TANGARAKAU STEAM 2




About four and a half miles (7.2Kms) generally Northwest from Tahora was Tangarakau known locally as “The Flat” headquarters for the Public Works Department railway construction operations. For four years during the construction works between the two places the motor road that was roughly parallel with the surveyed route of rail was closed and the PWD service railway laid on its surface which being little more than a clay track featured many tight curves and short sharp grades. Thus, the construction of the permanent way involving a tremendous amount of earth works, bridging and tunnelling was enabled to proceed from both ends and intermediate points of access. The workings were served by temporary rail connections over which train loads of spoil were hauled in side-tipping trucks from cuttings and tunnel bores to form fillings and embankments. The motive power during this period consisted of two small 0-4-0-steam locomotives that performed marvellous feats of endurance and service. One, bearing the PWD number 531 was built by Andrew Barclay works of Scotland. It weighed 7½ tons (7.6 tonnes) had side mounted water tanks, 22” (559mm) diameter wheels and the coal fuel was carried in bunkers in the front corners of the driver’s cab. The other was Number 534 built by John Fowler works in England. It weighed 8 tons (8.1 tonnes) also with 22” (559mm) wheels. The water supply was carried in a well tank between the chassis frame plates and the fuel in two side bunkers ahead of the cab. These locomotives were stabled at Tangarakau. As well as their daily construction work duties they hauled from the government railhead at Tahora the supplies on NZR bogie wagons. Two wagons at a journey constituted a load that consisted of building materials, rails, sleepers, cement, bridge girders and concrete reinforcing steel. The typical four wheeled NZR wagons were due to their rigid frames not permitted passage over the temporary rail lines. There were two ex NZR passenger carriages for the transport of residents between Tangarakau and Tahora to connect with the Whangamomona and Stratford trains and to run patrons to and from the Saturday night picture screenings at Tangarakau. Either of the two small locomotives worked these two carriage trains over the temporary route the curves of which hugged the inside banks that left little clearance between the carriage sides and the exposed clay. Carriage lighting was by three or four kerosene hurricane lanterns that violently swung from their ceiling hooks. At speeds of 18 to 20mph (28 to 32kph) where grades were rushed the engine exhaust beats were of frantic staccato urgency. Line-side dwellings in the forms of huts, baches and boarded tents all with the ubiquitous corrugated iron fireplaces and chimneys nestled in small creek bordered clearings. Each was a stopping place when required. Someone boarded or alighted, gave or received a package or a newspaper. The progress of the trains was always acknowledged by a wave from a tent opening, a doorway or a parted curtain.