Welcome to the New Zealand Railway and Locomotive Society

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The Society was formed in 1944 by enthusiasts interested in the then New Zealand Railways. Membership is open to all with an interest in the New Zealand Railway system both old and new. Member groups meet in most cities where talks, films, and other activities can be enjoyed. Read more–>

Latest News

WMR 52 Progress Update

This photo shows John Vannisselroy cutting tierods out from the floor framing of WMR 52. Broken and rotted longitudinal sills from behind him have already been removed. They were very badly affected by breaks and by rot as a result of long exposure to the weather. Transoms are being removed as the team work from left to right, as seen in this photo. The floor will be rebuilt using salvaged sound original wood as far as possible, complemented by new wood where necessary.

After the floor is completed the upper body will be restored similarly and lowered back down for re-connection with the floor. Plenty of
woodwork ahead yet!

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New Zealand Railways At Night written by Bill Prebble – Available May 2024

New Zealand Railways At Night seeks to redress a void in our written history, covering the night railway as experienced in the period from the mid-1920s through to 1982, when the Government railway was corporatised, a period when many New Zealanders’ chose the railway as their principal form of transport. This was a time when most night travel was endured sitting upright on firm non-reclinable seats. Refreshment room stops caused a minor disruption in the darkened carriage as some travellers unable to sleep sought comfort in food, or simply stretched their legs on the platform, while others more fortunate slumbered on… It is occasions like that which images in the book evoke memories of. Images “in the dark” creates a sense of mystique, as it is sometimes not just what is highlighted in the images, but equally what lurks in the darkened background. Converse to the night railway view by the travelling public, featured also is the night railway endured by the railway shift worker, exposing a life at work after dark. Considered by some as an “art book”, with 239 photographs, the majority presented full-size, this book is a visual treat.

280 x 216mm landscape format, 201 black & white and 38 colour photographs, 256 pages, hardbound.

We are taking pre-orders for this book.

 New Zealand Member Price:        $50.00              AU Member Price:  $73.00            ROW Member Price:    $112.00

Retail:                                                $75.00                AU: $98.00                                       ROW: $137.00

 

Use our on-line order form under the Publications Tab to pre-order your copy now.

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