Hon. Paul Swain, Major Wayne Guppy turn first sod and launch the Rimutaka Incline Railway project at Maymorn, 29 October 2005. Photo: May Craddock.
Exactly 50 years since the last train ascended the Rimutaka Incline, the project to reinstate the former route as a heritage railway has been launched. At 11am, Saturday 29 October 2005, the first sod was turned by the Hon. Paul Swain, M.P. for Rimutaka, and Upper Hutt Mayor Wayne Guppy. A first length of track was laid past the ‘zero-peg’ in the Maymorn station yard, where the Trust plans to build a heritage station building, locomotive shed and future operational base for the railway.
Hon. Paul Swain spoke of the potential of the project as a tourist attraction for Upper Hutt and the Wellington region. He proposed to call together representatives from stakeholding organisations in order to drive the project forward. Praise was also given to the Rimutaka Trust for their ongoing support of projects such as the Rimutaka Incline Railway, particularly during the critical startup period.
Mayor Wayne Guppy recognised the potential and significance of the railway project, noting the connection Upper Hutt had with the Rimutaka Incline.
Launch speech by Chairperson Hugh McCracken
Notes of speech made by Chairperson Hugh McCracken at the launch ceremony.
Chairperson Hugh McCracken positions clips for Hon. Paul Swain and Mayor Wayne Guppy to install. Photo: May Craddock.
Hon. Paul Swain installs clip in first length of track of the Rimutaka Incline Railway. Photo: May Craddock.
A crowd of nearly 200 people gathered at Maymorn to witness the launch of the Rimutaka Incline Railway. Representatives were present from a number of organisations, including Ontrack, Land Transport New Zeland, Greater Wellington Regional Council, Upper Hutt City Council, New Zealand Railway and Locomotive Society, Mainline Steam Trust, Wairarapa Railway Preservation Society, Marklin Model Railway Club, and Lions Club of Rimutaka, amongst others. Many residents of Upper Hutt, including those from the Te Marua, Maymorn and Mangaroa area also came to the event. Trust members, friends and family also attended.
A good proportion of people present had travelled over the Rimutaka Incline by train — including 29 October 1955, the last day of operation.
Launch ceremony images
Event attendees gather for the launch ceremony. Partially assembled track awaits completion adjacent to the zero-peg, located 38.5km from Wellington on Wellington to Masterton Railway. A Maymorn station sign has also been positioned to provide context for the ceremony. Photo: Hugh McCracken.
Event attendees arriving by scheduled passenger train pass the launch site. Photo: Hugh McCracken.