Trains, planes, automobiles show
For the second year running, Air Chathams is taking Pouwhaitere, their 1945 Douglas DC-3 to Whanganui for Vintage Weekend on January 19 to 21 next year. The aircraft will join a cluster of vintage vehicles including the Mainline Steam’s restored steam locomotive, “JB1236”, “Mable” the Number 12 electric tram and the Waimarie, New Zealand’s only authentic coal fired paddle steamer in operation. Whanganui Vintage Weekend is seven years old in 2019 and attracts hundreds of vintage and classic cars for the occasion.
Air Chathams will be flying scenic flights with the classic DC3 over the weekend.
“People love the classic aircraft. It has a unique and special history and was made in the days when flying was a luxury. The space on board, comfortable seating and the big ‘skyliner’ windows make the 30-minute flights really popular,” says Gray Tinley, Air Chathams Customer Service Manager. “We’ll be flying daily, weather permitting, from 10.30am, Saturday to Monday.” Air Chathams’ DC3 is the only surviving RNZAF World War II veteran aircraft still operating today in frontline service.
Mainline Steam is offering steam train rides in airconditioned carriages pulled by their 1939 “JB1236” steam locomotive. The carriages have large viewing windows and the observation carriage has a viewing platform, so people can experience the sound of the steam engine. Three return trips from downtown Whanganui to East Town, to Ruatangata or to Kai Iwi are offered on Saturday and Sunday of Vintage Weekend.
“Mable” the No 12 vintage electric tram will be out of her bright red tram shed to provide short rides between Drews Ave and Taupo¯ Quay. Believed to have operated mainly between the centre of the town and the coastal suburb of Castlecliff, in the early 1900s, Mable has been restored by the Tramways Trust and has become a popular feature along the riverbank during Vintage Weekend.
The Waimarie is well-known as one of Whanganui’s surviving river boats and was restored by thousands of hours of volunteer labour after resting on the bottom of the Whanganui riverbed for 50 years. Daily cruises are available at 11am during summer months and for Vintage Weekend an evening Liquorland Jazz Cruise will feature the Andrew London Trio.
There are vintage and classic cars, with local Vintage and Classic Car clubs displaying their vehicles on Victoria Ave on Saturday. The Classic Car Club hosts a Classic Cruise around inner city Whanganui on Saturday evening. On Sunday there’s the Vintage Car Club’s Burma Rally, starting at Pakaitore-Moutua Gardens and Monday is their Anniversary Day Run starting at Cornmarket Reserve. Registration for both events start at 8.30am and provide a mighty sight for spectators. For vintage travel and transport enthusiasts, not to mention lovers of the best of eras Whanganui’s Vintage Weekend is a delight.