Canterbury Railway Society Inc

News

"Planes Trains & Automobiles" A Successful Easter Event

25/4/00

Easter 2000 saw the Ferrymead Heritage Park run the "Planes Trains & Automobiles" festival event. Although Easter was marred by heavy rain for much of the weekend, the skies cleared at 8.30 am on Monday morning and stayed that way throughout the hours that the Park was open. This was the day that the Park really came alive with many theme events, including the operation of steam and electric trams, steam diesel and electric trains, fire engines, vintage cars, and helicopter rides. Patronage was also much better than on other days and totalled more than 2000 for the whole weekend.

For the Ferrymead Railway, the particular highlight of the weekend was Monday's operation of the electric locomotives. At various times, EO 3, EC 7 and three of the EA locomotives made runs on the full length of the Branch from the mainline turnout up to the signalbox, a distance of around 500 metres. This was the first time that three EA locomotives were operated together for the public. WD 357 hauling two wooden cars and RM 56 operated the main line passenger services between Moorhouse and Ferrymead. These trains were well patronised and our staff were kept very busy dealing with the public. We also had a visit from the Model Railway Convention.

Other day's operations were TR 156 with two passenger carriages on the Friday, RM 56 on the Saturday, and WD 357 plus RM 56 operating two passenger services on the Sunday.

EA 5, 4 & 2	EA 2	EC 7	EO 3	EO 3	EW 1806
RM 56 & EC 7