Based at John Wilson Dr, Ocean Beach Railway suffered the theft of $50,000 of equipment, leading previous members to consider closing for good.
However, after a resurgence of new and determined members, the revitalised railway will open during Labour Weekend — operating its heritage trains this Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, from 11am to 4pm.
A special return-to service fare of a gold coin will apply during Labour Weekend.
Spokesman Philip Riley said the Ocean Beach Railway members, who volunteer as drivers, assistant drivers, firemen, guards and station masters are excited to be reopening the railway to the public this weekend.
The plan is for the trains to continue to run every Sunday until Queen’s Birthday weekend, 2021, at the usual fares of $6 per adult and $4 per child.
If demand is there, Ocean Beach Railway will also operate its heritage trains on Saturdays as well.
Governed by the Otago Railway and Locomotive Society Inc, the Ocean Beach Railway was established in 1961 with the purchase of a small 0-4-0 Fowler tank locomotive.
Today, the organisation curates one of the most diverse railway collections in the country, including rolling stock once hauled by famous Dunedin locomotive Josephine, a ministerial carriage from 1897, steam locomotives, and wagons, carriages and historic railway infrastructure.
The Ocean Beach Railway relies on the generosity of community sponsors and funding, along with volunteer labour.
