Waikato Steam Wanderer

After collecting DBR 1254 and UC 686 from the train, the short consist is parked on the ECMT main at Frankton

25 March 2023

Under its own power, DBR 1254 is moved to the head of the train for the return journey north, while Ww 644 waits to head to the yard to be turned

25 March 2023

Ww 644 waits to propel UC 686 into Te Rapa yard

25 March 2023

Ww 644 heads off to Te Rapa yard to be turned

25 March 2023

After Ww 644 clears the section, DL 9354 and DL 9596 bring train 390 on the next leg of its journey, after a locomotive change from electric to diesel power for the East Coast Main Trunk

25 March 2023

DL 9354 and DL 9596 lead train 390 out of Te Rapa towards Tauranga

25 March 2023

Passing DBR 1254 at the platform, DL 9354 and DL 9596 roll through Frankton with train 390

25 March 2023

Heading the other way, DL 9659 leads train MP8 through the station heading towards Westfield

25 March 2023

After being turned, Ww 644 sets back onto the train with UC 686

25 March 2023

Ww 644 guides UC 686 back onto the train

25 March 2023

Stopped just before coupling on, DBR 1254 comes face to face with UC 686

25 March 2023

Now coupled on and ready to go, Ww 644 awaits departure back for Glenbrook

25 March 2023

Ww 644 looks ahead just before departure for Glenbrook

25 March 2023

Passing Te Rapa yards, stabled Te Huia sets wait for their next duties

25 March 2023

Crossing the Ngaruawahia bridge on the journey back home

25 March 2023

Back at Te Kauwhata, Ww 644 stops to let people off on the remains of the platform for another photo run

25 March 2023

Ww 644 simulates a departure from Te Kauwhata on a photo run

25 March 2023

Ww 644 puts on a show departing Te Kauwhata

25 March 2023

Further north at Pukekohe, Ww 644 is forced to wait for two other trains to clear the single track section through Pukekohe. The first train is DL 9538 and DL 9193 leading train 243 south to Wellington

25 March 2023

DL 9193 trails DL 9538 as train 243 exits the single track section

25 March 2023

A mix of freight is carried on train 243, with curtainside and empty rail wagons in the consist

25 March 2023

The tail end of train 243 clears Ww 644's train

25 March 2023

The second train was train 105, the southbound Te Huia service with DFB 7295 at the pointy end

25 March 2023

Te Huia's carriages catch the setting sun as train 105 heads home for Hamilton

25 March 2023