on monday afternoon, 1957-built DA1431 brought a private charter tour to town for two nights. many were scrapped or converted to DC's. this DA is one of two certified for mainline use, and is under ownership of a preservation group.

here are a couple of pics i got of her.

at the yard where she was stored for two nights. this isnt the normal yard, but she had to be here due to shunt movements in the main yard in town.

she was towed from the next town by a modern DC, because kiwirail dont like driving locos "long hood forward". coaches ferried the passengers to a hotel for their stay.

she was taken into town after arrival so she could be turned to face the right way for departure, which will be tomorrow morning.
on the old turntable.

they turned the DC as well, which i missed as i wanted to get back across town and not get held up at the various crossings. the DC took her back over the bridge, and then waited to pair up for the afternoon freight train.

coming back over the bridge under her own power. i nearly missed this shot due to the sun location. i couldnt see anything for the most part.

a roster was drawn up of local club members to run security on her against vandals. i was on tonight for a few hours.

a rather atmospheric shot. thats the moon to the left. not sure what the other floaty stuff is, but its not snow. cold, but not that cold!

she heads north tomorrow morning, and will come through again on saturday. i hope to see her leave tomorrow, but not sure if i will get there or not.