Chuff 'n' stuff

Nearly 19 years since the Railway Enthusiasts Society ran the last passenger train to Dargaville from Auckland, a precious steam locomotive is heading north on the mainline.

The start from Glenbrook is an early one on Saturday at 7.10 am - but passengers can join the journey at Papakura, Remuera, Newmarket and Henderson.

Photo stops and a trackside picnic lunch are planned, and the hard hill work is taken over by a vintage diesel locomotive at Waiotira. Arrival in Dargaville is scheduled for 7 pm.

There are daily excursion options, or a weekend travel and accommodation package.

Contact: Ph (09) 636 9361 (9 am to noon).

www.railfan.org.nz