Pigeon Bush to Featherston section
Route Description
No greater contrast to the remainder of the route could be had than the dead straight section from Pigeon Bush to Featherston. Gradients were however short and sharp, the steepest being a 39 chain (780 metre) stretch of 1 in 48 facing south-bound trains on their approach to Pigeon Bush station.
Abutments and piers of railway bridge over Prince Stream. Photo: Hugh McCracken
Departing Pigeon Bush the line descended the alluvial fan of Owhango Stream, this stretch including a wind break to protect trains from strong wind gusts that funneled down the valley of the Owhango Stream (formerly Lucena's Creek). As depicted above a 'Wairarapa' railcar was overturned just short of the wind break on 9 October 1936. A north-west wind in excess of 80 miles per hour (130km/h) blew Rm 6 'Mamari' clear off the rails and onto its side. Eight people were injured in the accident, resulting in claims on the Railways Department. As a result the wind fence was extended northwards to provide additional protection to the lightly constructed railcars.
Wairarapa railcar Rm 6 blown off the railway line on 9 October 1936, just short of the breakwind fence. Pigeon Bush station was located at the crest of the alluvial fan formed by Lucena's Creek, top middle-right of this illustration.
The largest bridge was that over Abbot's Creek near Featherston, comprising five wooden spans of 30 foot (9 metres) and twenty two of 13 foot (4 metres) on wooden piles.
Wairarapa line curving towards Rimutaka Ranges at Speedies Crossing. Cross Creek was located behind the foothills, far left, middle-distance. Photo: Hugh McCracken.
The last 1½ miles (2.5km) is currently operated by Tranz Rail, old and new routes deviating near a level crossing known as 'Speedies Crossing'. The deviation curved westwards from the old route, climbing at 1 in 70 towards the valley of the Owhango Stream. Wind breaks were also provided on the deviation.
References:
Public Works Department Wellington - Masterton Railway Incline Contract, 1875. National Archives Agency AATE Accession W3409 Folder 65 Part 46.
Cameron, W.N. 1992. 'Rimutaka Railway', New Zealand Railway and Locomotive Society, Wellington, New Zealand.
Railways Department General Manager's file 13/1861/2 'Claims by passengers injured in railcar derailment - Pigeon Bush October '36, part 1, 1936-37. National Archives Railways File Accession 2334 box 289.
Conly, G., & Stewart, G., 1986. 'Tragedy on the Track - Tangiwai & other New Zealand Railway Accidents'. Grantham House Publishing, Wellington, New Zealand.
