RM 31 Heads North

RM 31 sits at the platform at National Park, part way through its journey north from Pahiatua. Train 234S sits in the siding behind the railcar

23 February 2019

After passengers reboarded, RM 31 moved to the loop to allow the Northern Explorer to take the platform

23 February 2019

DFB 7023 arrives at National Park with train 201, setting up a three-way crossing at National Park between 234S, 201 and RM 31

23 February 2019

DL 9515 and DL 9072 wait in the siding at National Park while DFB 7023 pulls into the platform. RM 31 is now ready to depart

23 February 2019

As soon as train 201 is in the platform, RM 31 departs National Park ahead of a very early train 234S

23 February 2019

The 1930s era railcar crosses a small bridge at Manson Siding

23 February 2019

RM 31 comes off the bridge and continues its journey north

23 February 2019

Near Taumarunui after stopping for fuel, RM 31 crosses the Whanganui River

23 February 2019

RM 31 passes over the Whanganui River near Taumarunui

23 February 2019

After passing through rugged country away from the main roads, RM 31 enters Te Kuiti station

23 February 2019

RM 31 passes the Te Kuiti station building as it continues north, making great pace

23 February 2019

Passing under the footbridge, RM 31 continues north

23 February 2019

RM 31 exits Te Kuiti and carries on north

23 February 2019

At Ngaruawahia, RM 31 appears from behind the bridge truss as it crosses the Waikato River

23 February 2019

RM 31 passes over the Waikato River at Ngaruawahia

23 February 2019

With the end drawing near, RM 31 passes through Amokura and out of the single track section from Te Kauwhata

23 February 2019

With darkening skies, RM 31 heads back into double track territory at Amokura

23 February 2019

RM 31 passes through Amokura on its journey north

23 February 2019

At Pukekohe, RM 31 waits for ADL 809 to clear the platform. Approximately 50 years separates the railcar from the DMU

23 February 2019

ADL 809 departs Pukekohe on a shuttle run to Papakura, with RM 31 waiting behind to pass through

23 February 2019

With ADL 809 now clear, RM 31 passes through Pukekohe and enters the Auckland suburban network

23 February 2019

RM 31 passes the stabling yard at Pukekohe

23 February 2019

RM 31 enters the suburban network at Pukekohe

23 February 2019

The following day, RM 31 passes through the recently upgraded Takaanini station en route to Mt Maunganui

24 February 2019