Full steam ahead for loco

Press, 15 September 1988, Page 3

Full steam ahead for loco

By

SUZANNE KEEN

Visitors to Ferrymead Historic Park will soon be able to ride on New Zealand’s only remaining Baldwin steam locomotive, thanks to a $5OOO grant and the efforts of an enthusiastic restoration team.

The co-ordinator of the team doing the restoration work on the locomotive, Mr Garth Beardsley, said he had

just about given up hope of receiving the New Zealand Lottery Board grant applied for three months ago. However, when the news arrived yesterday that the grant had been approved, his aim to have the work completed in time for the October celebrations of the 125th anniversary of railways in New Zealand seemed once again realistic. The locomotive is 87

years old and was originally used on the Christchurch to Lyttelton run for both passengers and goods. “In 1935, it was due for scrapping along with its sisters, but was found to be in a good condition and put up for sale,” said Mr Beardsley. It was bought by the Timaru Harbour Board, and used in its quarry. In 1966 the board gave it to Ferrymead. “It was the first loco-

motive to steam at Ferrymead for 103 years. It ran tor about 18 months in March, 1966.” The locomotive has remained unused since. Mr Beardsley said it was decided to restore it for the railways anniversary and with the grant he was sure the remaining work could be completed in time. It would probably be put through its paces at the park about once a month.