The Kingston Flyer is for sale again, after its owner of two years, David Bryce, announced yesterday he is moving back to his home town and vineyard in Marlborough.
After spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on the train's restoration since 2011, Mr Bryce said he was selling because of ill health.
On sale through Tourism Properties are the locomotives, carriages, land, cafe and machinery, with an asking price of $2.5 million.
The capital value of the land and buildings alone shows a total value of $1,721,000 on the current rates assessment notices. Speaking to the Otago Daily Times yesterday Mr Bryce said he was ''not bothered'' whether the train was brought by local or overseas investors, as long as it continued to run from next season. The last ride under Mr Bryce's ownership is on April 30.
''I've put a lot of effort and I've put two years into this train and wouldn't like to see it fade.''
Mr Bryce said he had missed his home and vineyard in Renwick and for the sake of his wellbeing it was time to retire from Kingston.
He said the train was in good condition and recent restoration of the boiler should have it in working order for ''years to come''.
''I feel I've achieved what I set out to do, to get the Kingston Flyer operational after a period of time spent sitting doing nothing, and I hope a new owner will be able to continue our good work.''
The Kingston Flyer lost two employees at the end of last year when young train driver George King left after a season, and driver of more than 30 years Russell Glendinning retired.
