The Canterbury Railway Society is an organisation of railway enthusiasts based in the Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island, best known for their operation of The Ferrymead Railway at the Ferrymead Heritage Park.
Beginnings
The Canterbury branch of the New Zealand Railway & Locomotive Society was formed in the late 1950s.[1] In its early years, one of its major activities was in the operation of passenger excursions on the national rail network, then operated by the New Zealand Railways Department. In that era, there were far more excursion trains than there are today, and far more railway lines in general, including the many branch lines that were closed in the 1960s and 1970s. Steam traction was used in the South Island for longer than in the North Island, and a variety of motive power could be found on any of these trains.
Aside from a handful of locomotives placed on public display, little thought up to this time had been given to any serious notion of rail preservation. The catalyst proved to be the wholesale scrapping of steam traction which began in the mid 1950s and continued until 1971 when the last JA class locomotives were withdrawn from the Main South Line. In addition at this time, a large number of branch lines were closed and ripped up, and some of the earliest preservation efforts were based on these closed lines, while others took advantage of the opportunity to obtain cheap supplies of recovered rail materials for use elsewhere.
The idea of becoming involved in railway preservation in New Zealand did not become a reality for any group in New Zealand until the 1960s, when New Zealand Railways accelerated the pace of dieselisation, resulting in wholesale scrapping of its steam locomotive fleet. At that time, there was a nationwide move to save railway equipment which resulted in the large-scale purchase of locomotives and rolling stock and the establishment of the major preservation sites in New Zealand.
Ferrymead Railway
The Ferrymead Railway has been the main project of the Canterbury branch since 1964. The railway has been established on the historical site of New Zealand's first public railway which opened in 1863 and closed in 1867. The railway runs from a station at the Ferrymead Heritage Park Edwardian village north-east to a small station alongside the Heathcote River. Work on the site had progressed sufficiently far by 1972 to allow train running to begin, and the railway officially opened in 1977. It was the major focus of 1988's Rail 125 commemorations, a celebration of 125 years of railways in New Zealand, and it has hosted numerous local events since, often in conjunction with the Ferrymead Heritage Park or other rail preservation societies.
Other activities
As noted above, excursion trains were a major early activity of the Canterbury branch. It also held monthly members' meetings, often on railway premises, and organised special conventions and festivals. In the diesel era, the most notable of these was the aforementioned Rail 125. Passenger shuttle services and excursions operated daily throughout the week of this festival, which was attended by locomotives, rolling stock and railfans from all around the country. Following the reintroduction of excursions to the NZR mainline in the late 1970s, the branch or individual members operated a number of diesel hauled trains, and were well placed to take advantage of the reintroduction of mainline steam in the mid 1980s.
Changes in New Zealand Railway & Locomotive Society (NZRLS) membership rules in 1984 resulted in the elimination of membership of Local Branches of the NZRLS. When the requirement for full membership of the parent society began to be enforced there was a move for the Canterbury Branch to follow the lead of the former Auckland, Wellington and Otago branches and form a separate Society. Constitutional amendments were passed in 1990 which resulted in the branch becoming the independent Canterbury Railway Society.
During the 1990s, the restructuring and privatisation of New Zealand Railways had a major impact upon the activities of many rail societies. Excursion train costs rose substantially and the number of such trains operated annually dropped off dramatically. Such trains then became mainly the preserve of two or three larger organisations with their own passenger carriage and/or locomotive fleets. Changes in employment law and working patterns for most New Zealand citizens resulted also in a major reduction in voluntary resources for groups all around the country. In general, this has resulted in most other activities of the Canterbury Railway Society dropping away, and the Society is now exclusively based at Ferrymead and forms most of its activities around the site.
Purchased in 1971, and arrived in the following year. Operated from 1972 to 1982 when withdrawn for overhaul. Returned to in 1984, and used until 1994 for tender repairs and tyre replacement. Currently in storage.[2]
Originally named Edie Ochiltree. Donated in 1967. Recommissioned on 21 April 1984 after overhaul. Withdrawn from service in 1994, and overhauled again from 2006 to 2015. Re-entered service on 5 January 2015, and officially recommissioned on 3 April 2015. It is New Zealand's oldest operating locomotive.
Ex-Christchurch Gas works. Donated to the CRS in 1970 Leased to the Pleasant Point Museum and Railway for restoration in 1979,Returned in 1994. In outside storage.
Ex-New Forest Sawmilling Company. Donated in 1966. Arrived with a current boiler ticket and operated during the early days of the Ferrymead Railway. It is now currently stored..
Ex-Christchurch Meat Company, Islington. Donated in 1975 and restored to working order. Withdrawn from service in 1985, and is on static display in the Hall of Wheels at Ferrymead.
Entered service in March 1939 for the NZR. Withdrawn in May 1985 and purchased by the Diesel Traction Group in that year. Used for a shunter for years until being loaned to the CRS. In 1996 it was sold to the society. In 2010 it was taken out of service. In 2012 it returned to service in a yellow livery.
Entered service in 1936 for the Public Works Department as PWD 2112. It was purchased by the NZR in February 1956 and reclassified TR 54. It was withdrawn in October 1966. This is the smallest locomotive at the Ferrymead Heritage Park, and it weighs only four tonnes. It is powered by a Paxman Ricardo diesel engine of 40 hp driving through a 3 speed gearbox with a top speed of 15 km/h. It is now stored unserviceable.
Entered NZR service in November 1963. Withdrawn and sold to Reid McNaught. In 2006 it was leased to the Taieri Gorge Railway (now Dunedin Railways). In October in the same year it was repainted into the NZR Midland Red livery and took part in the Dunedin Railway Stations 100th birthday celebrations. It was then sold in 2009 to the TGR. It was sold to the society in July 2015.
Entered service in July 1957 for the NZR. Withdrawn and purchased by the CRS in December 1998. It arrived on site in February 1999 and was restored in the NZR Midland Red livery later that year.
In addition:
In October 2013 Dunedin RailwaysDJ 1209 took part for the NZ Rail 150 celebrations at Ferrymead. A recent purchase from Oamaru Steam and Rail has now added DSA No. 234 to the collection.
Entered service in February 1929 for the NZR for the Lyttelton Tunnel. Withdrawn in September 1970. It was stored at the Linwood until being purchased by the CRS in 1972, then it was moved to the Ferrymead. Stored until 1977 when it was moved to the railway. In October 1988 the 'EC' took part in the Ferrymead 125 cavalcade. In November the same year it was officially commissioned on the electrified section of the railway. It is currently undergoing cosmetic overhaul.
Entered service in June 1939 for the NZR. Withdrawn on 7 November 1981 and sold to the New Zealand Railway & Locomotive Society and displayed at their Seaview base. It was then sold to the CRS in 1983 and arrived in September the same year. In 1988 it was repainted red and took part in the Ferrymead 125 cavalcade in October the same year. It has been stored since.
Entered service on 4 August 1923 for the NZR for the Otira Tunnel as E 3. It was reclassified 'EO' for them not be confused with the 'EC' class of 1928. Withdrawn in April 1968 due to being replaced by the 1967 built EA class locomotives. It was stored from April 1968 to 1972 when it was purchased by the CRS and arrived at the Ferrymead Heritage Park. Stored until 1977 when it was restored. In October 1988 the 'EO' took part in the Ferrymead 125 cavalcade. It received a Restoration Award from the National Federation of Railway Societies in 1996.
Entered service in November 1952 for the NZR. It was derailed at Paekākāriki on 16 September 1961 after hitting a slip. Withdrawn in November 1987 and sold to the CRS. Arrived in that year. It took part in the Ferrymead 125 cavalcade. Restoration work was underway until 2011 when the 2011 Christchurch earthquakes struck, although some work has been carried out since then.
In addition:
In June 1998, a year after the end of the Otira electrification EOs 45 and 74 were leased to the CRS for storage and display in June 1998. In November 1999 EOs 39, 51 and 68 were transferred to Ferrymead as well. 45, 68 and 74 operated at the park ark on a number of times occasions including Easter Weekend in 2000. Three of the EOs were moved to Picton in 2004 while the other two stayed until 2008.
Entered service in June 1941 for the NZR. Withdrawn in September 1978 and purchased by the CRS in the same year. It arrived in March 1979. Used until 1990 it failed for an excursion with RM 56 for the 1990 Sesqui-Centennial. It was dedicated in 1995 to the memory of the late Gordon Jory, a founding member of the Canterbury Railway Society, who was instrumental in the preservation of it. In 2000 it returned to service but failed again with forcing it in storage. Stored until 2009 when an overhaul commenced for it be return to service. It was returned to service on 9 September 2013.
RM 56
Vulcan Foundry
4851
1939
1 October 1978
Entered service in January 1942 for the NZR. Withdrawn in September 1978. Purchased by the National Federation of Railway Societies and arrived on 1 October the same year. It was used in the 1988 Ferrymead 125 celebrations and in 1990 for the Sesqui-Centennial with excursions on the West Coast and most notably between Westport and Hokitika. In 2008 it was donated to the CRS and repaired in time for the 125th celebrations of the Otago Central Railway in October 2009.
RM 57
Vulcan Foundry
4852
1939
March 1979
Entered service in January 1942 for the NZR. Withdrawn in April 1978. Purchased by the CRS in the same year. It arrived in March 1979. It has been in outside storage since.
Entered service in July 1953 for the NZR. During its service it was paired with DM 27. Withdrawn in June 1988 and purchased by two WellingtonRail Enthusiasts and donated to the CRS in October the same year. When it arrived on 13 October it was placed into storage. It was used for the celebrations of the completion of the electrification at the Ferrymead Heritage Park on 9 June 2007. In the same year it was leased to the Greater Wellington Regional Council for uses in Wellington. It was restored at Hutt Workshops and repainted in the NZR Midland Red livery. It returned to service in October 2008. It was withdrawn again on 19 March 2012. It returned to Ferrymead on 22 July in the same year. It was recommissioned by the CRS on 21 September 2013.
DM 27
DM 320
Red Robin
English Electric
1572
1950
13 October 1988
Entered service on 20 March 1951 for the NZR. During its service it was paired with D 163. Withdrawn in June 1988 and purchased by two Wellington Rail Enthusiasts and donated to the CRS in October the same year. When it arrived on 13 October it was placed into storage. It was used for the celebrations of the completion of the electrification at the Ferrymead Heritage Park on 9 June 2007. In the same year it was leased to the Greater Wellington Regional Council for uses in Wellington. It was restored at Hutt Workshops and repainted in the NZR Midland Red livery. It returned to service in October 2008. It was withdrawn again on 19 March 2012. It returned to Ferrymead on 22 July in the same year. It was recommissioned by the CRS on 21 September 2013.
Entered NZR service in 1880 as C 222 as a 33' 6" wooden body. It was converted to a bogie carriage and reclassified as A 222 in 1889 at Hillside Workshops. In 1945 it was reclassified and renumbered as EA 1943 by the Ways and Works Department. It was again used by the NZR from 1965 and 2005. It was then leased to the society by the Rail Heritage Trust of New Zealand and placed into storage. Ownership changed in 2010 to the society after being owned by the Rail Heritage Trust since the 1990s. Restored in 2010 and won the 2010 FRONZ restoration award.
A 463
NZR Addington Workshops
43' 9" wooden body, passenger coach
1894
1976
Entered NZR service in 1894. Withdrawn on 3 December 1966 at Greymouth and sold to the society. In the 2000s it was leased to the Waimea Plains Railway.
A 516
NZR Addington Workshops
43' 9" wooden body, passenger coach
1896
1971
Entered NZR service in 1896. Withdrawn on 3 December 1966. Stored until 1971 and sold to the society. Restored in the 1980s. A part of the Heritage train.
A 518
NZR Addington Workshops
43' 9" wooden body, passenger coach
1896
1966
Entered NZR service in 1896. Used as by the Ways and Works Department as EA 5590. Withdrawn on 3 December 1966 and sold to the society.
Entered NZR service in 1900. In 1964 it was used by the Ways and Works department as EA 3558. Withdrawn on 9 September 1978.
A 1177
NZR Addington Workshops
50' 0" wooden body, passenger coach
1912
N/A
Entered NZR service on 31 March 1912. Withdrawn on 4 November 1967. It was purchased by the Christchurch Model Railway Club. It was later sold to the society and restored in 2007. Its interior is now being overhauled.
A 1535
NZR Hillside Workshops
47' 6" wooden body, passenger coach
1923
N/A
Body from A 1381. It was operated by the Ways & Works Department as their EA 3178 from 1959 to 1977. Withdrawn on 14 September 1968.
A 1552
NZR Addington Workshops
47' 6" wooden body, passenger coach
1924
1967
Entered NZR service in 1924. Withdrawn on 26 April 1969. Restored in the 2000s.
A 1617
NZR Addington Workshops
47' steel-panelled mainline coach
1927
2006
Entered NZR service on 31 March 1927. Used as a Royal car until a few years later after being commissioned it was used as a Ministerial Car. In 1953 it was then converted to a Royal Support car. A year later it was converted back to a Ministerial Car. Withdrawn on 7 December 1957. It was stored in Arthurs Pass until 1992 when it was then stored at Moana. In 2003 it was then stored in Dunedin until 2006 when it was purchased by the society. Currently stored.
A 1825
NZR Addington Workshops
50' steel-panelled mainline coach
1934
1999
Entered NZR service on 31 March 1935. In 1969 it was converted to a Dynamo-meter Car and reclassified as EA 3950. Then renumbered as EA 1559. Used as a Royal Carriage in 1953/54. Withdrawn in 1999.
Entered NZR service on 20 August 1937 as a NZR sleeper car. In 1981 it stored, but wasn't official written off until 20 June 1987. It was later purchased by the society.
AF 863
NZR Addington Workshops
47' 6' wooden body, passenger coach
1904
1981
Entered NZR service in 1904 as A 863. Converted to a carvan type of car and reclassified as AF 863. Used by the Ways and Works Department as amenities car EA 3566. Later renumbered as EA 883. Withdrawn in April 1981 Took part in the Otago Central Railways 125 celebrations.
1981 Ferrymead Railway
B 231
Oldbury Carriage Company
31' wooden body, passenger coach
1873
N/A
Entered NZR service in 1874 as C 231. In 1889 it was rebuilt at Addington Workshops with a new style 'clerestory' roof, and 2 - 4 wheel bogies replacing the original 6 wheels. In 1941 it was used by Ways and Works Department as EA 1739. Sold to the society in 1971 and placed into storage. Restored in 2005. A part of the Heritage train.
D 26
Oldbury Carriage Company
21' 6" wooden body, passenger coach
1874
1967
Entered NZR service in 1875. Withdrawn in 1916. Sold to Homebush Brick Tile and Coal Co. It was later stored at Tara Homestead. Arrived in 1967 and stored. Restored in 1999. A part of the Heritage train.
D 137
Oldbury Carriage Company
21' 6" wooden body, passenger coach
1877
N/A
Underframe is stored in the carriage shed.
In addition:
The underframe of A 272 and another unidentified 'A' car are in storage.
Entered NZR service in 1884. Withdrawn in 1942. Stored at Addington Workshops uintil 1963 when it was donated to the society. A part of the Heritage train.
F 79
NZR Addington Workshops
20' wooden body, guards' van
1884
1968
Entered NZR service in 1884. Used by the Ways and Works Department as E 1739 for use as a portable tool store. Withdrawn and sold to the society in 1968. Won the 2002 A & G Price restoration award. A part of the Heritage train.
