Glenbrook Vintage Railway

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Glenbrook Vintage Railway (GVR) is a steam railway in Glenbrook, New Zealand. It is not a museum as such, but rather a fully self-supporting, operating steam railway, built almost entirely by volunteer labour. It is an ongoing project, with items being collected and restored or replicated as time, labour and finance permit.

The GVR is run by a Trust Board, comprising three trustees elected and appointed from the Railway Enthusiasts Society membership. The Board appoints a General Manager who is responsible for the day to day operation of the GVR. The 6 km long railway carries up to 30,000 passengers during the normal-operating season which is from October-to-June each year and is also available for charter throughout the year.

The Railway is staffed and maintained by volunteers and RES membership provides automatic access to all activities as a volunteer. Special Events are often held, such as "Friends of Thomas" (the tank engine) weekends and Country and Western days.

1 History
2 Locomotives
- 2.1 Steam
- 2.2 Diesel
3 External links

[edit] History

The GVR is based on part of the old NZR Waiuku branch line which opened in 1922 and closed in 1967. Construction of the GVR began in 1970 and in 1977 the railway opened between Glenbrook and Pukeoware. In 1986 an extension was completed to Fernleigh the current terminus, 6 km from Glenbrook.

[edit] Locomotives

[edit] Steam

The GVR steam roster currently comprises:

No. 1 (Ex-NZR W^W 480) - operational
J^A 1250 "Diana" (Ex-NZR) owned by Phil Goldman - operational
W^W 644 (GVR No. 2) - overhaul to date; All new parts have been received & reassembly of the locomotive has commenced
No. 4 (Ex-Taupo Totara Timber Co. Mallet No. 7) - out of service awaiting overhaul
A^B 832 (Ex-NZR) - awaiting restoration.
F 233 (Ex-NZR) - awaiting restoration.