Otago Excursion Train Trust

Dunedin Railways and the big decision coming down the track Have your say on the future of Dunedin Railways, former employee Grant Craig urges. This month the Dunedin city councillors will be presented...

Many of you if you attended the Dunedin Station Centenary in 2006 and the Middlemarch 125th anniversary in 2009 will remember Pat Beman as the loco depot co ordinator in 2006 and a Guard in 2009. Sadly Pat Beman passed away this morning. Pat was a long time member of the OETT and served on the committee. He was a true blue (blue collar division!) railway man starting his career in Westport rising to Guard before transferring to Taihape as a Guard. He later transferred to Dunedin as a staff instructor and trained alot of railway personnel before being made redundant. Up till his retirement in his second career at the Taieri Gorge Railway he was the carriage repair man as well as staff instructor. Pat will be missed and all of us that worked closely with Pat usually were given a nickname, mine was Chief Foamer, Arthur Rockliff was Leading Vogie and Peter McCallum was Trailing Bogie to name a few that weren't rude!

RIP Pat.

*** Joint effort to save Taieri Gorge Railway ***

Two New Zealand rail groups are in talks to secure the future of the internationally renowned Taieri Gorge Railway, and its operator, Dunedin Railways.

The venture is between the Otago Excursion Train Trust (OETT) and Auckland-based Glenbrook Vintage Railway (GVR). It follows months of discussion between OETT and GVR to save operations through the gorge, after Covid put an end to regular services.

The proposal is an exciting opportunity to save one of the most unique rail trips in the country, OETT chair Murray Schofield says.

“Taieri Gorge Railway is an Otago treasure, and a new community-based model is being proposed so it can operate successfully in a post-pandemic world. This model combines knowledge from OETT – the founder of Dunedin Railways – and Glenbrook.”

Despite the distance between the two groups, the partnership is a natural fit, Mr Schofield says.

“GVR has much in common with Dunedin Railways. In terms of scale, it is the next-largest heritage rail operator and brings mainline knowledge and business expertise. Like Dunedin Railways, it has its own branch line, maintains a large vehicle fleet, and operates regular long-distance excursions.

“We are incredibly excited to have Glenbrook involved in this effort to preserve the operation.

“Train travel through the Taieri Gorge is an experience that has brought people from across the world to our city, and we cannot afford to lose it. Once it is gone, it is gone forever.”

Under the proposal, OETT and Dunedin City Council would retain ownership of Dunedin Railways assets and would contract out the “above-rail” services to an entity formed by the OETT and GVR, allowing it to carry on running the great rail journeys and trips that have been so popular under Dunedin Railways.

Glenbrook Vintage Railway general manager Tim Kerwin says it is an exciting prospect.

“This is an opportunity to retain one of New Zealand's longest privately owned rail lines that runs through some of our country’s most spectacular scenery.

“This is only the beginning. A lot more work must be done but it is a privilege to be involved in helping to save this one-of-kind Kiwi experience and keep it here for future generations to enjoy.”

The focus will now turn to establishing the proposal’s framework and legal requirements. OETT has commissioned consultancy firm Linqage International to prepare a business case and the joint bid to operate Dunedin Railways will be put to the Dunedin City Council in the next couple of months.

Further details will be shared as work progresses.

Photo 📸 Courtney Kilner

We regretfully acknowledge the passing of Gordon Pagel, who was a long serving volunteer with his wife Maisie.

A service to celebrate his life is being held at Gillions tomorrow (Thursday, 19 Jan) at 10.30am.

Gordon was a long time salaried division railwayman doing his 40 years which he completed in the early 1980's.

Maisie passed away before Gordon, but they will be remembered as a friendly and approachable couple both on and off the train.

Two of our Executive members Grant and Courtney are out at the "meet the candidates" event in Mosgiel tonight. Now is the time to have our voices heard, and see where our potential council stand on retaining the railway!

Make sure you are heard at the pre-election public meetings. Ask the question, where do you stand in regards to Dunedin Railways?

Tourist railway a matter of urgency It has now been more than two years since Dunedin Railways has gone into hibernation, the world is changing and normality is returning. With the...

Dorothy Luskie, a long time (very long time!) supporter of the OETT passed away on Friday 8 July. Dorothy came from a railway family so had railways in her blood and was a regular on our trains from the early days. Our condolences go out to her family.

Long time member and for many years joint appointed member of the Taieri Gorge Railway (and Dunedin Railways) Board. Stan had a steadying hand in his dealings on the board and gave advice freely on the political aspects of running the railway. A supporter of the OETT and he will be sorely missed.

Stan Rodger obituary: Lifetime 'political animal' made long-lasting changes Obituary of Stanley Joseph Rodger, politician. Stan Rodger, former Cabinet minister, was central to the Labour Party in Dunedin. Generations of local...

Our submission to the finance committee on May 10th. Putting our case forward for retention and starting up of Dunedin Railways. From 5:40 in 🚂

Committee Meetings - 10 May 2022 Coverage of the Dunedin City Council Committee meetings (Finance and Council Controlled Organisations Committee / Economic Development Committee) held on Tue...

Time to start investing in preparation for the influx of tourists!

Cruise ships set to return Cruise ships will be sailing back into Otago’s waters this summer. Yesterday, during the Government’s border reopening announcement, Prime Minister...

DCC to decide rail fate Dunedin Railways could be restored to a full service ready for international tourists next summer, if city councillors get on board. However,...

$10m would keep Taieri Gorge line going: trust About $10 million across 10 years should be enough money for upkeep of the full Taieri Gorge railway line, Otago Excursion Train Trust chairman...

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

Lest we forget

Time to support local! We're sure tickets will be snapped up so get in quick 🚂

✨ We are pleased to announce that The Victorian is making tracks again!

Be transported from Dunedin to the quaint town of Oamaru. Explore Steampunk HQ and experience the Victorian side of the boutique town.

📅 This trip runs on Sunday the 24th of April, so get your tickets today to ensure you and your crew can make the trip!

More information and tickets on https://www.dunedinrailways.co.nz/journeys/the-victorian-journey

It's been a year since our trip to Oamaru- were you there? 🚂

❤❤ Happy Valentines Day everyone. ❤❤

We hope someone special will spoil you rotten today.

The Otago Excursion Train Trust's Ronald McDonald House Charities New Zealand annual fundraiser excursion at Hindon - November 2016.

View from the banker loco, Ronald McDonald House Charities New Zealand fundraiser, near Little Mt Allan, November 2017.

These fundraising trips were super popular and enjoyed by thousands over the years we operated them.

📸 Benjamin Paul Jeffery

An interesting read today on newsroom.co.nz - on the views of passenger trains.

https://www.newsroom.co.nz/pro/last-train-standing-we-cant-ride-trains-that-arent-running?fbclid=IwAR3NuGBbZsK2CLhqKtU_QZajkSR4tHXsMje7KvUeR20ssXnRnxeUh3NIs4Y

Last train standing: 'We can’t ride trains that aren’t running' With KiwiRail's decision to 'pause' the country's last remaining long-distance passenger routes, NZ's plans to reduce transport emissions are deeply compromised.

Who remembers with the Kingston Flyer Steam Train came to town in 1982?

Ab 795 returning with an excursion from Balclutha, early Feb 1982 in tow with the Otago Excursion Train Trust 's carriage stock.

📸 Benjamin Paul Jeffery (Taken on a 126 Instamatic - sorry about the low-res).

A Barndance train crossing Taioma (Wingatui) Viaduct, late November 1991.

Barndance trains were excellent fundraising ventures done by the Otago Excursion Train Trust in the early days. I wonder if we can do them again some day?

📸Benjamin Paul Jeffery

Congratulations and good work Glenbrook Vintage Railway on your successful mainline wine & dine express that was held last weekend on Saturday. Great to see heritage wooden carriages out on the mainline.🚂

https://youtu.be/froJJAGIgNg

Glenbrook Vintage Railway Wine and Dine excursion Waiuku to Te Kuiti

Ja 1271 on her post restoration tour, using a mixture of Steam Incorporated and Otago Excursion Train Trust carriages passing Waihola. 24 October 1997.

It would be great to work with Steam Incorporated again in the future.

📸Benjamin Paul Jeffery

The Otago Excursion Train Trust over the years has been far and wide over New Zealand. No exception is Southland.

The 'Southland Explorer' at Otatutau, bound for Ohai. This station building, as I'm sure you know, is now at Fairlight.

The second photo is the 'Southland Explorer' in the main street of Ohai, while passengers partook of a classic Kiwi BBQ laid on outside the local pub. A real classic kiwi excursion feel to that trip. 3 11 1990.

📸 Paul Jeffery

Our Deputy Chair meet with Channel 39 today to update our progress… we were the leading story.

Small edit we will be meeting with Dunedin City Council in the coming week to discuss future options, not Monday next week.

After we meet with council, we will have a better understanding what they intend to do. Which we will share with you all once we can.

http://www.channel39.co.nz/content/south-today-wednesday-26-january-2022?width=640px&height=450px&inline=true -inline-1512477439

The South Today Wednesday 26 January 2022 The South Today Wednesday 26 January 2022

📣 📰** 𝗛𝗢𝗧 𝗢𝗙𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗦 **📰📣

The Otago Excursion Train Trust members and trustees are ecstatic with the outcome, that the heritage assets of Dunedin Railways are not being sold off and work can now progress on ensuring a fortunate future is attained for the assets for the people of Otago.

The withdrawal of the Request for Proposals (RFP) from Dunedin City Holdings is an appropriate response taking into the account the public outcry of the railway and its history and that Dunedin City Holdings and Councillors are looking at alternative options that will benefit and further involve our community.

The Otago Excursion Train Trust put forward a business proposal to the Dunedin City Council in November 2021 to operate and manage the assets for Dunedin City Council in place of Dunedin Venues Management Limited.

The Otago Excursion Train Trust, trustees look forward to working with Dunedin City Council / Dunedin City Holdings in the coming weeks to ensure we have a good outcome for the assets, until a long-term option is attained.



https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/dunedin-railways-backtracks-asset-sale

Dunedin Railways backtracks on asset sale A sell-off of Dunedin rail heritage assets has come to a screeching halt. Dunedin Railways Ltd announced today it was withdrawing its request for...

📣** NEWS FLASH **📣

DCHL have advised the media today at 5pm that they are withdrawing the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the sale of assets (carriages and locomotives). More details will be in the Otago Daily Times tomorrow.

📸 Benjamin Paul Jeffery

The Taieri Gorge and assets of Dunedin Railways have a good formula (if kept together) of:

• Authentic stories
• The history is real and immersible
• Exclusive breathtaking scenery

It’s not just a train ride.

It’s an experience no one else in New Zealand can copy.

The historic carriages assist in telling the stories, assist in highlighting the history.

They immerse the customer into something they don’t have to imagine - they experience it for real.

Makes it a dream to get close to the scenery with open air balconies and all in all, they are simply unique drawcard for the City of Dunedin.



https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/heritage-carriages-seen-drawcard

Heritage carriages seen as drawcard Selling off heritage assets could limit the potential of Dunedin rail when tourism rebounds, a restoration enthusiast fears. Before Covid-19,...

The Otago Excursion Train Trust - Seen here with Steam Incorporated’s Ka945 on tour over the South Island on the Crunchie Train Tour in 1995.

The excursion went from Invercargill to Picton and over to Greymouth with the Otago Excursion Train Trust’s carriages in tow.

📸 Reid McNaught Collection

𝗪𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝗼 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗳𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻, 𝘄𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁! We want to hear from anyone who has a memory, has donated their time or goods to the railway or just wants to support the saving of these assets.

We have been asked countless times “how can I assist in supporting the OETT”? Here are five ways you can assist us with support:

👍 - like and share our posts far and wide, and invite people in our community to follow our page for updates on the progress.

💬 - you can Facebook message us and we can save them and pass them on to Council.

📧 - Email, you can email us at 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆@𝗼𝗲𝘁𝘁.𝗻𝘇, where our Secretary will compile and pass on to Council.

📬 - Post, you can write your letter to PO Box 2269
South Dunedin, 9044, New Zealand, again where we will compile the letters of support and pass on to council.

📝 - put pen to paper and engage with your local councillor.

𝗪𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁.

📸 The photo is something we hope to envisage as a future for these heritage assets. Being admired by passengers prior to boarding in Middlemarch after their efforts along the Otago Central Rail Trail