Great New Zealand Muster

In the darkness of early morning, DC 4012 brings the empty carriages through Ellerslie station to meet Ja 1275 at the Strand

29 March 2014

The headlights of a subbie light up the Parnell bank shortly before Ja 1275 departs

29 March 2014

In darkness, Ja 1275 attacks the Parnell bank, a section of track rarely travelled uphill by steam

29 March 2014

ADL 810 crosses Ja 1275 at Spartan Road

29 March 2014

The DMU heads off towards Te Mahia as Ja 1275 cruises south

29 March 2014

At Papakura, train 239 overtook Ja 1275. The freight train is seen here through Paerata with DFT 7051 in charge

29 March 2014

Ja 1275 thunders through Paerata

29 March 2014

Exhaust steam pours out of Ja 1275 as it passes the old platform

29 March 2014

Ja 1275 coasts around the curve towards Kellyville Road

29 March 2014

What little exhaust steam there is blends in with the sky

29 March 2014

The train negotiates the S curves as it enters Mercer

29 March 2014

Ja 1275 arrives at Te Kauwhata, to wait for train 201 to overtake

29 March 2014

Coming the other way is DXB 5166 with train 138R, slowing down to cross train 201 and Ja 1275

29 March 2014

A three way crossing at Te Kauwhata, as DC 4191 speeds through with train 201, while DXB 5166 and Ja 1275 wait

29 March 2014

The bright nose of DC 4191 contrasts with the black Ja 1275

29 March 2014

Train 201 exiting Te Kauwhata station

29 March 2014

Now able to depart, Ja 1275 gets the excursion under way

29 March 2014

Ja 1275 departs Te Kauwhata, now out of its cloud of steam

29 March 2014

Ja 1275 puts on an impressive display through Taupiri

29 March 2014

Netball players stop to watch as Ja 1275 rushes past

29 March 2014

In the distance, Ja 1275 comes down the grade near Te Awamutu

29 March 2014

Ja 1275 rounds a curve near Te Awamutu

29 March 2014

Ja 1275 crosses the Waipa River just out of Otorohanga

29 March 2014

Ja 1275 arrives in Te Kuiti for the Great New Zealand Sheep Muster

29 March 2014