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September 2002, WRPS excursion to Wellington for the Taranaki V's Wellington rugby game.
On 25 May 1999 our society was established with the primary aim to save the 126 year
old branchline from Lepperton Junction down to the township of Waitara. This branchline was the first railway system
in Taranaki and linked New Plymouth with the port of Waitara. Two and a half years later what was an idea, became
possible with the assistance of two grants from the Taranaki Electricity Trust and the TSB Community Trust, with a further
amount raised by society members to make up the grand total of $360.000. The objective of our society is to operate
a heritage tourist railway from Waitara to the Waiongana bridge. This hour long trip will be an asset to Taranaki,
but also of interest to the many national & international tourists who pass through this region.
Labour weekend 2003
Just some of the passengers that were waiting their turn for a ride.
2011
The Society has moved on at a
great pace of late. With the Tahora Station Building now completed with the restoration and painting in heritage colours.
Jim, has printed many photos and information which are hung on the walls. Many a child's birthday has been celebrated
on the train with their cake cutting done either on the train or at the Station.
Nak 6078 has been converted to
an open car. Since the start of July 2011, Denyse has been busy building a roof for our passengers.
The ticket office, again on a
Nak, which was used in the film “The Last Samurai”. This vehicle has been converted for the team to sell tickets
and memorabilia.
Dsc 2584, at long last has been
painted. The response from the passengers and team is very positive. One would have seen the locomotive on the Home Page.
Since Xmas 2010, there have been
many groups having their excursions with the Society. Again with many positive reports coming back to the team.
Some activities;-
ABOVE ;- 2010 Members celebrating their Xmas, WRPS style
Above;- Members at times are treated well at smoko breaks . . . .
. . . and look what we receive, awesome!!
Our Members;-
Membership is made up with a great following from many age
groups, skills and interests. Also, a number of members are past railway workers with a wealth of knowledge and skills
to offer the younger followers who are keen to learn. There have been an influx members of late with Husband and Wife teams
joining and attending the working bees. The subscriptions are still, $30:00, for adult, also families. $18:00 for Students.
ABOVE;- A fine day with the gardeners' busy.
Left to Right;- Pat, Eileen and Jim
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