Canterbury Railway Society Inc

News

WD 100th Anniversary Commemoration To Be Held

27/5/2001

Canterbury Railway Society, operator of the Ferrymead Railway and owner of NZ's only operating Baldwin railway locomotive, will be holding a special function to commemorate the 100th anniversary of WD 357 on July 15, 2001.

WD 357 was built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in July 1901 and is one of a class of 18 locomotives. 357 is one of four WDs originally allocated to South Island service. The WD class was versatile, working all types of trains in regular service with New Zealand Rail until 1935, when she entered service with Timaru Harbour Board, working its quarry until 1966.

WD 357 was donated to Canterbury Railway Society in 1967, and became the first locomotive in steam at Ferrymead Railway on 11 March, 1967. After some years stored unserviceable, 357 was restored to full operating condition in 1987 - 89 and participated in the 1988 Ferrymead 125 festival in steamable condition. With C 864 and F 13 currently out of service, 357 is now the main passenger locomotive at Ferrymead. Further major repairs were completed in the mid 90s. WD 357 also participated in the Waipara Vintage Festivals in 1997 and 1999.

The centenary will be commemorated over the weekend of 14 and 15 July. 357 will be in steam on both days of the weekend, and we are planning to have other American transport exhibits on display. More details will be announced as they become available.