The West Coast, then...

As well as the modern trains that still seem to run with astonishing frequency (and there is talk of even more coal being shifted in the next few years), there are also plenty of historical sites to visit on the coast. possibly moreso than any other region in the country.

First up on our way south was the last surviving single Fairlie in the southern hemisphere, R28.


Its now under cover and at least has a fence around it, but its still only a matter of time before it rusts away to nothing. Surprisingly enough, there is a mention on the information board of the ferrymead railways failure to secure it for proper preservation.

Next stop on the list was Brunner. The site has been reclaimed from the bush, and features a large suspension bridge.


Also present is the standard West coast historical railway site marker, a Q wagon. in this case a Q5. This photo was taken by the lady of the house (I am told I have to point this out).


Further south and the next stop was the Greymouth waterfront. Most of this area has been 'improved' with a flood protection wall/walkway but there are still some areas left further towards the river mouth.
This appears to be part of an old loading bank.

2 of the old coaling cranes still in place.


Again a collection of old Q class hopper wagons, in this case a Q4.


A pair of Q 11's.

A rusty La and another pair of Q11's completes the ensemble.


The wharf can be viewed (from a distance) from the other side of the river. its not a great view though.

While I didn't take any pictures, the railway station yard has been replaced by a Subway and several large shed retailers, and all that is left is a single track by the platform.

Further south at Elmer lane all that is really left of the large loco depot is the turntable. The roundhouse is behind the camera to the right, and is only marked by a outline of earth banks.


I didn't stop at Shanty town.

Traveling north a few days later and a stop at Stillwater gave a rake of Yd's. not that much to report but they are over 50 years old.


Moana station I commented on yesterday, but here is a shot sans trains. It is a very pretty location.

Further up the valley to Otira and again while the split level yard is largely intact, the old electric loco depot is no more.


Next stop on the tiki tour is Westport. The find here at the local preservation society was an L5 ex an O class hopper wagon. These were the original wagons used to move coal until replaced by the Q class starting in 1898. The building wasn't open for me to inspect


Last on the list is Deniston. this site has been tidied up quite a bit in the last few years. The top of the brake head has a collection of Q wagons again (incuding a Q1 about to go over the edge just out of shot).


Looking down the incline you can just make out middle brake. This is now off limits but I have walked in to the area 20 years ago.

So, other areas that I attempted to visit.
Rewanui is owned by Solid energy and there are big gates at Dunollie at the foot of the incline.
(UPDATE: wrong, see the comments section)
The old station yard there is used as the main site office. Rapahoe is hidden behind large piles of coal on the side of the road. Ngakawau is again behind locked gates.

The other thing that I noticed is that everthing railwaywise on the coast isn't really that far from each other (ie its much smaller than I thought). Dobson, Brunner and Stillwater are right next to each other, as are Rununga, Rapahoe and Dunollie. Its only 40 odd Km further down to Hokitika and about the same to Ross. Even heading back up to Reefton is only a short jaunt. Westport and Otira are 100Km or so from Greymouth as well.