Train carriages take the platform to get some air

Taieri Gorge Railway carriages were at the Dunedin Railway Station on Thursday but they were not there to pick up passengers.

Rail and Maritime Transport Union Otago branch secretary Dave Kearns said the carriages were in the station as part of requirements under the Dunedin Railways mothballing.

"... the carriages have to move around periodically to ensure they are still operational."

Mr Kearns said he felt it was a shame the success of the revitalised TranzAlpine train on the West Coast could not be replicated in Dunedin.

"They probably were at the station because it was a sunny spot to clear condensation from the carriages."

Dunedin Railways did not respond when contacted.