The Mainline Steam Heritage Trust is a New Zealand charitable trust[1] devoted to the restoration and operation of historic New Zealand Railways and overseas mainline steam locomotives. Regular day excursions and multi-day tours are operated over rail lines throughout New Zealand. Excursions are operated by the Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch branches.
The Trust began in 1988 after the Ferrymead 125 events in Christchurch. Based around the collection of steam locomotives that were privately owned by Ian Welch, the first of which had begun operating on the mainline with J 1211 with an excursion to Timaru and Arthurs Pass double-heading with the Glenbrook Vintage Railway's JA 1250.[2]
Depots operated by the Trust included Parnell, (Auckland) Middleton and later Plimmerton. The Auckland depot used to be based in the former Parnell diesel depot. It was in the past the organisation's primary restoration base and most of Mainline Steam's currently active locomotives were restored there. It closed in 2015. Mainline Steam is developing a new depot at Mercer.[3]
The Wellington depot, located at Plimmerton, is a purpose-built building that replaced the formerly leased Upper Hutt goods shed. It has now become the primary restoration base for the organisation. The depot in Christchurch is a former industrial building that used to be located at Studholme, it was relocated to land on the premises of CWF Hamilton. As of 2021, the trust was given notice to vacate the current Christchurch depot and is now building a new site at Midland Rail Heritage Trust's own lines and land in Springfield.
Mainline Steam is notable for having imported a number of African steam locomotives from South Africa and Zimbabwe (including a GMA/M Garratt), with more South African locomotives still overseas. It has also imported former British Rail Mark 2 carriages for use on its steam-hauled excursions and is in the process of overhauling them for New Zealand use. The organisation regularly operates excursions out of Auckland and Christchurch, the latter operating excursions primarily along the highly scenic Midland Line. Mainline Steam also has a number of diesel and electric locomotives in its care.
| Key: | In service | In service, Main Line-certified | Under overhaul/Restoration | Stored | Static display | Scrapped |
|---|
| Original Class and Number. | Builder | Builders Number | Year Built | Arrived | Current Depot | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J 1211 | North British Locomotive Works | 24534 | 1939 | 1972 | Glenbrook Vintage Railway | Currently sits at GVR awaiting new Auckland depot to be built. First ever Mainline Steam Locomotive, saved from scrap in 1982 and restored to mainline operation in 1988. |
| KA 942 | NZR Hutt Workshops | 325/1940 | 1940 | 1972 | Plimmerton | Sits at Plimmerton in Storage, however still Mainline Capable, to move to Springfield once a new site is built. First KA to ever run a train in the South Island, Mainline Steam's 2nd ever locomotive. Originally streamlined, however that was removed in 2010 and put back on within the next 2-3 years. |
| JA 1240 | NZR Hillside Workshops | 1947 | 1991 | Plimmerton | Sits at Plimmerton in Storage, however still Mainline Capable, to move to Springfield once a new site is built. | |
| JB 1236 | North British Locomotive Works | 24559 | 1939 | 1988 | Plimmerton | Started life as a J class locomotive, J1236 and later converted to oil burning so became JB 1236. |
| DJ 1229 | Mitsubishi Heavy Industries | 1229 | 1968 | 1990 | Plimmerton | Purchased with sister locomotive DJ 1228, restored to working condition. Unknown if Mainline Certified. |
| BA 552 | NZR Addington Workshops | 148 | 1912 | 1994 | Mercer | In Storage awaiting 2nd rebuild, capable of running excursions once complete. |
| AB 663 | NZGR Addington Workshops | 188 | 1917 | 1983 | Plimmerton | Currently in Storage at Plimmerton, condition unknown. |
| Bagnall 1 | WG Bagnall | 2475 | 1932 | 1994 | Glenbrook Vintage Railway | Used at GVR as a locomotive for the railway's Thomas the Tank Engine weekends. |
| JA 1275 | North British Locomotive Works | 27104 | 1951 | 1994 | Mercer | Currently in Storage at Mercer, condition unknown. |
| JA 1267 | NZR Hillside Workshops | 1950 | 2008 | Currently in storage awaiting eventual mainline certification overhaul, location unknown. | ||
| K911 | NZR Hutt Workshops | 1932 | 1992 | Used as stationary Boiler at Hutt Workshops, with K917 and K921. Purchased by Ian Welch 1992. Currently located at Mainline Steam's Plimmerton Depot, undergoing restoration to working order. Will have a K-style funnel but a KA-style Headlamp. | ||
| BB 144 | A & G Price | 1917 | 1994 | Was under overhaul when the Parnell depot was closed, Location and condition unknown but likely still under overhaul. | ||
| KB 968 | NZR Hillside Workshops | 1939 | Plimmerton | Was under overhaul when the Christchurch depot was closed, Still under overhaul, transported to Plimmerton where work will continue until a shed is built at Springfield, the locomotives old stamping grounds. | ||
| New Zealand EW 1805 | Robert Stephenson and Hawthorns | 1951 | 2005 | Plimmerton |
In addition to their core fleet of New Zealand locomotives, Mainline Steam owns a number of ex-South African and Zimbabwean locomotives. Four are stored in South Africa at Bloemfontein. Several engines have been shipped to the Auckland and Wellington depots. It is anticipated that some will not be shipped to New Zealand but remain in South Africa.
| Key: | In service | In service, Main Line-certified | Under overhaul/Restoration | Stored | Static display | Scrapped |
|---|
| Original Class and Number | Builder | Builders Number | Year Built | Arrived | Current Depot | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14A 509 | Beyer, Peacock & Company | 7582 | 1953 | 30 December 2007 | Plimmerton | Purchased from the National Railways of Zimbabwe by Unicem Zimbabwe in 1994 and reclassified as their No.2. Out of service by July 2000. Purchased by Ian Welch in 2001 it received a running gear overhaul in Bulawayo from 2002 to 2004. In 2004 after being tested in steam, it was moved to the Bulawayo Railway Museum for storage while shipping to New Zealand was arranged. It was then dismantled and arrived in Napier on 30 December 2007 with 19D 2695. In August 2014 it was confirmed that its restoration to main line operating condition would commence in September of that year. Due to be recommissioned after an extensive rebuild to meet New Zealand loading and rail gauge standards, conversion to air braking and oil firing, a full boiler examination and re-tube. It received a New Zealand boiler ticket in July 2017 but has not yet steamed (February 2021) |
| 15F 2976 | Beyer, Peacock & Company | 7092 | 1944 | After being withdrawn from the South African Railways it was placed into storage in Bloemfontein, South Africa. It was then sold to United Portland Cement. It was then on-sold to Ian Welch and is stored at Bloemfontein.[4][5] | ||
| 15F 2909 | Henschel & Son | 23932 | 1938 | Ex-South African Railways. Leased by Ian Welch in South Africa given a Loan agreement to Mainline Steam by Transnet, the Loco is stored at Waterval Boven Loco Depot and at present will remain in South Africa. .[4][5] | ||
| 15F 2985 | Beyer, Peacock & Company | 7100 | 1944 | Ex-South African Railways. Leased by Ian Welch in South Africa given a Loan agreement to Mainline Steam by Transnet, the Loco is stored at Waterval Boven Loco Depot at present will remain in South Africa.[4][5] | ||
| 15F 3153 | North British | 26037 | 1946 | Ex-South African Railways. Privately owned by Mainline Steam volunteer Grant Bradley in South Africa and based at Epping Market Siding this locomotive is under restoration and being fully restored for operation on the mainline.[4][5] | ||
| 19D 2695 | A. Borsig | 14746 | 1938 | 30 December 2007 | Plimmerton | Purchased from the South African Railways by Unicem Zimbabwe and fitted with a Class 24 tender. It was then reclassified as their No.1. Purchased by Ian Welch in 2004 and moved to the Bulawayo Railway Museum where it was dismantled for shipping to New Zealand. Arrived in Napier on 30 December 2007 with 14A 509 and a Vanderbilt tender. Stored at Plimmerton. |
| 19D 3332 | North British | 26052 | 1948 | Ex-South African Railways. Purchased by Ian Welch and is stored at Bloemfontein. | ||
| 24 3620 | North British | 26332 | 1949 | 7 August 1996 | Parnell | Ex-South African Railways. Purchased by Ian Welch in 1994 from Spoornet via the Transnet Heritage Foundation. Overhauled by Spoornet at the Bloemfontein Locomotive Depot. Shipped to Auckland on 21 June 1996. Arrived at the Port of Auckland on 7 August of that year. Additional restoration commenced in early 1998 for the Kuranda Scenic Railway including conversion to oil firing. Work completed in late 2000, shipped to Cairns, Australia, on 23 January 2001. Entered service in 2004 but placed into storage in Cairns in 2006 due to a lack of hauling capacity which meant passenger numbers carried did not meet operating costs. Moved to Queenscliff near Melbourne, in January 2020 for a proposed dinner train. |
| 24 3690 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | Stored in Bloemfontein, South Africa.[4][5] | |
| 25NC 3432 | Henschel & Son | 28751 | 1953 | 7 August 1996 | Mercer | Ex-South African Railways. It was purchased by Ian Welch in 1994 from Spoornet via the Transnet Heritage Foundation. It was overhauled by Spoornet at the Bloemfontein Locomotive Depot and shipped to Auckland on 21 June 1996. It arrived at the port of Auckland on 7 August in that year. Too large to operate in New Zealand, it is awaiting cosmetic restoration.[4][6][5] |
| 25NC 3476 | North British | 27336 | 1953 | Carries a Class 25 Condenser Henschel Type EW2 Worshond tender, leased by Ian Welch in South Africa given a Loan agreement to Mainline Steam by TRANSnet, the Loco is stored at Waterval Boven Loco Depot to remain in South Africa.[4][6][5] | ||
| 25NC 3508 | North British | 27368 | 1954 | 7 August 1996 | Mercer | It entered South African Railways service in 1954 as 25 Cond. It was reclassified as 25NC 3508 in the 1970s. It was withdrawn in 1991 and purchased by Amcoal, Enyati Colliery Railway. It was later purchased by Ian Welch in 1993 and transferred to Princetown then shipped to Auckland on 21 June 1996. It arrived at the port of Auckland on 7 August in that year. Too large to operate in New Zealand, it awaits cosmetic restoration.[4][6][5] |
| GMAM 4056 | Henschel & Son | 28685 | 1954 | Ex-South African Railways. Leased by Ian Welch in South Africa on a Loan agreement to Mainline Steam by Transnet, the Loco is stored at Waterval Boven Loco Depot to remain in South Africa.[4][5] | ||
| GMAM 4083 | Beyer, Peacock & Company | 7681 | 1956 | 7 August 1996 | Mercer | Entered South African Railways service in 1956. Withdrawn in 1989 and sold to the Enyati Colliery Railway. It was then on-sold to Randfontein Estates Gold Mine and reclassified as R3. Purchased by Ian Welch in 1995 in operating condition, it was shipped to Auckland on 21 June 1996. It arrived in the port of Auckland on 7 August 1996. In September 1996 it was steamed for two open days at Parnell. Further work commenced with a conversion from a coal to oil fuel and the fabrication of a new air brake stand. This work was stalled due to the restoration of 24 class 3260 and no work has been done since that time because of the reality that it is too large for the New Zealand railway loading gauge. The locomotive actually comprises the front engine unit of GMA/M 4126, the rear engine unit of GMA/M 4088 and the boiler unit of GMA/M 4083. Garratt's because of the interchangeability of the engine units, by tradition carry the running number of the boiler cradle.[4][6][5] |
| GMAM 4135 | North British | 27787 | 1958 | Ex-South African Railways. Initially sold to Reefsteamers, Germiston. It was then purchased by Ian Welch. In February 2011, it was moved to Hermanstad where it is stored by Friends of the Railway. In 2018, it was announced that the locomotive is for sale.[5] Sold to Bernd Seiler / FarRail in June 2019. | ||
| GMAM 4136 | North British | 27788 | 1958 | Ex-South African Railways. Became Randfontein gold mine R12 "Barbara" Leased to Mainline Steam, New Zealand by the THF as 4136. In storage at Bloemfontein | ||
| GMAM 4148 | Henschel & Son | 29607 | 1954 | Ex-South African Railways. Purchased by Ian Welch, after a long period of storage, it was sold for scrap in 2011 and cut up at Reefsteamers in Germiston.[5] |
Mainline Steam rosters a large fleet of carriages which will be formed into three trains:
At present the stock for these trains are kept at Plimmerton and Middleton (with some MkII coaches stored at Feilding).
| Key: | In Service | In Service, Main Line Certified | Under Overhaul/Restoration | Stored | Static Display | Scrapped |
|---|
| Original Class and Number | TMS Class and Number | Builder | Carriage Type | Year Built | Arrived | Current Depot | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A 391 | NZR Petone Workshops | 60' high-capacity wooden-body suburban coach | 1908 | Only surviving 60' suburban passenger coach. Purchased in 1967 by Milson Miniature Railway, donated in 2004 to Feilding District Steam & Rail. Placed in storage at Gladstone, Wairarapa in 2010. It is planned to install a generator for head-end power and to create a "Presidential Style" large end balcony at one end of the carriage. | |||
| A 1563 | A 50480 | NZR Petone Workshops | 50' wooden body, passenger coach | 1924 | 2013 | Middleton | Purchased by Mainline Steam in running condition from Taieri Gorge Railway in 2013. Rebuilt with frame ex-F 443. Awaiting mainline certification. |
| AA 1013 | NZR Petone Workshops | 50' wooden body, wide-body mainline coach | 1908 | July 2008 | Plimmerton | Purchased from the NZR in 1977 and donated to the Tokomaru Steam Museum, before later being on-sold to a private individual at Pahiatua. Acquired by Mainline Steam in 2005, AA 1013 was restored by the Wheelwright Woodworks in 2006–07 as the Premier Car and named "Aotearoa" before re-entering service in 2008. Last surviving complete coach from the Parliamentary Special of 1908, and took place in the recreation of this train in 2008. | |
| AA 1489 | NZR Newmarket Workshops | 50' 0" wooden body, wide-body mainline coach | 1924 | Purchased by Mainline Steam from the Bush Tramway Club and moved to Gladstone, Wairarapa in 2007. Built as a sleeping coach in 1924 but converted to a day car in 1925. Restored by the Wheelwright Woodworks in 2016 and named "Te Arawa". | |||
| AA 1669 | EA 1922 | NZR Otahuhu Workshops | 50' 0" vittron panelled, wide-body mainline coach | 1929 | 30 August 2016 | Plimmerton | Purchased by Mainline Steam in 2008 and moved to Gladstone, Wairarapa. Formerly Way & Works EA 4234, attached to a steam crane as a sleeping coach for the crane crew. Arrived in Plimmerton on 30 August 2016 where the last part of restoration will be carried out. Restored in December 2016 and named "Te Arawa". |
| F 458 | F 721 | NZR Newmarket Workshops | 47' 6" wooden-bodied guards' van | 1922 | Initially donated for the Train One carriage set but believed to be surplus to Mainline Steam's requirements. Purchased from NZR by Bush Tramway Club member Eric Burns who donated it to Mainline Steam in 2008. F 458 is still at Pukemiro Junction as of 2013. |
| Pre-TMS class and number | TMS classes and number | Builder | Carriage Type | Year built | Year arrived | Current Depot | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A 1869 | A 56081 A 2226 |
NZR Otahuhu Workshops | 56' steel-panelled mainline coach | 1938 | 2011 | Plimmerton | Purchased by Ian Welch from KiwiRail Scenic Journeys in May 2011.[7][8][9] Fitted with large 'scenic' windows and a large end observation window at rear. Transferred from Parnell to Plimmerton in April 2015.[10] Restoration commenced in November 2015. |
| A 1877 | A 3006 AO 238 |
NZR Addington Workshops | 56' steel-panelled mainline coach | 1939 | 2018 | Middleton | Purchased from The Great Journeys of New Zealand in 2018.[11] Awaiting restoration. |
| A 1921 | A 56271 ASO 68 |
NZR Otahuhu Workshops | 56' steel-panelled mainline coach | 1939 | 2016 | Plimmerton | Ex-Overlander car. Purchased by Feilding and District Steam Rail Society from KiwiRail Scenic Journeys in July 2013.[12][9] Partially restored while under F&DSRS ownership. Later sold-on to Ian Welch circa 2015.[10] Restoration recommenced in May 2018. |
| A 1955 | A 56560 AO 146 |
NZR Addington Workshops | 56' steel-panelled mainline coach | 1939 | 2018 | Middleton | Purchased from The Great Journeys of New Zealand in 2018.[11] Awaiting restoration. |
| A 1957 | A 56587 ASO 151 |
NZR Addington Workshops | 56' steel-panelled mainline coach | 1939 | 2018 | Middleton | Purchased from The Great Journeys of New Zealand in 2018.[11] Awaiting restoration. |
| A 1959 | A 56600 ASO 136 |
NZR Addington Workshops | 56' steel-panelled mainline coach | 1939 | 2013 | Plimmerton | Ex-Overlander car.[12] Purchased by Ian Welch from KiwiRail Scenic Journeys in July 2013.[13][9][10] Restored 2013 to 2014. Mainline certified.[14][15][16] |
| A 1964 | A 56634 AO 123 |
NZR Addington Workshops | 56' steel-panelled mainline coach | 1940 | 2014 | Plimmerton | Ex-Overlander car. Purchased by Ian Welch from KiwiRail Scenic Journeys in July 2013.[13][9][10] Restored in 2015 to 2016. Mainline certified.[14][16] |
| A 1966 | A 56678 AO 215 |
NZR Addington Workshops | 56' steel-panelled mainline coach | 1940 | 2013 | Plimmerton | Ex-Overlander car, fitted with large rear observation window.[12] Purchased by Ian Welch from KiwiRail Scenic Journeys in July 2013.[13][9][10] Restored 2013 to 2014. Mainline certified.[14][15][16] |
| A 1971 | A 3346 AO 19 |
NZR Otahuhu Workshops | 56' steel-panelled mainline coach | 1945 | 2013 | Middleton | Purchased by Ian Welch from KiwiRail Scenic Journeys in July 2013.[13][9][10] Restored 2014 to 2016. Awaiting mainline certification. |
| A 1972 | A 3354 AO 25 |
NZR Otahuhu Workshops | 56' steel-panelled mainline coach | 1945 | 2013 | Middleton | Purchased by Ian Welch from KiwiRail Scenic Journeys in July 2013.[13][9][10] Under restoration. Restoration commenced in August 2016. |
| A 1976 | A 3397 AO 60 |
NZR Otahuhu Workshops | 56' steel-panelled mainline coach | 1939 | 2013 | Middleton | Purchased by Ian Welch from KiwiRail Scenic Journeys in July 2013.[13][9][10] Restored in 2016 to 2017. Awaiting mainline certification. |
| A 1981 | A 56726 A 2151 |
NZR Otahuhu Workshops | 56' steel-panelled mainline coach | 1942 | 2013 | Plimmerton | Ex-Overlander car.[12] Purchased by Ian Welch from KiwiRail Scenic Journeys in July 2013.[13][9][10] Restored 2014 to 2015. Mainline certified.[14][15][16] |
| A 1992 | A 2060 EA 6709 |
NZR Addington Workshops | 56' steel-panelled mainline coach | 1940 | 2011 | Plimmerton | Purchased by Ian Welch from KiwiRail Scenic Journeys in May 2011.[7][8][9] It was sold-on to Feilding and District Steam Rail Society in 2013.[17] Later resold back to Ian Welch circa 2015.[10] Restoration commenced in September 2016. |
| A 2003 | A 56876 AO 48 |
NZR Otahuhu Workshops | 56' steel-panelled mainline coach | 1939 | 2013 | Plimmerton | Ex-Overlander car.[12] Purchased by Ian Welch from KiwiRail Scenic Journeys in July 2013.[13][9][10] Restored in 2014. Mainline certified.[14][16] |
| FM 6 | FM 134 AG 32 |
Mitsubishi | 50' steel-panelled guards' van | 1977 | 2006 | Plimmerton | Restoration commenced in April 2017, and will be converted to an generator/observation van. |
| FM 1041
EA 7144 |
Daewoo | 50' steel-panelled guards' van | 1981 | 1993 | Plimmerton | Restored c2007 to 2010 as generator/observation van, and renumbered as FM 3010.[18] Although originally restored for the train 3 rake,[19] but it is currently used train 2 rake. Mainline certified.[14][15][16] | |
| FM 1375[10] | Mitsubishi | 50' steel-panelled guards' van | 1981 | N/A | Middleton | Originally identified as FM 1185.[10] Restoration commenced in October 2017, and will be converted to an generator/observation van. |
| Class and number | TMS number | BR number | Name | Builder | Carriage type | Year built | Year arrived | Current depot | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BR 3393 | BR 1208 | British Rail Engineering Ltd (Derby) | 60' steel-clad mainline passenger coach | 1972 | 2008 | Plimmerton | Stored at Plimmerton. Awaiting restoration. | ||
| BR 3409 | BR 72508 | British Rail Engineering Ltd (Derby) | 60' steel-clad mainline passenger coach | 1972 | 2008 | Plimmerton | Ex-Gatwick Express. Stored at Plimmerton. Awaiting restoration. | ||
| BR 5972 | BR 72624 | British Rail Engineering Ltd (Derby) | 60' steel-clad mainline passenger coach | 1972 | Ex-Gatwick Express. Currently stored in the Manawatū.[10] | ||||
| BR 5988 | British Rail Engineering Ltd (Derby) | 60' steel-clad mainline passenger coach | 1972 | 2008 | Plimmerton | Ex-Virgin Trains Tourist Standard Open (TSO). Stored at Plimmerton. Awaiting restoration. | |||
| BR 6039 | BR 72644 | British Rail Engineering Ltd (Derby) | 60' steel-clad mainline passenger coach | 1972 | Ex-Gatwick Express. Currently stored in the Manawatu.[10] | ||||
| BR 6085 | BR 72625 | British Rail Engineering Ltd (Derby) | 60' steel-clad mainline passenger coach | 1972 | Ex-Gatwick Express. Currently stored in the Manawatu.[10] | ||||
| BR 6091 | BR 72712 | British Rail Engineering Ltd (Derby) | 60' steel-clad mainline passenger coach | 1972 | Ex-Gatwick Express. Currently stored in the Manawatu.[10] | ||||
| FM 37 | FM 480 FM 3027 |
Mitsubishi | 50' steel-panelled guards' van | 1978 | 2001 | Plimmerton | Originally owned by Wairoa YMCA and converted to a carriage (one of two). Sold to MLS, converted to dining car FM 3027 at Plimmerton. Certification for mainline use pending, and will be used with the MkII rake.[10] | ||
| ML 3299 | British Rail Engineering Ltd (Derby) | 60' steel-clad mainline passenger coach | 1972 | 2007 | Plimmerton | Ex-Virgin Trains First Open (FO), sixth MkII overhaul. Currently under restoration. | |||
| ML 3433 | Mangaweka | British Rail Engineering Ltd (Derby) | 60' steel-clad mainline passenger coach | 1972 | 2007 | Plimmerton | Ex-Virgin Trains First Open (FO), fourth MkII overhauled. Restored 2007 - c2012.[10] Awaiting mainline certification. | ||
| ML 5914 | British Rail Engineering Ltd (Derby) | 60' steel-clad mainline passenger coach | 1972 | 2008 | Plimmerton | Ex-Virgin Trains Tourist Standard Open (TSO), fifth MkII overhauled. Restored c2012. Awaiting mainline certification. | |||
| ML 5915 | Raurimu | British Rail Engineering Ltd (Derby) | 60' steel-clad mainline passenger coach | 1972 | 2007 | Plimmerton | Ex-Virgin Trains Second Open (SO), second MkII overhauled. Restored c2012. Awaiting mainline certification. | ||
| ML 5939 | Wellington-Manawatu Railway | British Rail Engineering Ltd (Derby) | 60' steel-clad mainline passenger coach | 1972 | 2007 | Plimmerton | Ex-Virgin Trains Second Open (SO), first MkII overhauled.[20][19][21] Awaiting mainline certification. Restored 2007 - 2010.[10] | ||
| ML 6149 | Rimutaka | British Rail Engineering Ltd (Derby) | 60' steel-clad mainline passenger coach | 1972 | 2007 | Plimmerton | Ex-Virgin Trains Second Open (SO), third MkII overhauled. Restored c2012. Awaiting mainline certification. | ||
| SD 5761 | British Rail Engineering Ltd (Derby) | 64' 6" steel-clad mainline passenger coach | 1973 | 2018 | Plimmerton | Originally used in the United Kingdom. One of Ian Welch's original 15 BR Mark II cars ordered in 1997 sold to Tranz Rail then used as an Auckland Transport suburban driving compartment carriage from 2005 to 2015. To be rebuilt as an end-big window observation car.[10] |
Mainline Steam has a large collection of freight rolling stock, mostly consisting of tank wagons used for oil and water storage, some of which are mainline certified. These wagons are largely of the UC class, although there is one example of each of the UCA and URK wagons preserved. The group also has a number of KP, ZA, and ZL class box wagons for use as secure storage for locomotive and carriage parts, along with several other general-use goods wagons.
| Key: | In service | In service, Mainline Certified | Under overhaul/restoration | Stored | Static display | Scrapped |
|---|
| Original class and number | TMS class and number | Type | Builder | Year built | Current depots | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KP 1305 | KP 4330 | Box | NZR Otahuhu Workshops | 1961 | N/A | Entered NZR service on 25 February 1961. Renumbered as KP 4330 in 1978. Withdrawn on 4 January 1986. |
| KP 1484 | KP 6224 | Box | NZR Otahuhu Workshops | 1961 | Middleton | Entered NZR service on 7 October 1961. Renumbered as KP 7943 in 1978. Withdrawn on 29 March 1986. Used as a storage wagon. |
| KP 2178 | KP 13601 | Box | NZR Addington Workshops | 1965 | Glenbrook Vintage Railway | Entered NZR service in 1965. Renumbered as KP 13601 in 1978. Withdrawn in April 1988. Stored at the Glenbrook Vintage Railway. |
| KP 2367 | KP 15582 | Box | Mitsubishi Heavy Industries | 1965 | N/A | Entered NZR service on 11 September 1965. Renumbered as KP 15582 in 1978. Withdrawn on 21 May 1988. |
| KP 2650 | KP 18607 | Box | NZR Otahuhu Workshops | 1965 | Glenbrook Vintage Railway | Entered NZR service in 1967. Renumbered as KP 18607 in 1978. Withdrawn in December 1988. Stored at the Glenbrook Vintage Railway. |
| KP 3251 | KP 25011 | Box | Mitsubishi Heavy Industries | 1961 | Plimmerton | Entered NZR service on 31 March 1961. Renumbered as KP 25011 in 1978. Withdrawn on 16 August 1986. Used as a storage wagon for parts. |
| KP 3452 | KP 27147 | Box | NZR Hutt Workshops | 1968 | Glenbrook Vintage Railway | Entered NZR service on 7 December 1968. Renumbered as KP 27147 in 1978. Withdrawn on 16 August 1986. Stored at the Glenbrook Vintage Railway. |
| KS 4130 | KS 7784 | Box | NZR Hillside Workshops | 1970 | Glenbrook Vintage Railway | Entered NZR service on 5 December 1970. Renumbered as KS 7784 in 1978. Used as a storage wagon. Stored at the Glenbrook Vintage Railway. |
| LB 2048 | LB 523 | High Side | N/A | 1976 | N/A | Entered NZR service on 31 January 1976. Renumbered as LB 523 in 1978. |
| LB 2204 | LB 1159 | High Side | NZR Addington Workshops | 1976 | N/A | Entered NZR service on 28 February 1976. Renumbered as LB 1159 in 1978. |
| LB 2740 | LB 8313 | High Side | NZR Addington Workshops | 1976 | Otahuhu | Entered NZR service in June 1976. Renumbered as LB 8313 in 1978. Used as a passenger wagon on Parnell depot open days. Stored in Otahuhu. |
| LB 3432 | LB 14743 | High Side | NZR Addington Workshops | 1976 | Middleton | Entered NZR service on 6 November 1976. Renumbered as LB 14743 in 1978. Used as a storage wagon. |
| LBF 1451 | LB 15696 | High Side | N/A | N/A | Otahuhu | Reclassified as LB 15696 at East Town Workshops in July 1986. Used as a passenger wagon on Parnell depot open days. Stored in Otahuhu. |
| LC | LC 74437 | High Side | N/A | N/A | Middleton | Used as a storage wagon. |
| LPA 1378 | LPA 4765 | High Side | NZR Addington Workshops | 1973 | Otahuhu | Entered NZR service on 28 April 1973. Renumbered as LPA 4765 in 1978. Used as a storage wagon. Stored in Otahuhu. |
| MC 45141 | Low Side | Mainline Steam | N/A | Middleton | Built by Mainline Steam at their Middleton depot. Used as a storage wagon. | |
| Unidentified NAK | Unidentified NAK | Flat Deck | N/A | N/A | Middleton | |
| RB 575 | RB 651 | High Side | NZR Otahuhu Workshops | 1960 | N/A | Renumbered as RB 651 in 1978. Leased to Feilding and District Steam Rail Society. |
| UB 1142 | UB 3006 | Flat Deck | NZR Otahuhu Workshops | 1945 | Otahuhu | Entered NZR service in 1945. Reclassified as UB 3006 in 1978. Withdrawn on 1 February 1984. Stored in Otahuhu. |
| UC 793 | UC 64 | Tank | NZR Newmarket Workshops | 1927 | Plimmerton | Entered NZR service in 1927. Renumbered as UC 64 in 1978. |
| UC 797 | UC 104 | Tank | NZR Newmarket Workshops | 1926 | Plimmerton | Entered NZR service in 1926. Renumbered UC 104 in 1978. |
| UC 799 | UC 127 | Tank | N/A | 1926 | Otahuhu | Entered NZR service in 1926. Renumbered UC 127 in 1978. Stored in Otahuhu. |
| UC 809 | UC 231 | Tank | NZR Petone Workshops | 1927 | Glenbrook Vintage Railway | Entered NZR service on 28 July 1927. Renumbered as UC 231 in 1978. Stored at the Glenbrook Vintage Railway. |
| UC 823 | UC 277 | Tank | N/A | 1927 | Middleton | Entered NZR service in 1927. Renumbered as UC 277 in 1978. |
| UC 825 | UC 300 | Tank | N/A | 1927 | Plimmerton | Entered NZR service in 1927. Renumbered as UC 300 in 1978. |
| UC 827 | UC 323 | Tank | N/A | 1927 | Plimmerton | Entered NZR service in 1927. Renumbered as UC 323 in 1978. Used as an oil tanker. |
| UC 864 | UC 634 | Tank | N/A | 1929 | Glenbrook Vintage Railway | Entered NZR service in 1929. Renumbered as UC 634 in 1978. Used as an oil tanker. At Glenbrook Vintage Railway. |
| UC 877 | UC 784 | Tank | N/A | 1930 | Plimmerton | Entered NZR service in 1930. Renumbered as UC 784 in 1978. Formerly an ex – Lyttelton oil storage wagon. |
| UC 1215 | UC 1184 | Tank | NZR Otahuhu Workshops | 1955 | Middleton | Entered NZR service in 1955. Renumbered as UC 1184 in 1978. |
| UC 1216 | UC 1190 | Tank | NZR Otahuhu Workshops | 1955 | Glenbrook Vintage Railway | Entered NZR service in 1955. Renumbered as UC 1190 in 1978. Stored at the Glenbrook Vintage Railway. |
| UC 1234 | UC 1495 | Tank | NZR Addington Workshops | 1947 | Plimmerton | Entered NZR service in 1947. Renumbered as UC 1495 in 1978. Repainted yellow and is used as an oil storage wagon. |
| UC 1256 | UC 1783 | Tank | NZR Addington Workshops | 1948 | Plimmerton | Entered NZR service in September 1948. Renumbered as UC 1783 in 1978. Used as an oil storage wagon. |
| UC 1258 | UC 1852 | Tank | NZR Addington Workshops | 1948 | Middleton | Entered NZR service in September 1948. Renumbered as UC 1852 in 1978. |
| UC 1278 | UC 2079 | Tank | NZR Otahuhu Workshops | 1950 | Middleton | Entered NZR service in 1950. Renumbered as UC 2079 in 1978. |
| UC 1288 | UC 2177 | Tank | NZR Addington Workshops | 1951 | Plimmerton | Entered NZR service in 1951. Renumbered as UC 2177 in 1978. Used as an oil collection vehicle. |
| UC 1339 | UC 2730 | Tank | NZR Addington Workshops | 1950 | Otahuhu | Entered NZR service in 1950. Renumbered as UC 2730 in 1978. Stored in Otahuhu. |
| UC 1341 | UC 2753 | Tank | NZR Addington Workshops | 1950 | Middleton | Entered NZR service in 1950. Renumbered as UC 2753 in 1978. |
| UC 1349 | UC 2851 | Tank | NZR Otahuhu Workshops | 1964 | Plimmerton | Entered NZR service in 1964. Renumbered as UC 2851 in 1978. Repainted red and is used as an oil storage wagon. |
| UC 1483 | Tank | N/A | N/A | Plimmerton | Repainted green. | |
| UC 1580 | UC 2995 | Tank | NZR Hillside Workshops | 1967 | Glenbrook Vintage Railway | Entered NZR service on 15 July 1967. Renumbered as UC 2995 in 1978. Stored at the Glenbrook Vintage Railway. |
| UC 1593 | UC 3130 | Tank | NZR Hillside Workshops | 1967 | Plimmerton | Entered NZR service on 2 December 1967. Renumbered as UC 3130 in 1978. Used as a water tanker. |
| UC 1624 | UC 3429 | Tank | NZR Otahuhu Workshops | 1972 | Plimmerton | Entered NZR service on 1 January 1972. Renumbered as UC 3429 in 1978. Used as an oil storage wagon. |
| Unidentified UCA | UCA 155 | Tank | Commonwealth Engineering | 1975 | Plimmerton | |
| UC 1819 | UC 3677
UCA 223 |
Tank | NZR Hutt Workshops | 1976 | Otahuhu | Entered NZR service in July 1976. Renumbered as UC 3677 in 1978. Reclassified as UCA 223 in 1979. Stored in Otahuhu. |
| UR 1819 | UR 191 | Flat Deck | NZR Addington Workshops | 1959 | Otahuhu | Entered NZR service on 10 October 1959. Renumbered as UR 191 in 1978. Stored in Otahuhu. |
| Unidentified URK | URK 66 | Tank | N/A | N/A | Middleton | Withdrawn in 1988. |
| Unidentified USQ | USQ 8103 | Flat Deck | N/A | N/A | Plimmerton | Used as a container wagon. |
| VR 113 | VR 1134 | Insulated Meat | NZR Otahuhu Workshops | 1964 | Glenbrook Vintage Railway | Entered NZR service in March 1964. Renumbered as VR 1134 in 1978. Withdrawn on 22 June 1985. Stored at the Glenbrook Vintage Railway. |
| XP 2989 | XP 278 | Ventilated Box | NZR East Town Workshops | 1966 | Otahuhu | Entered NZR service in 1966. Renumbered as XP 278 in 1978. Withdrawn in September 1981. Stored in Otahuhu. |
| XP 3027 | XP 687 | Ventilated Box | NZR East Town Workshops | 1966 | Otahuhu | Entered NZR service in 1966. Renumbered as XP 278 in 1978. Withdrawn in November 1983. Stored in Otahuhu. |
| ZA 1521 | ZA 2712 | Box | NZR Otahuhu Workshops | N/A | Middleton | Entered NZR service on 5 November 1977. Renumbered as ZA 2712 in 1978. |
| ZL 387 | Box | N/A | N/A | Plimmerton | Used as a storage wagon for parts. |
Mainline Steam operate regular excursions using steam locomotives from the trust's collection. These run from Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch to a number of destinations. These range from short half-day excursions to an annual national tour lasting several weeks and covering much of KiwiRail's rail network.
