When it was first built, people thought this line would be part of the main railway going north from Christchurch.

More sections of the line were built over the years. The line officially opened to Culverden in 1886. The very last part to Waiau was not ready until 1919. In the 1920s, a decision was made to build the main railway line along the coast instead. This coastal line, which needed a lot of difficult construction, was not finished until 1945.

Weka Pass Railway Station, Waikari, New Zealand

Over time, fewer goods were carried on the Waiau Branch line. This was because more people started using roads for transport. Many rural railway lines closed down because of this. The Waiau Branch had a short busy period when it carried many logs from the Balmoral forest. But it finally closed on 15 January 1978.

Starting the Heritage Railway

In August 1982, a public meeting was held in Waipara. People wanted to save a part of this old, scenic railway line. Local people in Waipara saw that it could be a great tourist attraction. Railway fans, many from the Ferrymead Railway, also helped. The Weka Pass Railway Society was officially formed in November 1982.

The new group started talking with NZ Railways to buy the track, trains, and other equipment. In May 1983, they held their first big public event. It was called the "Mayfair Festival." People rode in old wagons pulled by steam engines.

In July 1983, the railway agreed to lease the line. Public train rides started on 4 June 1984. The WPR bought the leased section of the line in September 1984. Train rides stopped for a short time due to legal issues. But they started again on 17 March 1985.

After the original line closed, most of the track stayed in place. However, a road crossing in Waikari was removed. Because of this, the WPR decided to remove the track between Waikari and the Hurunui River. This section was lifted by July 1991.

Railway Tracks and Turnstiles

The Railway Track

The Weka Pass Railway uses 12.8 km of the old Waiau Branch line. It runs between Waipara and Waikari.

In 1986, heavy rain caused damage to the line. The railway needed a lot of repairs. By April 1987, trains could run again for about 5.5 km. More repairs were needed in September 1987. Trains started running again on 28 January 1988. Around this time, parts of the track near Glenmark Station were also fixed.

On 3 June 1990, trains started going further. By September 1999, the line was officially open all the way to Waikari. This was a very important day for the WPR. Special trains ran to celebrate. In 2001, a new track switch was added in the Waipara yard.

Turning Trains Around: Turntables

The railway has special spinning platforms called turntables at both Glenmark and Waikari. A 55-foot turntable was put in Waikari in October 2002. It started working on 31 August 2003. This turntable was found in a scrap heap in Christchurch.

A bigger 62-foot turntable was installed at Glenmark (Waipara). It took 14 months to fix and install. It reopened on 12 July 2009. These turntables allow the locomotives to be turned around. This means they can always face the right way for the journey. In 2010, the railway won an award for restoring these two turntables.

Buildings Along the Line

Train Stations

Glenmark Station

Glenmark Station in Waipara

The building for Glenmark Station was originally the Mina Railway Station. It was built in 1910. It served many trains on the Main North Line. In 1980, the station closed.

A family from Cheviot raised money to save the station. They moved it to Waipara in 1987. The building was moved in two parts. A new roof and foundations were built. A covered porch was also added. The station has been in use since April 1988. It was renamed Glenmark Station to avoid confusion with the Waipara Station.

Waikari Station

The Waikari Station building was originally the Hundalee Station. It was built in 1939. This station also served trains on the Main North Line. The WPR bought the building. It was moved to Waikari on 29 October 1991. By July 1992, it was fully restored. It served its first train in Waikari on 11 September 1999.

In 1995, the railway received an award for restoring these two stations.

Locomotive Workshop

In the mid-1980s, a workshop was built in the old Waipara rail yard. This is where the trains are repaired. It was made bigger in 2005.

Carriage Shed

A shed for the railway carriages was built between 2005 and 2006. It keeps the carriages safe and dry. It also stores the track inspection car and some diesel locomotives. In 2012, new doors were added to the shed.

Gate Huts

The railway runs through private farmland. So, people called Gate Keepers are needed at Gates No. 1 and 2. They make sure farm animals do not get onto the tracks. Small huts were built for them. Later, bigger huts were brought in. In 2004, two new huts were built. They were named after two members who had passed away.

How the Railway Works: Volunteers and Jobs

The Weka Pass Railway is run completely by volunteers. These volunteers come from all different backgrounds. They have many different interests in the railway. Some help with track work during the week. Most of the work happens on Saturdays. This includes moving trains around and doing repairs. The railway offers free training for volunteers.

On days when trains are running, here are some of the important jobs:

Train Control Officer (TCO)

The TCO makes sure trains run safely on the single track. They give permission for trains to move. They talk to the train drivers, gate keepers, and the Waikari stationmaster.

Waikari Stationmaster

The Waikari Stationmaster drives a small vehicle to check the track each morning. At Waikari, they sell tickets to passengers. They also help trains enter the station and move around. At the end of the day, they drive the track inspection vehicle back.

Guard

The Guard is in charge of the train. They check the brakes and collect tickets from passengers. They also help manage crowds during photo stops. They can talk to passengers and share information about the views. Most importantly, they make sure the train runs safely.

Assistant Guard(s)

Assistant Guards help the Guard with their duties. They might collect tickets or count passengers.

Locomotive Driver

The Driver gets the locomotive ready and drives it. They are responsible for operating the train. The line has steep hills, so they must be careful to prevent the wheels from slipping. They also need to make sure there is enough water in the boiler for steam engines. They must brake carefully when going downhill.

Locomotive Assistant/Fireman

The Fireman helps the driver. For steam locomotives, the fireman adds coal to the fire to make enough steam. They also make sure there is enough water in the boiler. For diesel locomotives, the assistant helps the driver and watches the track ahead. As they get more experience, they learn how to drive the locomotive.

Locomotive Trainee

Trainees ride in the cab with the crew. They practice firing techniques on steam engines. Experienced crew members teach them and give advice. Trainees also learn how to prepare parts of the locomotive.

PPA (Preparing and Putting Away) Assistant

When it's very busy, PPA assistants help the crew. They have similar skills to trainees. They help get duties done faster. This helps the crew finish their shifts on time.

Gate Keeper

Gate No. 2 on the Weka Pass Railway

The railway crosses private farmland. Gate Keepers make sure farm animals do not cross the tracks. They tell train control if animals are blocking a gate.

Trains and Rolling Stock

The railway owns four locomotives. All of them used to belong to the New Zealand Government Railways. They also have many old New Zealand Railways carriages and wagons.

Steam Locomotives

Diesel Locomotives

Carriages (Passenger Cars)

Viewing Cars

Vans (Brake Vans)

Wagons (Freight Cars)

Cranes

Track Inspection Cars

Images for kids

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  NZR A class No. 428 approaching Gate 2 on the railway

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  A 428 at Glenmark Station.

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  D^G 791 and DE 1429 with a shuttle train during the 2016 Waipara Vintage Festival.

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  A 428 in Waikari.

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  Glenmark Station.

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  A 428 about to pass Gate No. 1.

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  A 428 awaiting departure from Waikari