Go to FacebookThe 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. Member groups meet in most cities where talks, films, and other activities can be enjoyed. Read more–>
The Board has decided on the following modification to our existing Covid-19 policy. This relates to visits by NZRLS members to the Ava archive and office.
In view of the changed intensity of the Covid-19 pandemic in the Wellington region our archive and office at the Thomas McGavin Building at Ava is open to Members subject to the wearing of a good quality mask during their visit.
Do not come to Ava if you are ill, or are feeling ill.
This decision will be reviewed as necessary to follow government public health notices. We may alter conditions or availability of access to our building to follow official advice. Please check the Latest News section of the NZRLS website for any updates on access to Ava.
If you would like to drop off something or wish to pop in to pick up a book at Ava, you will be very welcome, but it will be appreciated if you make an appointment by phone prior to you visit to ensure we will be on site.
Our apologies to anyone inconvenienced by our policy; we are seeking to maximise safe access to our facilities subject to reasonable health precautions.
Bruce Taylor, Secretary
4 May 2022
Here is a fresh account of life on the job. Most crew stories have been written from the front of the train, but the guard at the back of the train had a completely different view of the world and the things that occurred on the railway. Norman Junge was a guard on the Midland Line from 1947 to 1957, a period of busy train running and frequent challenges in “getting trains through”.
Join Norman for an exceptionally interesting adventure covering mixed trains, work trains, picnic trains, shunting challenges, lost drawgear, fires, washouts, runaways, derailments and of course interfaces with fellow railwaymen.
This is a fascinating and easy read with much new information to interest the reader. Many of the accounts are illustrated with photographs taken by the author while on the job and supplemented by others.
A4 portrait format, 80 black and white photographs, tables, map, 128 pages, soft-bound.
Members: NZ $37.00, Aus $52.00 and RoW $67.00
Retail: NZ$47.00, Aus $62.00 and RoW $77.00
