Fast-forward a few months and the former New Zealand Railways Department (NZR) diesel locomotive Ds201 is sitting happily on a short stretch of track on Mr Dale's Olive Ave property.
"I thought to myself `why aren't they doing [the restoration] somewhere public?"' he said.
The shunting locomotive is being restored to its former glory by Dunedin group Project Steam, and will soon be joined by 133-year-old steam engine P107, also being restored by the group.
Mr Dale said while he was not a train enthusiast, he hoped the vintage locomotives would "generate more interest and activity in Middlemarch," and was happy to offer his property as its base.
Dunedin KiwiRail fitter and Project Steam member Clark McCarthy said the long-term goal was to create a railway museum with working locomotives in the Strath-Taieri town.
Ds201 was built by Drewry Car Company in England in 1954 and was last used by the Ohai Railway Board, before being acquired by Project Steam, Mr McCarthy said.
The locomotive was in working order but the group was putting the finishing touches to its "cosmetic rebuild."
"The long-term goal is definitely to get it back on the railways," he said.
Emerson's Brewery founder Richard Emerson is also closely involved with the group.
"Project Steam got me fired up when they said they wanted to bring the vintage steam locomotive P107 to Middlemarch, back to her former stomping grounds. With help of our friend Blair Dale we have commenced setting up our restoration base on his property," Mr Emerson said via email.
"I am looking forward to working with the team on the 1885 vintage P107 steam locomotive once it arrives in Middlemarch. Exciting times ahead!"
Mr Dale refused to comment when asked if any beer had changed hands.
Members of the public were welcome to view the locomotive Ds201 at Mr Dale's property at 10 Olive Ave, Middlemarch.
