What is it that makes a steam train so 'intriguing' - well, to some of us anyway. I'm not sure what the answer to that one is. Suffice to say that the few occasions on which it makes an outing these days mean that it maintains its 'mystique' (or something like that). In other words, if we saw steam trains hurtling through Tawa every day (as may have been the case once upon a time), they would soon lose their novelty value. But we don't and so they haven't (lost their novelty value - at least as far as the writer is concerned).

On Saturday September 4th, 2004, a certain steam train (JA1271) was scheduled to travel via the Manawatu Gorge to Pahiatua, and back again. Not being able to travel on the train itself, I chose instead to shoot up to Paekakariki Station to grab a few photos prior to its departure, and then again a few minutes later as it passed through Mackays Crossing. Thus the photos below - the last five show the train approaching and passing Mackays Crossing. The earlier ones are all at the station.

If you haven't already seen the photo of the same locomotive at Tawa Station early evening in July, click here. It's a brilliant night-time shot - like something out of Harry Potter, according to my 11 year old daughter.

- Malcolm Sparrow