Rail heritage group SteamRail Wanganui is planning another of its popular round-the-mountain train excursions later in this year. "These trips have proved very popular in the past and we would like to offer locals another chance to see some of the great scenery virtually on our doorstep," SteamRail project manager WarrenPalmer said last night. "Of all the excursions we have run in recent years, this one has proved to be the best received by the public." The Saturday August 26 diesel-hauled excursion using the Capital Connection train set, will travel from Wanganui to Stratford, then through the rugged Taranaki back country on the Okahukura line to Taumarunui, up the famous Raurimu Spiral, across the impressive Main Trunk viaducts to Marton, then back to Wanganui. Planning for the excursion is still in its early stages and SteamRail is keen to receive feedback from the public. "I invite people to contact me (344 4430 evenings) if they are interested in coming so we can get an idea of numbers," Mr Palmer said.
