Its future was derailed when Kingston Acquisitions failed to make a financial success of the venture and its related ambitious Kingston plans. It made numerous attempts to find solutions. However, the train stopped running in April 2009 and, after attempts to sell it to cover debts were unsuccessful, the company was placed in receivership in November 2009 owing at least $4.7 million. There have been various further endeavours to sell the train, with repeated interest over the years from the Mississippi-based freight and rail entertainment company Railmark.
But offers cannot have been high enough for either Kingston Acquisitions or, later, receiver Prudential Mortgage Nominees Ltd.
It is claimed the train carried at least 50 passengers a day during its last season, 2008-09, with far more at its tourist peak in the mid-1990s.
It was used in Indian "Bollywood" films and for television advertisements. Combine the romanticism of an ancient working steam train with the locality's scenery and, surely, there was potential. But for most of the past two years the train has been left outside, steadily deteriorating. Were it not for its category one historic item status in the Queenstown Lakes District Council's district plan, it might well have been taken elsewhere.
Providentially, the latest sale process has borne fresh fruit.
David Bryce, who grew up and farmed at Longridge near Lumsden, later shifted to Marlborough where he established a vineyard.
He then had the foresight to see the wine glut coming and sold the vineyard for nearly $16 million in 2007, enough to pay off debts and to have the wherewithal this year to buy the Kingston Flyer. He started a farm computing company at one earlier stage, and he would appear to be the type of white knight such projects require; astute and interested with the bonus of coming from the area. He has been making all the right noises about the need for the support of the locals and has charitable trust ideas. He also backs the proposed around-the-Mountain Rail Trail cycle track which together with the Flyer and steamship the Earnslaw on Lake Wakatipu, provide serious heritage attractions for the local tourism market.
Mr Bryce is not one of those serious buffs immersed in the minutiae of trains. Rather, he saw the purchase as a worthwhile challenge and fun opportunity.
And on board for help he does have a long-time train enthusiast: Flyer driver Russell Glendinning, whom he has known for 30 years, has been cited as a main reason for buying the operation.
Instead of rusting on the rails, the Kingston Flyer has returned to its proper place as one of southern New Zealand's special attractions.
It must now be hoped the Flyer can consolidate that position and establish itself as commercially viable in the long term. Kingston businesses and the local community can then all go along for the ride.
On the map
With international tourism struggling in the face of tough times, how pleasing to see the Southern Lakes region in the Lonely Planet's Top 10 Regions in its Best in Travel 2012. Queenstown and Southern Lakes are listed at No 8, an achievement described by Destination Queenstown chief executive Tony Everitt as "priceless".
"There isn't a bad time to turn up in the world's top adventure playground," Lonely Planet says. The book notes non-stop year-round activities in Queenstown, Wanaka, Te Anau as well as surrounding mountains, lakes and national parks. It also mentions golf, water skiing, wineries and restaurants.
When one industry, tourism, is relied on so heavily, any opportunities for international exposure, any chance to be on the map, are enthusiastically received. And because of that dependency, it is fortunate that the region, across its seasons and with its grandeur and variety has come to offer all sorts of experiences to all sorts of people. That can now also include the option of a trip on the Kingston Flyer.
