Former Nelson train returns to roots
It helped establish Nelson’s railway before being shipped north.
Now, the 171-year-old D143 engine is back in town, rusted and in pieces, for a much needed restoration.
Nelson Railway Society manager Bob Murray is the driving force behind landing a 60-year lease for it from the Wellingtonbased Silver Stream Railway.
Murray said he tried to get the engine 25 years ago but ‘‘they wouldn’t let it go’’.
Meanwhile, the volunteers resurrected a Wf 403 steam locomotive which is now a feature at Founders Park.
Several years later, the Wellington society had a change of heart.
‘‘I just finished the Wf, they rang up and said, hey, you want another project, come and get this engine.’’
He said he ‘‘couldn’t get to Wellington quick enough to have a look at it’’.
The D143 was built in 1847 in Scotland before starting its service in Nelson in 1875. It was used for the work trains that made the line to Belgrove.
When the line outgrew the engine in 1902, it was sent north where the locomotive served in Gisborne, Auckland and Whangarei until it was given to Silver Stream Railway and shipped to Wellington in 1969. There, it was ‘‘forgotten about’’, Murray said.
It will be a long road to recovery for the engine.
Murray estimated it would take five years or more to get the train back on the tracks.
‘‘It’s got to be completely stripped right down.’’
All sections of the engine, including the chassis, boiler and cab would be cleaned and replaced if they were worn out.
A box of unopened parts has been beckoning the volunteers.
‘‘The guys all want to ... see what’s in there. I said no no no, we’ve got enough bits ... do the chassis up first then we’ll open the box, we don’t want bits scattered for miles.’’
Money raised from running the steam engine and the rail car will pay for the project, Murray said.
Restoring the train to its former glory is a labour of love for the mostly retired volunteers.
‘‘It’s what keeps you young and fit, doing this sort of thing – and my wife wouldn’t have me at home all day anyhow.’’