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MikeRail UHD Volume 12 (Standard Version) is a chronicle of three early morning mid winter starts of 1203 and three evening returns to Palmerston North station of 1206.
I had just got my first DV vidcam during a visit to Palmerston North in 2002. I have used a Capital Connection clip I found I made of Dc4070 & Dft7282 departing Palmerston North on Monday 14 January with 1203 in Trans Metro livery. I have used this clip to open the 3 day project of the July 2023 passenger car changeover.
Back to 2023, conditions before sunrise and after sunset were cold with wind chill, some rain showers, very dark as expected in late July, and no moon to help out either. It was a constant struggle to get good quality video, but the sound track helps to keep it interesting.
The six trips to the station added up to over 13 hours in which I got approximately 2 1/2 hours of video which is edited down too approximately 93 minutes in this short play version.
One highlight for me was on the second day at sunrise. By the time B-05 train departed we were in dull daylight with the bright now regular red sunrise's still being caused by the massive Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcanic blast over a year and half ago. It was quite unusual colour for mid winter.
I would like to add my thanks to Andrew Hamblyn for the use of his CC onboard staff photograph of the last S car run now included in the video , also Blair Jordan, Jack Still, John Bovis, Morgz Tukariri and Warren Reeves for their input, helping my planning this video.
It is a good time also to acknowledge all the Capital Connection staff over the decades, Central Governments, Local Councils along the route and also all the other Railways technical services who have kept the Capital Connection running over the years.
I was pleased to be at the station extra early for the whakamānawa (blessing) of the first run with the new SR cars. KiwiRail and Te Kupenga Mahi staff were joined by Rangitāne Iwi, Palmerston North MP Tangi Utikere, City and regional council members who have all played their part in helping update this Manawatu to Wellington service.
By the way there are a few night trains seldom seen in the dark hours making their way through the station area in the evening and running up to sunrise, although low quality they are included in the video as I seldom video in the night hours.
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This volume is made from 141,820 pictures played at 25 per second. Thanks for watching and if you enjoyed this video please click the "Like" and "Subscribe" buttons.....
For Further information email me at the address in the end credits. Regards Mike