Project Steam is an
organization of persons interested in the restoration,
preservation and operation of Steam Locomotives and
Rolling Stock.
Become a Member of Project
Steam Dunedin and help preserve a Vintage
steam engine Which may be unique as the earliest known
examples anywhere in the world
DON'T
DELAY - JOIN TODAY
PROJECT STEAMS main objective is to rebuild two ex N.Z.R. "P" Class
Steam Locomotives, Nos.25 and Nos.107 to Main Line
condition and to operate them from Dunedin Railway
Station.
THE HISTORY OF ‘P’ CLASS.
Ten ‘P’ Class locomotives of 2-8-0 wheel arrangement
were built for the New Zealand railways by Noysmyth
Wilson & Co. of Manchester, England in 1885. Three locos
went to Auckland and seven to Dunedin.
These engines were used on goods trains throughout
Otago. P25 entered service in Dunedin in May 1887 and
was withdrawn in Dec 1928. P107 entered service in
August 1887 and was withdrawn in March 1928. Having
reached the end of their economic life, P25 & P107
were dumped in the Clutha River on 8th August 1932 near
the bridge at Beaumont in order to protect the Roxburgh
line from erosion.
In May 1992
these
two locomotive’s were recovered from the Clutha River
and were transported to Dunedin by Billington Transport
assisted by volunteers.
Research is proving
that these two engines may be of greater historical
significance than first thought. Not only are they the
only engines saved from their particular class and era,
but prominent engineer and historian, Bob Merrifields,
of Wellington asks the question "are they the oldest
surviving eight-coupled British-built locomotives
anywhere in the world?"
We estimate the cost
of rebuilding the first engine at $300,000, and taking
5-10 years to complete.
It is proposed
to
sell shares for which shareholders will receive
preferential bookings and reduced fares on future
excursions.
Ways you may help us.
Information and photos you may have would be gratefully
accepted.
- By becoming a Member, $20 annually
- A Shareholder, $50 Shares
- A Volunteer worker
- Making a Donation
- Purchasing Naming Rights
- Sponsorship
- Ownership of the Locomotive.
For further information,
please contact the Chairman
John Sutherland, 2 Nicholas Street, Portobello, Dunedin
03 478 0564 or
info@happyhens.co.nz
ODT News Item
Oct 2006
|
We meet every Wednesday 9:30am
At the Gas Works Site,
Braemar Street, South Dunedin |
