Train's demise deflates townfolk

The historic Kingston Flyer sits locked away in Kingston yesterday. Photo by Tracey Roxburgh.
The historic Kingston Flyer sits locked away in Kingston yesterday. Photo by Tracey Roxburgh.
"Devastated" That's how the locals in Kingston feel about confirmation the historic Kingston Flyer will not operate this season.

The Otago Daily Times reported on Friday the category 1 protected steam train, which ran on the only remaining part of the old Waimea Plains Railway, had been forced to cease its operations in the face of mounting debt.

Kingston Acquisitions Ltd put the train on the market in November, hoping to attract a buyer who would continue to run it as a tourist attraction.

It did attract that buyer - United States-based company Railmark, which was prepared to buy the train and associated amenities and keep it running in Kingston in perpetuity, but the sale was blocked by Prudential Mortgagee Nominees Ltd, which is owed $4.7 million by KAL.

Kingston Cafe and Bar owner Peter McEntyre yesterday said the Flyer was the heart and soul of the tiny township and a "tourist icon of New Zealand".

When asked how much hope he held for a buyer coming along to save the day, he replied: "Not very much at all".

"We've just got to get Prudential to understand what they're sitting on.

"The train will always be here - it can't be moved from the town.

"It's in very good running order."

Mr McEntyre said the cafe and bar, which sits on State Highway 6 got a large part of its business from those passing by on their way to Milford Sound.

However, during the summer their clientele would often stop in at the cafe on their way to the Flyer, situated at the end of Kent St, Kingston's main road.

Mr So and So owner Terzann Elliot said she had sentimental attachment to the Flyer.

"When I was a kid, every day I would jump on the Flyer and every time I would go on it, it would be just as special.

"I don't know what happens now, but our hope is someone buys it or wants to put money into it.

"It is devastating."

The Kingston Tavern business this summer would also be "hugely affected" by the decision not to run the Flyer, she said.

While the tavern would remain operating, Ms Elliot said it was busy in summer because of the number of tourists taking trips on the train.

"It just means that our turnover is not going to support the staff we would need to have in the busy time.

"It will be interesting to see what happens."

Kingston Community Association president Peter Gibson said most people were "fairly disappointed" at what had happened.

"It will have quite an effect on the village.

"There have already been job losses and that will spin off.

"It could affect the school - there are several things it could affect.

"People passing through town often stop to have a look at it, or have a ride on it.

"That in itself must affect everybody in town."

Mr Gibson said a buyer for the Flyer may not have been "an economic proposition", but it was "sad" an agreement could not have been reached.

"One of the things that concerns me ... is if nobody does anything, the engine will deteriorate pretty quickly.

"Rust will start taking effect.

"Even over the weekend one of the carriages was damaged with the wind.

"I don't know who will fix that . . . it may be the start of the end."

 


 

 

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