Tonight is the first time for quite a number of years that we're going to do a night run
We've got a new driver here so we're trying out the night system with the new lights
Because every other club seems to be doing night runs so we thought we'd give it a go tonight and see what happens
I've never driven here at night
So it'll be interesting to see how it goes
Possibly with two engines going tonight, they may be double heading depending on demand and supplies
We'll se how we go
You're quite welcome to come along and come for a ride with us
The steam preservation society has two former industrial steam locomotives in it's possession
This here is a Pannier tank Fowler built in 1924 for the New Zealand Public Works Department
She was in frount line service, servicing branch lines on the National Network for 22 years
before being sold to Houston Timbers and retiring to Steam Scene.
She is kept well maintained by the loving volunteers and regularly sees outings on the societies circuit.
Tonight, the Fowler has been lit up, awaiting duties- should it be required.
Driver Alf Wilson checks that the Fowler is ready for service, and that the spark arrestor is fixed securely
Running tonight is V 148
Built in New Zealand by A & G Price
Ogilvie's sawmill on the West Coast requested for a Heisler to be built
To operate on their timber tramway in Gladstone
She is the only example of a Price Type 'V' and was the last Heisler ever to be built in the world
Steel wheels on steel tracks, through the silence of the night,
Weaving through tall pine trees, lit by the locomotives light
Dogspikes hold the rails in place, 3 foot 6' apart
Enthusiasts come form near and far to see the engine in the dark
There's plenty of water in the glass but boiler pressures getting low
the trusty fireman's on the job, so he gets more wood and in it goes
Coming 'round the corner, the driver sees the grade.
"Get that pressure up boy. It'll really come to our aid."
Silence again
The essence of steam attracts young and old, despite the V being 56 years older than the railfans in this shot
"He want's to be a train engineer when he grows up. That's his dream"
"Ah well that's good. That's my job. I'm a train engineer for KiwiRail. I..."
"That's what Lachie wants to be"
"Ah well good on 'em"
"The night is drawing to a close, but not without a display"
