Pahiatua Railcar Society vice president and operations manager Doug Johnston (left) and president Tristan Smiley in front of Silver Fern RM 30 after a day of TLC.
Pahiatua Railcar Society vice president and operations manager Doug Johnston (left) and president Tristan Smiley in front of Silver Fern RM 30 after a day of TLC.
Why is it that some of the most fascinating collections are often found in small rural townships?
Pahiatua, a quiet settlement nestled between Masterton and Woodville on State Highway 2, is a perfect example.
Just on the outskirts of this charming town lies The Pahiatua Railcar Society.
Establishedin 1991, the society is made up of dedicated volunteers with a shared passion for preserving New Zealand’s unique railcar heritage.
Based at the historic Pahiatua Railway Station, the society is part of a select group of railway museums in the country that are fortunate to have both a heritage railway station and access to the main rail line.
This rare combination allows them not only to restore and display classic railcars but also to operate them on the national network, bringing history to life for future generations.
A group of 12-14 enthusiasts give up their Sunday morning sleep-ins to dedicate their time to working on these wonderful railcars of the past.
Many travel from outside the district to fuel their passion for keeping railway history alive and on the rails.
Not to be forgotten are the 120 or so supporters across New Zealand and Australia whose financial assistance allows the society to continue working on its projects.
Presently being restored are Silver Fern Railcar RM24, one of three Silver Ferns the society owns, and the Drewry Twinset Railcar RM121.
Rebuilding the twinset railcar has been a major, as well as expensive, undertaking.
Doug Johnston, vice-president and operations manager of the Pahiatua Railcar Society, has been with the society since 2000.
He said the restoration was worth it.
“It may have been cheaper to have it sitting as a museum piece with just cosmetic work completed and no operational connections, but where is the satisfaction in that, especially in the long term?”
Tristan Smiley, president of the Pahiatua Railcar Society, agreed.
“It’s the most significant heritage railway vehicle restoration, as it’s literally the only one left.”
While the Drewry Twinset Railcar has basically been a full structural rebuild, many of the other railcars are just pulled apart and rebuilt.
Engines and transmissions have all been sourced from the United Kingdom to replace the original equipment, long since disposed of.
Standard railcar RM31 during one of the many Inglewood shuttles from New Plymouth during Labour Weekend. Photo / Doug Johnston
Restorations and rebuilds are a labour of love for these volunteers, with some taking years to complete.
In fact, Drewry Twinset was due to be completed in 2008; this was moved out to 2017 and continues to be extended in five-year increments.
On top of that, there are 88 swivel seats (44 pairs) to be restored.
One of the society’s dedicated workers, Ray Deerness, an ex-Eastown Railway Workshops employee, was the lucky volunteer to be given this job.
When finished, passengers will be able to enjoy the view no matter which way they are facing.
As the only surviving example in New Zealand, this project stands out from an ordinary restoration because of the rebuild challenges, the need for mechanical engineering changes, and the task of sourcing all the missing parts.
With ageing members and long timelines, there’s a strong push to complete these restorations soon.
The former Wellington to Auckland express, Silver Fern Railcars, is one example.
Once they are restored and certified, they will be back on track, offering regular excursions and charters.
Passenger saloon Silver Fern railcar RM 30 No 2 Car Saloon. Photo / Doug Johnston
This is a sure way to provide vital income, which will allow for future restorations.
One of the most interesting railcars that the society has, and the only one left in the country, is RM5, a Wairarapa class railcar, complete with stunning leadlight windows.
It once ran on the Wairarapa–Wellington line, taking the famous route over the old Rimutaka Incline.
