Thursday, March 25, 2010

Time for a break

Getting home from night shift and seeing those damn assignments on the kitchen table, I knew it was time for a break and what better way to relax than go train chasing.
Hoping to get some shots of 937 Middleton - Dunedin freight I headed north. Not seeing any sign of 937 and thinking it might have passed me somewhere I decided to contiue onto Oamaru and maybe get a few detail shots the old loco and goods shed.
Oamaru is normally fairly quiet but my luck was in this morning.
A lengthy 920D Dunedin - Middleton freight was on the main and a late running 937 had just arrived and was being unloaded at Oamaru's container terminal (CT).
It was about then I realised I should get out more often because I was getting excited about 937 picking up its DC banker for the trip south.


DXC 5264 reversing through the Oamaru yard to collect its banker. 25/03/10.

After finishing at the CT, a work stained DXC 5264 made its way through the yard to pick up a personal favourite, DC 4133.


DXC 5264 couples up to DC 4133. 25/03/10.

With DC 4133 coupled up, both loco's headed up the yard to pick up the wagons left at the CT before returning once again down the yard.

937 being checked over. 25/03/10.

After being checked by one of the Kiwi Rail team, 937 was ready for the main.
With a DX on point and a light train of one DC and two wagons going along for the ride I knew I was in for a fast trip home to Palmerston. I didn't even get the chance of capturing 937 as it blasted out of Oamaru.
I had a few spots I wanted to get shots at but I didn't get the chance because just as I arrived at each one, 937 would fly past with a blast on the horn and a grin from the driver.
Time to just chase and hope.


937 climbs away from Waianakarua. 25/03/10.

I managed to get a shot of 937 as it climbed away from Waianakarua. Its a shame I don't have sound or video on this blog because the sound coming out of 5264 as it powered up the grade was fantastic.

937 rounds a curve after departing Hillgrove. 25/03/10.
After once again getting ahead of 937 at Hampden, I stopped just south of the Hillgrove loop at a spot I've used a few times. Not a bad spot but one that hasn't been that successful for southbound trains due to the angle of the sun. With todays overcast weather I thought I'd give it a go and I'm glad I did, getting my favourite shot of the day.



937 crosses the Shag river bridge. 25/03/10.
I managed to get a shot I've been trying to get for a while but have always been foiled by the sun. The overcast weather helped again as I captured 937 crossing the Shag river bridge north of Bushey.
As 937 continued its trip to Dunedin, I headed home, the assignments were still on the table but I don't feel like throwing them out the window anymore.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Saving for a rainy day

DX 5310 and DC 4726 round the reverse curves into Waikouaiti with 961 Middleton - Dunedin freight. 20/03/10.

Sitting at the computer on Saturday morning working my way through a pile of paper work and assignments, I heard 961 cruise through town. The weather wasn't flash but I needed a break, so I headed out the door and managed to catch up with 961 and heres the result, a hurried shot of DX 5310 and one of the regular DC's assigned to the Oamaru banker job, DC 4726 cruising through the reverse curves leading into Waikouaiti. An unchuted DX, bumblebee DC, a varied selection of wagons and some rain. Can't get better than that.


Sunday, March 14, 2010

First Post (again)

DX 5483 and Oamaru Banker DC 4876 cruise downgrade into Palmerston. 29/01/10.

The people that follow this blog will know that I'm fairly new to this blogging thing and with all new things you learn as you go. Tonight I learnt that blogging and watching TV at the same time isn't a good idea. Before I knew it I had deleted all my previous blogs. Damn. So here we are an hour of unsuccessful attempts at finding my previous posts and a load of bad language later.
I have learnt a few good things along the way as well so hopefully the blog will be better than before.
Heres the first post (again) showing two of my favourite locos at one of my favourite photo spots.
DX 5483 is a regular in Otago and one of the last remaining 'standard' DX's on New Zealands rail network. DC 4876 is also a rarity. She's one of the few remaining DC loco's in the 'Fruit Salad' livery.
I hope to get more shots of these loco's before Kiwi Rail catch up with them and send them to the paint booth.