Shunting loco Tr189

Tr189 undergoing engine tests on 6 October 2012

Our first complete locomotive -Tr189 - arrived at Maymorn on Friday 30th July 2010. The locomotive will be used for shunting and track construction work at Maymorn, and will play a key role in future reinstatement of the Rimutaka Incline Railway.

Tr189 was one of nine 20-tonne shunting locomotives built to this design at the New Zealand Railways Hillside Workshops in Dunedin during the 1970s. It was renumbered 937 in 1979, and was repainted with the 'fruit salad' livery midway through its working life. Working in the Manawatu for much of its life, it had been stored out of service in Wellington for over a year before being purchased by the Trust.

Recent posts

Commissioning our Hillside shunting locomotive Tr189

Glenn and Lionel problem-solving next steps with diesel engine

Engine test imminent for Tr189

Work continues on our Hillside shunting locomotive Tr 189. Recent work includes fitting the overhauled water pump and associated plumbing back onto the Gardiner engine, and confirmation of electrical circuits required for starting the engine.

We're now 5 or 6 work days away from a test-start of the engine - an important milestone in the loco restoration project.

Twin cranes unloading Tr189 (TR937) at Maymorn

Shunting locomotive arrives at Maymorn

Our first complete locomotive - TR937 - arrived at Maymorn on Friday 30th July 2010. The locomotive will be used for shunting and track construction work at Maymorn, and will play a key role in future reinstatement of the Rimutaka Incline Railway from Maymorn to Kaitoke, Summit and Cross Creek.

Ab 745 and Tr 189 outside rail vehicle shed

Shed shunt - May 2016

A fairly extensive shunt of the shed was done on Saturday 14 May 2016, in preparation for storing another 56-foot carriage inside. Sleeping car Aa1060 and Gumdigger A255 were moved onto the inspection pit area of road 1, clear of steam locomotive Ab745.

We took the opportunity to pose Ab745 and Tr189 outside the shed for a photo, part way through the shunt.

Kevin Joyce, right, and Hugh McCracken, left, celebrate unveiling of Rotary International badge affixed to shunting locomotive Tr 189

Official commissioning of shunt loco Tr189

On the morning of Saturday 22 June 2013 a small crowd of people braved the tail end of a southerly storm to see our shunt loco Tr 189 officially recommissioned. After a couple of years concerted efforts the locomotive has been returned to service and has successfully completed a series of commissioning trials and checks.

Rotary Upper Hutt unveiled a badge which has been fitted to the short hood end, in recognition of the significant support they have put into the project. 

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