Oamaru Steam and Rail’s 1924 Hudswell Clark locomotive gleamed amid swirling smoke as she gave residents, volunteers, and steam buffs a glimpse of 100 years ago when steam was king.
For many, including Bill Hare of Oamaru, it brought vivid memories on Saturday.
He recalled biking from Milton to Milburn about 80 years ago to experience the joy of watching his father Roly driving B10.
"Do you know, I used to ride on this engine as a small kid?" he told an enthralled audience.
To be bathed in odoriferous coal smoke — once an everyday occurrence — was a pleasure for old and young alike as B10 pulled centennial trains down to the Oamaru Harbour well into the night.
Its volunteering ethos was on full display — underscored through official speeches to mark B10’s 100th.
Veteran volunteer John Paul said a core group of about 25 put in hundreds of hours of planning and preparation — with superb backing also from the Oamaru business community.
"It’s been a real team effort."
B10 at 100 was in fine fettle after "a good overhaul" several years ago, he said.
"Hopefully she’ll be good for another few years yet.
"Work goes on all the time — a bit of repair here, a bit of repair there.
"It’s all a labour of love."
Built by Hudswell Clarke in England in 1924, B10 has been in Otago since 1929.
After riding the rails at Milburn for 38 years then Pukeuri for 30 years, she was acquired by Oamaru Steam and Rail in 1997.
