Upper Hutt to Maymorn section
Main features
- 626 yard (572 metre) Maoribank tunnel
- Rimutaka Deviation between Upper Hutt and Maymorn opened on 3 November 1960.
- Large cuttings and expansive fills formed to achieve a maximum 1 in 70 gradient and minimum curvature of 20 chains (402 metres) radius.
- Bridge over the Mangaroa River near Maymorn.
De 514 hauls an Opaki race train through one of the large cuttings of the Rimutaka Deviation north of Upper Hutt, 10 October 1960. Photo: L.H. Stockbridge.
Route description
DC 4133 hauls a Masterton commuter train over Mangaroa Road bridge, November 1994. Photo: Hugh McCracken.
The 1 in 70 gradient commences immediately on leaving Upper Hutt station, crossing Park Street by concrete bridge, and entering the first of many large cuttings that typify the relatively modern route. The first kilometre of the deviation was in close proximity to the original route, to the extent that five days of intensive earthworking were required between 29 October and 3 November 1955 to complete the new line.
Mangaroa Road is crossed by a steel girder bridge, and the Upper Hutt suburb of Timberlea is passed before entering the 626 yard (572 metre) Maoribank tunnel to the Mangaroa Valley. The Mangaroa River is crossed by a steel girder bridge, the line then curving eastwards to enter Maymorn station.
The Wairarapa line skirts the Upper Hutt suburb of Timberlea, through large cuttings and over extensive fills. Photo: Hugh McCracken.
References:
New Zealand Railway Publicity, 1955. 'New Zealand Railways Staff Bulletin', 4(6), November - December 1955.
Cameron, W.N., 1992. 'Rimutaka Railway', New Zealand Railway and Locomotive Society, Wellington, New Zealand.
Next page: Maymorn to Kaitoke section
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Page updated 30 May 2005 Hugh McCracken.
