On tour

I've been out and about this weekend, as I had to travel to Kaikoura for a work meeting (outside my normal job, so actually interesting). Again, I had access to 'train control' for live updates as to what was going on. Unfortunately I reported my original leaving time incorrectly, as so started receiving messages while I was still the wrong side of Havelock.

Thanks to the wonders of modern technology we can get an insite into the directed train chasing process.

'700/701 running, 734 heading north through Kaik about 1300, crossing 701 Parikawa. 700 due through Kaik about 10:00.'

'Both trains have their GPS switched on so should be able to give updates as required.'

'700 in Seddon'

'700 in Blenheim'

'700 Tuamarina, 734 Parnassus'

It was about this point I was able to reply. 'In Blenheim buying beer' ( In my defence I would point out that the Springlands fresh choice has possibly the best selection of beer in the south island. A pity its been sold to new owners).

Another slight technical hitch with this process is that when one receives a text message, one must pull off to the side of the road to read it, unless one has a left seat navigator type chappy. Thus I ignored these messages until I was actually in Blenheim. It seemed rather pointless to know the location of a train if one was 40km away from the railway line itself. I also feared getting stuck behind a camper van full of tourists on the hills. There is no worse road in the country to be stuck behind a camper van....

Back to the main story. Having missed the northbound express, the only other thing running was 734 heading towards me. I figured I'd meet it somewhere north of Kaikoura, but was not quite sure where. I then just headed south hoping to find a spot with a wee bit of planning.

'734 Oaro'

Hmmm, time to get out the map, where the hell is Oaru?
OK, way south of kaikoura, should be fine.

'701 away from Picton, 734 Kaikoura'.

At this point I'm between being actually able to see the railway line, and am starting to wonder if its all going to go pear shaped.

"701 Spring creek , 734 Hapuku crossing looks to be at Parikawa south of Clarence, and I'm off out for an hour...'

WTF? And where the hell is Hapuku? Ahh at least its on the map...
Hang on, Parikawa is north of Clarence. Does the Kiwirail map match the one sitting on the passenger seat?

Ok, so after all that, the most essential message was the first one...

Eventually I get to Parikawa, which is a nice circle on the map, but has no built up area of any sort. I still think they should hang cartographers. I continue driving south until I spot a likely spot for a picture. this involves driving down a farmers track with no space to turn round.

Since its by a stream there are some mounds of earth to stand on to get the standard 3/4 front on shot
Not a great shot. I guess that the 'gun' photographers have those sub machine cameras taking 10 shots a second, and they get to pick the shot with every thing composed right. I can't even see the screen on a bright day.

However, since I'm trying to start a trend, here's my signature 'going away shot'. Remember you saw it here first.


(I am starting to wonder however, why Kiwirail drivers have the need for 2 home distilling units next to the locos?)


Unfortunately I don't think that the 'pictures of the FRED'will take off.

So after the train chasing for the day, and with nothing else to try to catch, I had to do a couple of hours work, oh and eat a crayfish dinner. Bugger...

Next morning on the way home.

'The view from the front of the YHA'

North end of Kaikoura yard. It sort of made sense at the time....