As a historic Ja-class locomotive was winched painstakingly to its new home, near the Dunedin Railway Station yesterday, memories came flooding back for former steam train driver Bill Mattson.
Starting about 8am, the 70 tonne steam engine Ja1274, previously located near the Otago Settlers Museum complex, began moving steadily north along a 96m-long section of temporary train track, towards the railway station.
This steam locomotive, which usually weighed at least 100 tonnes, with its normal coal supply and water aboard, was the 35th and last of the Ja locomotive class built at the Hillside Railway Workshops between 1946 and 1956.
It has been on display since 1975.
Using a powerful truck-borne winch, contractors Fulton Hogan Heavy Haulage ensured it reached its new home - a yet to be completed glass viewing shed - about 10am.
Groups of railway enthusiasts took photographs and craned their heads for a better view of the locomotive, once capable of speeds exceeding 100kmh.
The whole train-moving operation, including the new shed, is expected to cost about $700,000.
Mr Mattson said moving the Dunedin City Council-owned engine, which is cared for by Ocean Beach Railway members, to the new viewing shed was a positive move, enabling more people to get a better all-round view of the locomotive.
"It's all there right in front of them."
This locomotive, Ja1274, was among many he drove or served on as fireman during a railway career that began in 1946 and lasted about 40 years.
The Ja class trains were replaced by diesels in 1971.
"That one especially was top class.
"We called them high wheelers ... It was exhilarating at speed."
Because of the long bonnet, drivers had to stick their heads out of the window to see where they were going.
And in those days, families, farmers, other pedestrians and even motorists waved back to the express train as it roared along, leaving its big plume of smoke.
"It was really something. They were really good."
Several train enthusiasts, including Tom Galletly and Paul Bedwell, the latter an Ocean Beach Railway committee member, were pleased to see the locomotive moving to its new home, but would ultimately like to see the engine upgraded to run with steam again.
Museum development manager Bronwyn Simes said moving the locomotive, as part of the museum's redevelopment project, had gone smoothly.
The viewing shed's metal structure was already completed and painted.
Further glass would be installed now the locomotive was in position, and the shed would be completed early next year, she said.
The Ja class locomotives operated the express train service in the South Island, until they were superseded by Dj class diesels in 1971.
