Its getting dry.

New Zealand is in the grips of a 'dry'. So far only the Northland region has been officially declared as having a drought, but many regions are getting close if they aren't already there.  While East Otago is in better shape than many other regions, the lack of rain is starting to have an effect... just ask a local farmer.

With a rare day off from work, I decided to head out and catch some of Kiwi Rails finest working their way through the dry East Otago landscape.

A short trip down from my place and I was ready to snap 922 Dunedin - Middleton freight as it approached the Goodwood Road crossing just south of Palmerston.

DXC 5356 and DFT 7036 approach Palmerston light engines. 27/02/2013.

After watching the two locomotives rumble past, I headed up the Palmerston yard to watch 5356 and 7036 pick up five empty 'goldies' for the trip north to Christchurch.

DXC 5356 and DFT 7036 couple up to some empty 'goldies' in the Palmerston yard.

Once again heading north I stopped at a spot I use from time to time to catch short trains in front of the local landmark. Behind 922 is Puketapu hill. The monument seen at the very top is a cairn dedicated to the prominent early Otago politician Sir John McKenzie. As you can see its starting to get dry in East Otago.  

922 cruises north beneath a dry Puketapu.

The LE in charge of 922 wasn't wasting any time and it wasn't until Shag Point when I managed to get past him. Continuing north I decided to try a new spot at the old Katiki station site. The spot isn't the greatest but I really like the concrete over bridge which carries state highway one across the main south line. Pity about the camper van in the background.

922 rumbles beneath the overbridge at Katiki.

By the time I got onto state highway one and managed to get around the camper van 922 was through Hillgrove and climbing up to Hampton. With only some hit or miss spots near by I decided to continue onto Herbert, one of favourite railway locations in New Zealand. I didn't have to wait long before 922 appeared and I was able to get my last shot of the day.

DXC 5356 and DFT 7036 provide plenty of power for 922 as they race past the home signal and loop points at the south end of Herbert station.

Some shots from my normal chasing area and one from a little north. Not a bad way to spend a sunny Wednesday afternoon. 

And that's about it.

Time flies

I can't believe its almost a month since my last post. Time flies. 

With summer beginning its slow wind down, I thought I should get out and grab some shots of Kiwi Rails finest passing through the dry East Otago countryside. 

At Merton, I was able to catch up with my normal targets, 922 Dunedin - Middleton freight and 923 Middleton - Dunedin freight. A DXC and DC made up the whole consist of 922 so I made the easy decision to chase 923 south.

Southbound 923 Middleton - Dunedin freight climbs out of Merton after a crossing and crew change with 922. 13/02/13.

After grabbing a shot of 923 as it left Merton I hit the road and headed south. Just north of Seacliff I found this spot. It wasn't long before 923 arrived and I was able to grab a great shot.

922 cruises along the East Otago coast between Merton and Seacliff. In the background is the Otago peninsular and the entrance to Otago harbour. 13/02/13.

Between Seacliff and Warrington, the coast road and the main south line cross several times as both wind through the shifting hillsides above the Pacific ocean. Just before I got to each crossing the lights and alarms would activate meaning I had to grab shots from the car window. Thanks to the wonders of digital photography even these shots came out alright.

DXC 5327 and DC 4726 drag 922 around the horseshoe curve just south of Seacliff. 13/02/13. 

Rushed shot of DXC 5327 while waiting at a level crossing. 13/02/13.

With the last of the crossings out of the way and 922 being held up at a temporary stop board, I was able to get ahead and grab some shots as it passed through Waitati.

923 cruises into Waitati on the main. 13/02/13.

The cheesy 3/4 shot.

And the going away shot as 923 climbs out of Waitati. 13/02/13.

What a great way to spend a free afternoon.

And thats about it...