The Society was formed in 1944 by enthusiasts interested in the then New Zealand Railways. Membership is open to all with an interest in the New Zealand Railway system both old and new. Members can join a magazine and photo distribution group. Member groups meet in most citys where talks, films and other activities can be enjoyed. We are active in restoring locomotives and rolling stock which we own.
THE KAIKOURA JOB
REBUILDING KIWIRAIL’S
MAIN NORTH LINE
Available in November
The magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck the Kaikoura region on 14 November 2016 caused the most devastation to the rail and highway network known in New Zealand in modern times.
The transport corridor along the Kaikoura coast was largely destroyed.
To rebuild this critical lifeline speedily, the North Canterbury Transport Infrastructure Recovery alliance was set up. Rob Merrifield delivers an in-depth account of the devastation, including personal stories written by those in the thick of the shaking. Also covered is the science behind the earthquake, the clearing of slips, rebuilding railway track, fixing tunnels, repairing, demolishing or rebuilding bridges, assisting the highway rebuild, and re-opening of the line. Included is a brief history of the origins and building of the line. This work is well illustrated w stunning images.
A4 portrait format, 22 black and white and 97 colour illustrations,
4 maps, 134 pages, card covers. Posted free to your door.
$44 posted free to your door.
NZRLS Member price $34.00
As New Zealand Railways pushed the rail network about New Zealand, opening up new country for development. a challenge presented itself to house railwaymen in country areas where infrastructure didn’t exist or was newly formed.
Railways only alternative was to construct houses for their employees. Initially part of the Public Works Department responsibilities, eventually an Architectural Branch within New Zealand Railways was formed under George Troup.
This development lead to new designs of railway houses, a design that was to become symbolic in the New Zealand landscape. To manufacture these houses, Railways set up a sawmill and special factory in Frankton, kit-setting houses, delivering them by rail as parts packs and ultimately erecting them about the country. As well as far-flung reaches of the railway system, Railways ended up developing “model” railway settlements at places as diverse as Otahuhu, Newmarket, Frankton, TeKuiti, Taumarunui, Ohakune, Taihape, Palmerston North, Napier, Eastown, Kaiwharawhara, Christchurch, Arthur’s Pass, Otira, Dunedin and other places around the country.
These houses were supplemented in later years by newer designs. This book covers the housing scheme. sawmill and house factory, the railway settlements, the maintenance programme, the house numbering system, and as a railwayman, what it was like living in a railway house. The book closes with Government‘s exit from railway house ownership in the 1990s and a chapter on the railway house survivors that have been lovingly restored by current owners. Complementing the text is a lavish selection of black and white and colour images from the era and current day. Railway houses and the nearby railway environment where they were located are extensively featured
Fullscap landscape format, 72 black and white photographs, 84 colour photographs, 16 blueprints and settlement diagrams, 142 pages, hard bound.
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