Tram and jigger return to vintage weekend

The No 12 tram will be returning to Vintage Weekend. PHOTO/FILE

Whanganui's historical No 12 tram will be adding its particular charm to the Vintage Weekend.

The tram, affectionately known as Mabel, was one of a fleet of trams that ran regularly in Whanganui in the early 1900s. It was recently restored and is brought out for special occasions.

The tram received some damage during the June 2015 floods and had to be sent to Palmerston North for repairs. Kritzo Venter, chairman of the Whanganui Tramways Trust, said the tram began running again just before Christmas.

"We are pleased to say it will be running again this weekend," Mr Venter said.

The tram will be open for public rides on January 20, 7pm-9pm; January 21, 2pm-4.30pm and 7.30pm-9.30pm; and January 23 1.30pm-4.30pm. On January 22 the tram will be open as a stationary display only during the Riverside Festival.

Also part of Vintage Weekend will be Steam Rail Wanganui, with their vintage motor trolley.

They will be offering jigger rides to the public from their headquarters at the Taupo Quay railway yard this Sunday and Monday. The cost is $2 per ride.

The jigger was used by railway workers to travel easily along the tracks, and is a regular at the Vintage Weekend.

Mark Seconi from Steam Rail Wanganui said riding on a jigger was "great fun".

"If you've never ridden along the railway lines in Whanganui before this is a good opportunity to do so," Mr Seconi said.