Ja1250 "Diana"

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J^A 1250, also known as Diana, is a New Zealand J^A class 4-8-2 steam tender locomotive locomotive owned by Phil Goldman. Currently she is operated by the Railway Enthusiasts Society and maintained by the Glenbrook Vintage Railway.

[edit] History

J^A 1250 was built in 1949 at Hillside Workshops. Phil Goldman purchased her from New Zealand Rail. Ted Pointon became the GVR’s key mechanical person leading the team restoring her.

[edit] Excursions

She is used twice a year as part of Glenbrook Vintage Railway's Thomas the Tank Engine Day and also operates on some mainline excusrions. In 2006 Diana will be hauling scheduled passenger services, after a 35-year break.

In November 1969, on the last day of scheduled steam operations, she double headed (with J 1234) an excursion from Dunedin to Palmerston and back. During this trip funds were raised to assist with the preservation of J^A 1274.

In February 1992, J 1234, K^A 945, J^A 1250, DA 1431 and F 163 hauled passenger trains operated in connection with the 2nd BP Pan Pacific Car Rally at Palmerston North.