Friday Night Steam

We're off to......... New Zealand!

                                                  

Our Story - History, Memories and People

Early days of Steam and Gold 1878

The fascinating story of the beginnings of rail travel is told through the early trains and lines created by pioneers and visionaries embarking on an industrial adventure. During the 19th century the steam locomotive was the first great technical creation of man and the foundation of a new era.
As soon as gold was discovered in the Wakatipu district in 1862 the need to connect the district to the shipping ports of Dunedin and Invercargill by steamships and steam trains became apparent. The railway line at last reached Kingston on July 10, 1878 and a public holiday was declared by Queenstown Borough and Lake County Councils.

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The "Flyer" in service - 1890's to 1950's

The first passenger train servicing the track between Gore and Kingston consisted of five carriages pulled by an American Locomotive. This train reached speeds of up to 60 km per hour and so became known as "The Flyer".
"The Flyer" serviced Kingston-Gore on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and Kingston-Invercargill on Tuesdays and FThursdays from the 1890's. During peak holiday periods she also carried passengers from Dunedin to Kingston to meet up with Lake Wakatipu steamboats connecting with the popular holiday destination of Queenstown.
The service was replaced by buses and passenger numbers declined through the 1950's. The final Kingston Flyer operated during the Easter holiday of 1957. Trains continued to run on the Waimea Plains Railway until 31 March 1971.

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Heritage Service 1971-2012

The New Zealand Government came up with a plan to save the historic steam train and funded the restoration in 1971.
The atmosphere of the 1920's was retained. Five passenger cars prepared for the train included a 'birdcage" car, a saloon car fitted with a buffet counter for alcoholic and soft drinks, and a car van with old style first class seats. Polished brass and steel work, white painted wheels, red fluted side rods, and glossy black paintwork constituted the decor of the two Ab class steam locomotives.
The Kingston Flyer heritage service between Kingston and Lumsden and continued until 1979. Today the service covers a 14km stretch of track between Kingston and Fairlight. The rails are the originals laid in 1878 but many of the 19,360 sleepers have been replaced over time.                                                                                                                                                                                        

The Kingston Flyer continues to thrill and entertainer passengers twice daily in the summer months. It is also used frequently in the production of movies and commercials taking advantage of the unique landscape and authentic vintage steam locomotives and carriages.

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The Trains Drivers Story - Russell Glendinning

Much of the credit was given to Russell Glendinning for the saving and restoring of the Kingston Flyer back in the 1970's. This was acknowledged when he received an MBE in 1975 New Year Honours.
Russell has literally been the driving force and the face of The Kingston Flyer for over 40 years. His career began at the age of 14 in Dunedin. The year was 1953. His apprenticeship took 7 years and in 1964 he became a First Class Driver and in 1969 a Special Class Driver.
Russell's passion and energy continues to this day he still occasionally drives the train, shines the brass and can be seen regularly out maintaining the track.
Click here to view video footage from the NZ Archives 1975

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The New Owner 2011 - David Bryce

The company that previously owned the Kingston Flyer ran into financial difficulties and in 2009 went into receivership, The Kingston Flyer was potentially going to be left to rust or worse still pass to foreign owners and never be seen again in the Southern Lakes District.
It was all thanks to one man that it remains to this day. David Bryce saw an ad on trademe, New Zealand's popular classified and auction web site, and felt inspired to "Save the Kingston Flyer".
This impulsive gesture has resulted in a passionate project for the entire Bryce family. Without their energy and commitment this great New Zealand icon would not be seen puffing and blowing steam as it has been for more than a century.
Congratulations David. You've done a great job!!