Rail enthusiasts will be able to step back in time next week
when steam train excursions run between Dunedin and Sawyers
Bay.
On September 20, carriages hauled by steam locomotive Ja1271
will make five one-hour return trips along the west harbour.
Taieri Gorge Railway chief executive Murray Bond said the
company had hired the locomotive for a day while it was in
Dunedin on a private tour.
The locomotive was one of 35 "Ja" class engines made at
Dunedin's Hillside workshops between 1946 and 1956.
The locomotives operated on all main-line New Zealand routes
until they were retired in 1971.
Ja1271 was restored to operational standards by excursion
company Steam Incorporated in 1997.
"It is a rare opportunity for people who appreciate steam to
travel on a period locomotive. We held a steam centennial on
Labour Weekend 2006 and 30,000 people turned out. While we
would not expect anywhere near that, we think it will be very
popular."
The $15 (return) ticket price reflected the expense of
running the locomotive and line charges, Mr Bond said.
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