Canterbury Railway Society Inc

News

WD Anniversary Commemorations

5/7/01

The Canterbury Railway Society, owners of steam locomotive WD 357, will be commemorating the 100th anniversary of the locomotive on the weekend of 14th and 15th July, 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.

Our WD is the only Baldwin railway locomotive in running order in NZ and is one of only two of its class that have survived. Although this is not a gala weekend, we will have Moorhouse Station open with refreshments on sale to the public. There will be a special photographic night shoot from 6.30 pm to 8.00 pm on the Saturday evening, with a charge of $5.00 per photographer to defray expenses.

The official commemorative ceremony will be held on Sunday afternoon at 2.00 pm, with an afternoon tea for invited guests and CRS members. The themes for the weekend in general are things made in America and things that were made or happened in 1901, so the Society is hoping to see other Ferrymead societies set up special displays in their buildings. There will be a 1901 display in Moorhouse Station and 1901 displays in the Park.