Stream train gives Northlanders blast from the past

Steam train JA1275 pulls out of Whangarei Station heading to Portland. Photo/Tania Whyte

The toots of a steam train have once again filled the air through Whangarei over Easter Weekend.

Hundreds of people have already taken the chance to enjoy a ride along the historic Portland to Kauri rail track in carriages hauled by steam engine JA1275.

The trips all left from the Whangarei train station, either heading to Kauri and back or heading to Portland and back.

Four trips - two each way ran on Good Friday and Saturday. Yesterday was an invite-only day for children.

Heritage New Zealand Northland manager Bill Edwards recorded a historical commentary which played as the train passed through areas of significance.

After a ride to Portland and back, the children enjoyed a carnival day at Whangarei Station which included a sausage sizzle and Easter eggs.

Three trips are scheduled for today , the first leaves Whangarei for Kauri at 10.30am. A trip to Portland leaves at 12.20pm followed by a trip to Kauri at 1.40pm.

JA1275 arrived in Wellington onboard ship MV Cumberland from Glasgow, Scotland in 1952.

It was commissioned four months later and based in Auckland running services north to Whangarei and Otiria and south to Taumarunui, Paeroa and Rotorua.

Ja1275 was retired in March 1968 and was purchased by Les Hostick.

It was put into storage at Te Awamutu Railway Museum until 1994 when it was leased to Mainline Steam, where it had an overhaul and returned to service in October 2004.