NZ Railways, Taihape, views of the town and loco depot 1966

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8 жыл бұрын

Taihape township, servicing steam engines at the locomotive depot and steam hauled trains there, mostly Ka's. Also views from the cabs of Ka's north of Taihape including crossing the Hepuawhenua viaduct. From 8mm footage around 1966.

Пікірлер: 85

@laurabennett9649 7 жыл бұрын

Better show this to my old man. Train Driver based in Taihape late 50's to early 60's. He lived in the compound there and met my future mum who worked in the Taihape Railway Station Refreshment rooms ! Then moved to Palmerston North and eventually retired in 1985. Let me drive a Da through the yards in Palmerston North one Sunday sitting on his knee! I love the old Ka's...something about them. Rail in NZ now is a rusty relic of what it once was... much like Taihape is now a fading skeleton of a town on a busy highway. I also have cousins who worked on the rail in Taihape for the last three generations,

@kelnepe1596 4 жыл бұрын

My koro was driving in the 60s aswel..he would of loved tp have watched this.

@petermooyman1422 3 жыл бұрын

Are you related to the Bennett and Banks family. My wife’s grandfather drove KAs out of Taihape, Clark

@raewyncormack2461 2 жыл бұрын

My dad was a guard in 1965 for a few years, there was a derailment where dad was trapped in the guards van for about 3hours before they cut him out, he was injured and put off the track , he went to train control after that until his transfer to Gisborne , back in the day , my sister worked in the goods shed in Taihape also about 67 , my dad is Jim Cormack and sister Lynne she often played her guitar at work for everyone , I miss my sister and dad terribly but remember these awesome days living in Taihape just fabulous 💜

@raewyncormack2461 2 жыл бұрын

@@kelnepe1596 I regonise your surname I think your Koro and my dad where friends, dad would have his friends over with guitars and crates of beers ,flagons I think, he would also buy the beers for his Maori freinds as as in those days Maori were not allowed in the pub and it was 6pm closing, everybody would come to ours for a party ,I just loved those days not like that in our country anymore

@markcarey8426 7 жыл бұрын

Terrific. I was there, a boy of 14-15. Lived near the loco sheds, loved those trains and steam locos. My brother and I and mates used to swing that turntable round and round as fast as we could until we got yelled at and had to scarper. Thanks for posting.

@Tom-Lahaye Ай бұрын

I'm not born or living in NZ, but visited the country twice in the 21th century. As a train enthusiast I ended up visiting many musea and trusts preserving NZ rail heritage and fell in love with the NZR. When I departed home after my first visit 4 S scale locomotive kits were in my luggage, and a couple more ended up being sent by mail, a number of wagons were also included. The whole scene of railway enthusiasts in New Zealand was very welcoming and several cab rides were made, amongst others on a Ww at Glenbrook and the L class of Shanty Town. It's great to see this old footage of the last years of the K/Ka on the North Island, they were the smallest of all the Northern Type locomotives worldwide but still an impressive sight. We hope that soon the examples under overhaul can ply the rails again, a visit to NZ to see one of them running would be it. Greetings from the Netherlands.

@kevinjordan5773 2 жыл бұрын

I lived in Taihape for many years,the railways was my hobby.Names like the Cormacks,Devonshires spring to mind.Thanks for posting the vlog.

@89.8kiwifm9 7 жыл бұрын

Awesome! Takes me back to my childhood days, and trips from Hamilton to Wellington where we'd always stop at the Crystal Bar Tearooms (I see it's still there all these years later although minus the cool drink vending machine that used to be just inside the door). Great to see all the old locos and the yards. I remember a number of level crossings on the journey south that are cut and covers/overpasses now - the one at Waiouru South always sticks in my mind.

@evedarc108 4 жыл бұрын

That vending machine stars in my memories. I used to salivate looking at that image of that juicy orange on the front.

@alicar1 4 жыл бұрын

I remember winter in 1966 in Taihape. I was three years old, and it was bitterly cold!!!

@rolandpenhall4526 6 жыл бұрын

I just saw Terry Stedman fueling a Ka, I remember him back in the Palmy depot during my time there in 1963-65. Awesome.

@darrylbond5238 2 жыл бұрын

Superb. There must be some great stories there.

@zl2ady1 8 жыл бұрын

A real piece of authentic day to day railway history.Best I have seen.

@Eveneden08 8 жыл бұрын

10 years old. Mixed feelings seeing the Old Taihape I grew up in.

@horseandcart5978 4 жыл бұрын

Me too!!!.

@gerardlangton7221 3 жыл бұрын

Real cool music to go with steam train

@PaulLea 7 жыл бұрын

Amazing footage there !. hard to believe Taihape station is nothing but a memory now.

@LeaveTheMark_YT 5 жыл бұрын

I don't think so, it's still completely in existence?

@MrRobbo1000 Жыл бұрын

Thank you, John, for posting this ... Nostalgic / Love it! ... Absolutely Love the music too - (Also love how you have provided a mute button, for those of us who may choose to not experience the accompanying music 🎶) ... For those who may have an interest (as I did) in knowing the names of the songs/Artists ... I have "Shazamed" them and compiled a list of your choice of music, John The songs/Artists are (in order) ... 00:00/03:16 Sentimental Journey/Dinah Shore ... 03:17/06:39 Querido Amigo/Jesse Cook ... 06:40/12:08 Rhumba de la Noche/Govi ... 12:09/15:45 Gypsy Heart/Govi ... 15:46/19:32 Cuchama/Govi ... 19:33/23:20 Persuasion/Govi *+*+*+ I grew up in a small town ( I have always called it "The Centre of the Universe" [CotU] because for me ..It Was! ) My father worked for the Railways (leading the Carpentry Gang) We originally lived in a little town near Ohakune, called Rangataua, then apparently (when I was 2 yrs old) we moved to a little Railway enclave called "Railway Farm" (this was the beginning of my CotU years). By age 7 we had moved again ... to a Dream location for us kids ... being 'below' the Main Trunk Line ... which was also a dream spot for my Dad (I'm sure) / He just had to go up the back steps / thru the gate / across 3 or 4 sets of tracks to his Workshop. (We lived directly opposite the Carpentry Gang workshop) at ... 177 Robin🐦Street ... The Georges lived on one side (next to the Taxi depot) and The Bennetts lived on the other. Like a lot of Railway housing ... this little group of 3 Railways Houses has 'long-gone' (I believe a lot of Tossers / Out-of-Townies, 🤣 descend on Taihape once a year & congregate at this site, now ... Boots 🥾👢 & all). Wonderful times growing up here ... Loved standing on the Bridge (just North of the Station) as the Huge Steam Engines barrelled towards the Station ... massive thick clouds of smoke billowing up /covering us completely / loved it / the smell of it. This all would have been between the years 1955 to 1970 (I left Taihape in January 1970, to start my first job in Wellington ... actually lower Hutt). You have definitely ignited some very fond memories, John .. Thank you 🙏again 🤟

@johnkirby8160 Жыл бұрын

Hi there MrRobbo1000, what a long comment, glad you like the video. Some don't like the music but not everyone can be pleased. I'm not sure where in Robin St you were but I knew a few people in the railway houses down the cul-de-sac near the loco depot. One of them was a fireman, Vic Buchanan whose wife came from Rangataua, her maiden name was Snowball, an odd name unless someone was pulling my leg. Also down there was Leo Hughes, a driver. They both moved to Auckland and are going strong Leo being 94. If you look down the list of comments I'm sure you'll find some names you recognize. I enjoyed Taihape , it was a different time. Cheers, John

@CruzyMopar 2 жыл бұрын

funny really, I worked up in Taihape with my brother in law as Painter and decorators 74-75 and this really brings me back great memories. Those railway workers, man could they party. One railway guy i remember was a guy named Possum, had 2 big mutton chops on the side of his face, what a character. The Taihape pub was pretty rough at times when the Italian bridge workers came to town. I stayed in the Ruanui guest house when i worked up there. wonder what happened to the Paap brothers. One used to work for Byfords on the concrete trucks, and Gary McDonald i think, nicknamed Pooch

@hankbier3065 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing. Just saw it posted on a Facebook page nzr historical group. Wonderful

@ashcustomworks 8 жыл бұрын

Fantastic! Thanks for posting it :D

@johnanderson690 6 жыл бұрын

I arrived in Taihape in 73....aviator but mad about trains. My good buddy was a driver and I did many midnight runs with him. I saw him coming down the incline one sunny day in my helicopter. I shot ahead and touched down and hove to seeing this silly man parked on the line....

@ExcentNZ 8 жыл бұрын

Wonderful.

@bronwynsearle2117 2 жыл бұрын

Love the old cars🥰

@yvonnepettersen8842 4 жыл бұрын

Hi Alister I've a photo of a couple of the railway houses on Ròbin Street we lived in 181 Robin street Tom Atkinson lived next to us Vic Beaucanon was dads fireman for a long time the picture is quite good Holmes the dentist lived across from us on the corner They were great days

@horseandcart5978 4 жыл бұрын

Can you please upload the photo? The Mills' used to live in one of those houses, didn't they.

@yvonnepettersen8842 4 жыл бұрын

@@horseandcart5978 that's right Margaret and cliff mills theyer both gone now Mandy and Alan the kids are in Palmerston north as well somewhere

@claudehopkinson3242 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks John for sharing your old footage. It brought back a lot of memories. I joined the Taihape loco Depot in November 1952 and remained there until November 1979 before shifting to Palmerston North to take up a Supervisory position. I think my Father was an Assistant Locomotive Supervisorv when you were there in Taihape.

@johnkirby8160 6 жыл бұрын

Hi Claude, your name rings a bell and I most likely knew you and your father very well but the old memory doesn't improve with age I'm afraid. I get quite a buzz from people like you who get so much enjoyment from this video, it was the end of an era, so much has changed. Keep well. Cheers, John

@horseandcart5978 4 жыл бұрын

Hi Claude. Did you used to live on kiwi road?

@raewyncormack2461 2 жыл бұрын

I think you would have known my sister Lynne Cormack and my dad Jim who was a gaurd on the trains ,I think I regonise your surname.

@craigharris8601 Жыл бұрын

Hi , Did you know my uncle ,was in loco there Pat Taumata, quite a character

@melesco847 8 жыл бұрын

magical

@richardvoogd705 7 ай бұрын

Listen carefully, i shall say this only once: Hapuawhenua, woot! Travelled over that viaduct a couple of times while its successor was being built and the line straightened out somewhat.

@craigjeffrey3236 7 жыл бұрын

What a great piece of history. My father was a train driver and we lived on Robyn St just down from the compound. I thought it was quite good how the Railways provided single men with somewhere to live. Our family had a Railway house.Used to play on the turn table. We once escaped (wagged) from Taihape College and ran through the tunnel. A train came when we got out the town side..Wahoo!..it's what kids did. Also hitched a ride in a loco cab to Auckland once 1976. No problem.

@johnkirby8160 7 жыл бұрын

Hi Craig, thanks for your comment. When I saw your name the first thing that came into my head was the name of an engine driver, Verne Jefferies, the spelling may be wrong. I rang up a friend of mine, Leo, who was an enginedriver in Taihape when I was there and lived in In Robyn St and he told me that Verne lived there too but he knew him from when he was a driver in Auckland rather than Taihape. I knew Verne too or at least his name rings a big bell in my memory but I can't put a face to the name or where I knew him from. Would Verne be your father? Leo told me that he did not know what happened to Verne and would like to find out, would you be able to fill in the gaps for him? Vic Buchanan lived in Robyn St too in that group of railway houses. I was told a story about a railway worker in Taihape who would rather walk home through the tunnel than walk over the hill past the graveyard. One night someone offered him a lift home and took him into the graveyard and threatened to leave him there. Apparently he screamed that much that he had to be taken home smartly. I don't know if this is true but I wouldn't be surprised. Cheers, John

@craigjeffrey3236 7 жыл бұрын

G'day John. You would be correct. Vern Jeffrey was my father.Unfortunately I only spent a couple of years '75 -76 with him in Taihape. You would remember the snow of '75. We couldn't get out of Robyn St! But having that exposure to the railways was a wonderful time. The sound of the locos would help me drift off to sleep as they faded off into the night. I lived next to the railway line in Levin at the time of your video. The choo-choo trains would go past all the time. We used to pretend we were John Wayne shooting the carriages. I only vaguely remember Vern mentioning Leo. He mentioned a guy named 'Curly'..but I don't know who he was. There was a guy by the name of Fargher who lived close by. Dad took me for a ride to Palmy and back one time in the loco. No idea whether that was allowed. Sadly I learned of Verns death a number of years ago. He transferred to Masterton in '76...but from there, I really don't know. Thanks for this and kind regards John...I'm going to watch this again...you almost got our house in but not quite.

@horseandcart5978 4 жыл бұрын

@@craigjeffrey3236 I re member the snow of 75

@craigjeffrey3236 4 жыл бұрын

@@horseandcart5978 She was a biggy....

@horseandcart5978 4 жыл бұрын

@@craigjeffrey3236 snow was 6 inches deep on our shed roof on kiwi road,

@alicar1 4 жыл бұрын

By the way, has anyone reading this ever been to the town of Cuerva in Spain??? It is exactly directly underneath Taihape on the opposite side of the world!!!!

@michaelgrey7854 4 жыл бұрын

New Zealand was relativly great to live until the mid eighties. It changed after that when we seemed to want to be like the rest of the world.

@jacintabyline 3 жыл бұрын

I moved to Australia in the late 80's with husband and young children. Last year I and one son returned. I don't think it's like the 'rest of the world' - yes, it's modernized, but it would be odd if it hadn't. But after 30 years in Sydney - NZ truly is a slice of paradise. One thing I can't work out though - why has NZR gone to pot?

@markcarey8426 3 жыл бұрын

@@jacintabyline Road transport.

@raewyncormack2461 2 жыл бұрын

@@jacintabyline labour sold the railways offshore, was the beginning of the end for not only our railways but NZ in general, sad tbh

@raewyncormack2461 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Michael do you have a brother John if so I used to date John when he had a motorbike x

@erinheim54 8 жыл бұрын

New Zealand certainly isn't the same, is it, but thanks for the memories.

@josephcooksley3219 4 ай бұрын

Yeah 61/64 used take bus at holiday time from wanganui to taupo end begining terms ... lunch break at station Taihape station i would go chat to the remote signal boxon the platform to see what interesting things had been happening ... one occassion night passanger train hit a slip and tumbled down a bank ... a good talking point ... but yes the Railway was always busy in Taihape during that time ... just a bavk water now

@admiralgoodboy 5 жыл бұрын

My beloved home town

@horseandcart5978 4 жыл бұрын

My home town too. I wouldn't describe my experiences there as beloved, unfortunately.

@admiralgoodboy 4 жыл бұрын

Alistair Wright lol we know eachother

@admiralgoodboy 4 жыл бұрын

Alistair Wright hmm lemme rephrase that i know you. But you probably don’t know me. Im not gonna put my real identity and private information on the comment section for every jack nohe to see. Hmm all ima let you in on is i hail from moawhango

@admiralgoodboy 4 жыл бұрын

Alistair Wright spent my early childhood at big hill station then mangohane. Then I traveled off into a great beyond

@NZRSteam 7 жыл бұрын

Amazing video thanks for posting. It bought back lots of memories of growing up in Taihape and the many weekends spent at the loco depot, with my Father who was a Shed Driver at the time. My KZfaq pic is one of him backing a K onto the daylight limited at Taihape in 1956. I even managed to recognised some faces in your video. I believe you may have a fireman there at the time?

@jannettekirby8842 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your comment NZRSteam, I'm glad that these videos can bring enjoyment into people's lives. The 8mm film had been sitting in a box in the cupboard for about 40 years or more, hardly ever looked at because setting up the projector was such a hassle. I began my railway carrier at Taihape as a boiler boy in 1965 before heading off to Invercargill to experience a bit more steam in 1967 just before decimal currency came in. The Loco Supervisor when I joined was 'Cock' Currey and the shed drivers were Sam Medhurst who appears in the servicing a Ka with his Maori fireman whose name I think was Steadman, his brother was a fireman too. 'Sos' Lockerby is the driver with his fireman, Keith Jones, greasing a Ka, poor Sos was killed some time after I left falling off the back off a truck doing a good deed around town. You may have known Leo Hughes who is the driver of the train heading north out of the yard with the shunter standing in the cab doorway and Vic Buchanan who is shown turning the Da, both are still going strong up here in Auckland. Another shed driver, Shaw, I forget his first name, is shown briefly turning a Ka with his fireman, 'Choc' Temataki. I can't remember a lot of names and wish I had taken more pictures of my workmates, one doesn't think at the time. I've most probably spelt a few of the names wrong but never mind. All the best, John.

@johnkirby8160 7 жыл бұрын

I've just realised that my wife's account came up by mistake and her name is on my reply, sorry about that. John

@NZRSteam 7 жыл бұрын

John, firstly thanks for the information reply, and apologies I omitted to let you know my father was Ken King - he eventually retired as Asst Loco supervisor Taihape, and Wally Baines took over from him. I certainly remember those you have mentioned, in fact Vic Buchanan use to fire for Dad and I caught up with him a few times in Westfield before he retired. I also caught up with Keith Jones a few times before he retired. Cock Curry and Jim Lockerby lived a few doors down from us in Mataroa rd. Other drivers in the street at that time were Sonny Te Whatu, Abe Hepe, Tommy Bluer and a few others i cant remember. I would have met you a few times down at the depot, no doubt, and can well remember the Ka's being blown up by the boiler boys over the weekend. I assume you lived in the compound while you were there, and it was great to see shots of it. I can also remember Terry Steadman and Choc - no doubt you guys would get sent out on the depot bike by the Shed Driver, to get crew out of bed, who had not turned up to book on. I have been working for KR 40 +yrs - not in loco though ( the old man wouldn't have that), and will probably retire in the next year or so. Anyhow great to hear from you. Take care, Dennis....

@johnkirby8160 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks for that, Dennis, I recognise the names you mentioned but unfortunately can't put faces to them, I suppose after 50 years that can be expected. Wally Baines is in the video, he's the one I thought was Shaw, I don't know where I got that name from but I realised my mistake when you mentioned his name. Yes, I lived in the compound, an experience I'll never forget, a lot of happy memories. I got sent out on the bike to give Sos Lockerby a call out. His wife told me he wasn't home so back I went and told the boss, Cock Curry I think. Go back and give him that call out I was told so off I went again to be told once again that he wasn't home. This was repeated a third time with same result, I was embarrassed to keep annoying his wife. That hill was steep and it was a hot day so I called into the Gretna for a beer and there was Sos propping up the bar. As a joke I waved the call out at him and said I'd been looking for him. Boy did he explode, threatening to report me for drinking on the job and accused me of hounding him and let me know what he though of me. I didn't do that again. Thanks for stirring up a few of my memories. Cheers, John

@johnkirby8160 7 жыл бұрын

Hi Dawn, Erle was a driver in Taihape when I was there but unfortunately I cannot put a face to the name. I do remember he was a good bloke and good to work with. I last saw him in the late 60's in Wellington where I was killing time while travelling between Invercargill and Auckland, in those days it could take about three days to cover that distance using the rail network, nothing connected. Someone tapped me on the shoulder and it was Erle, what a surprise and we spent some time going over old times. Keep well, cheers, John.

@paulwarner5395 7 жыл бұрын

Thanx for the great video. Pity that back in the day sound cameras were out of the reach of the average person..

@horseandcart5978 4 жыл бұрын

R u related to gregg warner??

@charlesdesaintlaurent5957 3 жыл бұрын

John joined nzr 1963 taumarunui wish you had a walk around of that depot Charles laurent

@alicar1 6 жыл бұрын

2.06 I grew up in this house. (Top house, red roof , white chimney.) 1963 to 1977

@johnkirby8160 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comment Alistair or Caroline, you must have had a thousand dollar view from up there. Cheers John

@horseandcart5978 Жыл бұрын

@@johnkirby8160 It sure was. The house is still there.

@primojonpresents571 Жыл бұрын

An historic Station was Taihape. It was a crime they pulled it down.

@colincampbell5950 7 жыл бұрын

Great work - Started at Taihape rail 1/1/76 so know the people well - Guards/drivers Werner Franks who came through the south tunnel and always blew the horn, a relic of the steam days From 66 to 80s we lost alot of those guys ex WW2 to retirement Raised above the south tunnel next to the Harringtons Denis and Kath Now just a big cutting but as shown in your video a curving road south Need to get Dads fortage out of Loco on its side at Hihitahi - Tangiwai photos sadly he died 2015 so only the stories that I remember A few of us left closer to 60 that than 50 and the keepers of the key Do you have any pictures of the circus trains elephants being watered on the old T wagons Remember they went through after 76 and what a sight for a taihape college kid The train that derailed and took out the north bridge filled with Vodka and gin Fueled the parties for the next 6 months Giant 1 Litre bottle - Those were the days - Willie Potaka and the boys I could go on - if you have more so appreciated

@johnkirby8160 7 жыл бұрын

Hi Colin, sorry to take so long to respond to your comment. I knew Werner well, he used to have a drink with us boys in the hut compound and he loved his booze. He was certainly a character and I could tell a few stories about his drinking habit but not publicly. When I was in Taihape there was nearly a head-on between two freight trains, I think it was at Pokaka but not sure. The crew of the up train had gone to sleep and ploughed into the side of a train entering the loop from the other direction. The driver of the train entering the loop, Tommy Atkins (or Atkinson) swung on the horn waking the other driver up and Tom said "he opened his eyes and they stuck out like dog's balls". The other driver was Wally Rurowhi and was in notch 8 with two Da"s until he was rudely awakened and made a hell of a mess finishing up down the bank. Neither him nor his mate, Ralph Hapuka, were hurt, luckily. Poor Ralph died of cancer not long afterwards. I heard stories about the circus train in Taihape but it was a bit before my time there. I don't know if you knew Vic Buchanan, a fireman there, he was a keen photographer and told me that he had taken 8mm pictures of the circus and of the elephants being used for shunting in the yard. I haven't seen them myself but maybe if I ask him nicely he will let me copy them. Apologies for any spelling mistakes. Cheers, John

@craigjeffrey3236 7 жыл бұрын

Oh yes please..more videos.

@horseandcart5978 4 жыл бұрын

Did you used to live in Swan Street?

@colincampbell5950 4 жыл бұрын

@@horseandcart5978 No lived at 13 Pukeko street corner of swan

@horseandcart5978 4 жыл бұрын

@@colincampbell5950 Ah. Yes. That was the place i meant.

@matiu1 7 жыл бұрын

Awesome footage but I think the music killed it. Commentry would have made this a top rated Doco on N.Z.R history in Taihape. I had Uncles who drove those Big Old Iron Horses.Those were the days where men were real men.

@johnkirby8160 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your comment, Matiu 1. I guess one can't please everyone, I'm relatively new at this game and just used the stuff I had on hand. Personally I thought it came out quite good but then I would say that wouldn't I. The trouble with a commentary is that one must get one's facts right and I couldn't guarantee that, some of the people and places I wasn't sure of. It's only through comments like yours from people who jogged my memory that I am able to know for sure of some of these facts, after 50 years the memory fades a bit. I agree that it was a different era and the men I worked with were a breed of their own, all with a story to tell and I feel fortunate to have known them. Anyway just watch it with the sound off, glad you enjoyed it otherwise. Cheers, John.

@markcarey8426 7 жыл бұрын

Great music, though for sure info would be good too.

@hemiallen3576 6 жыл бұрын

Hi John.I was in Taihape at that time.I knew/know all those workmates mentioned.Great stuff.I recollect those incidents you mentioned.I transferred to Wanganui xmas 1966 from Taihape.