FRONZ 50th Anniversary

Both locomotives seen just before being split.

Photo by Jezza Clarke

21 June 2025

Ab 608 was the first to use the turntable, seen here reversing towards it.

Photo by Jezza Clarke

21 June 2025

Ab 608 showing its handsome lines as it is gently turned to face south bound.

Photo by Jezza Clarke

21 June 2025

Ab 608 departing the turntable for servicing.

Photo by Jezza Clarke

21 June 2025

We catch up with the train, this time with Ja 1271 leading the south bound charge, seen at Waiouru.

Photo by Jezza Clarke

21 June 2025

Passing under State Highway 1 south of Waiouru.

Photo by Jezza Clarke

21 June 2025

Pacing north of Hunterville.

Photo by Jezza Clarke

21 June 2025

Hunterville crossing, with evening light beginning to fade.

Photo by Jezza Clarke

21 June 2025

Ja 1271 as seen from the side showing it in all her glory.

Photo by Jezza Clarke

21 June 2025

Our last photo of the day shows the two engines as the sun sets.

Photo by Jezza Clarke

21 June 2025

On the third and final day, Ww 644 is prepared for the last day of celebrations on this very cold morning.

Photo by Jezza Clarke

22 June 2025

Ww 644 along with Da 1431/1410 as all are ready for the days events.

Photo by Jezza Clarke

22 June 2025

Ww 644 alongside the Wooden carriages.

Photo by Jezza Clarke

22 June 2025

1410 and 1431 will be sandwiched in the Mountain Thunder consist between DBR 1254 and DC 4818. This train sees all four locomotives head north to Taumarunui, in a repeat of Mountain Thunder from 2022 with DC 4818 additionally joining the train.

Photo by Jezza Clarke

22 June 2025

A portrait of 1410 with Steam Inc's carriages.

Photo by Jezza Clarke

22 June 2025

The two locomotives coupled together.

Photo by Jezza Clarke

22 June 2025

Once both locomotives were warmed up and ready to go, they were shunted into their position.

Photo by Jezza Clarke

22 June 2025

Seen at the South End of the platform in Palmerston North.

Photo by Jezza Clarke

22 June 2025

Ww 644 and 1410 seen together.

Photo by Jezza Clarke

22 June 2025

DC 4818 and DBR 1254 are seen arriving onto the Platform with the Mountain Thunder express.

Photo by Jezza Clarke

22 June 2025

DA 1410 and DA 1431 are seen backing onto the consist after the DC and DBR were detached.

Photo by Jezza Clarke

22 June 2025

DA 1431 as seen on the consist.

Photo by Jezza Clarke

22 June 2025

After the DAs had been placed onto the train, the DC and DBR locomotives were once again reattached to the train.

Photo by Jezza Clarke

22 June 2025

Which one of the diesels has a faulty engine with all that smoke! Shortly before departure DC 4818 is seen on the lead with DBR 1254 and the DA locomotives in tow

Photo by Jezza Clarke

22 June 2025

644 on the Capital Connection? Ww 644 is seen backing onto its water tanker before shunting its train onto the Platform.

Photo by Jezza Clarke

22 June 2025

Two eras of Passenger trains seen in one view. Former SA carriages refurbished as SR, SRC and SRG class carriages sit in the fenced siding, while Ww 644 moves away with GVR and Steam Inc's wooden carriages.

Photo by Jezza Clarke

22 June 2025

The morning sun was slowly coming out but that didn't make it warmer! Ww 644 is seen with its consist departing Palmerston North station yard.

Photo by Jezza Clarke

22 June 2025

The Gorge trip is seen backing onto Palmerston North platform, ready to load up on passengers.

Photo by Jezza Clarke

22 June 2025

Ww 644 now on Platform next to the SR carriages.

Photo by Jezza Clarke

22 June 2025

After the first trip, Ww 644 shunts around before pulling its next trip to Woodville.

Photo by Jezza Clarke

22 June 2025

Near the end of the Manawatu Gorge.

Photo by Jezza Clarke

22 June 2025

Ww 644's excursion seen in its entirety as it reaches the end of the Gorge.

Photo by Jezza Clarke

22 June 2025

Our last photo of the weekend shows Ww 644 pushing it's consist around the Woodville Balloon loop before returning to Palmerston North. Ww 644 will later travel north to Feilding for stabling.

Photo by Jezza Clarke

22 June 2025