The Bush Tramway

[Mayner]

One of my favourite places Pukemiro Junction on a branch line built into the coal field north of Hamilton. The upper part of the branch became home to the Bush Tramway Club with a distinctly American logging line atmosphere. The group has a unique collection of rod and geared engines including locally built Heisler and Climax clones.

 

 

Recently overhauled ex-Pukemiro Colliery Peckett storms up the 1:50 to the Junction

 

White Bush Jigger once used to transport loggers and equipment on a Central North Island bush tramway

 

Steering wheel operates the bogie brakes!

 

Pukemiro Yard

 

Price Bush Lokie cross between a Climax & a Heisler

[murrayec]

Hi

 

Excellent photos, I love the White Bush Jigger. Some things that people do with other things are amazing! I think I would be tempted to turn the steering wheel if I was in it.

 

murrayec

[Mayner]

The jigger is basically a re-build from the axles up, the steering wheel was fabricated in situ from short pieces of pine and then finished to a curved profile rather than curved in a steam press.

 

The unfortunate thing is that the operation is so marginal that the owners/volunteers do not have the energy or resources to restore most of the locos and stock they rescued as young enthuiasts 40-50 years ago.

 

Recently overhauled Pukemiro Colliery Co Peckett This loco was originally used on a private colliery line from one of the local coal mines to the exchange sidings at Pukemiro Junction.

 

Part of the final bevel drive on a Climax or Price geared loco

 

The UTA thought of it F216 a steam diesel conversion

 

Wooden rails Dispatch Foundry Fordson Rail Tractor

 

Sad end to a loading shovel?

 

Climax boiler under repair front tube plate cut out for replacement

Edited May 6, 2014 by Mayner

[David Holman]

Looks a treat, John. Will post some photos of the Forest Museum on Vancouver Island, but will need to compress them first. These days, it is generally very tidy and well kept, but it wasn't always so!