This event has been held over a number of years and is held around the beginning of September.As part of the event and truly getting into the Spirit of the event Steam Incorporated runs a Steam train to the event in Carterton.
Starting its journey at the companies base at Paekakariki it picks up its first passengers at Wellington Station.
After the Overlander departs from platform 9 for its own journey to Auckland,the steam train pushes its 11carriages into the platform.* The length was over 200metres and had a full house of 480 passengers.*
Even before stopping the sleek black engine attracts a crowd of people all wanting to take pictures of themselves and families whilst the steam seems to engulf the engine at times.
Almost to the minute the train departs Wellington for its 1st of 3 pick ups at Petone followed by Waterloo and Upper Hutt.
On the train a good history of the engine is given and some very interesting facts are given,including that some of the carriages are over 100 years old and the engine itself was one of the last to be built in Dunedin in the 1950’s.
All the seating is original as well as the rest of the interiors. Throughout the journey you could hear the wood creak at every turn.Also (something modern trains should have) is the backs can be moved so that you can be facing the direction of travel or if traveling as a group face each other.
At Lower Hutt,the last stop before heading up and through the 9km Rimutaka Hill tunnel, 2 Kiwi Rail Diesel engines are attached to help the train up and through and onto Featherstone on the other side. (in reverse for the return trip). Its take approx 8 minutes for the all improved train to travel through the tunnel.
The view as we head down from the tunnel is stunning with great views of the plains of The Wairarapa and Lake Wairarapa. With access to either end of the carriages there are plenty of opportunities to take photos.
Once in Carterton many people head of to Middlerun where the property at Gladstone is located where you can happily pick bunches of Daffs for a donation per bunch.The money raised goes to local Charity’s.
Many families have a wonderful time picking the Daffs with some bringing picnics on make shift tables made of pallets.
During the time the Daffodil Express was in Carterton it ran the short trip between Carterton and Masterton for 200 people.*
Free Buses run from and to the station. Back in Carterton there are a number of craft and food stalls all located within easy reach of the station.
On time the Daffodil Express leaves Carterton for Wellington with a full load including some very tired children
(and some adults.). On time it arrives in Wellington where there is the last chance to take more photos.
A big thank you is a must for all those who have given up time to keep the Steam Trains running and the staff on board who ensured that we all had a safe journey
Also for those involved in the Daffodil Festival who welcome many people into Carterton, The welcome is appreciated. (thank you for such wonderful weather),
Those that helped were Kiwi Rail for changing the route of the daily frieght train through Manawatu ensuring the smooth running of the service as well as providing the diesel engines for the Rimutaka Hills and for the run from and to its base. (Great pics on the Steam Incorporated FB Page).*
Carterton District Council and The Carterton Railway Museum also provided much help.*
Some good links below:
CartertonCC For all thing Carterton including upcoming events.
Steam Incorporated Facebook page with link to the main web page. Lots of good photos,history and upcoming events.
The Wairapa Twitter account with upcoming events and other useful information.
* Updated details from the Steam Incorporated FaceBook Page 9/09/2013
wildbaynz/windyhillflyingclub 2013
WildBay 