I stayed in the van beside a river, I was going to video the Santa Parade in Gore that day. As usual I was up and away early and was driving towards Gore. I came around the corner in Mandeville and saw a steam locomotive warming up on the side of the road. I had to stop and check out this magnificent machine, the Rogers K92 Locomotive which ran the Gore to Kingston run or the Kingston Flyer
In June 1927 the Rogers K92 Locomotive, was dumped into the Oreti River at Mararoa Junction, just above Lumsden. It was put there to help stop erosion. In 1985 the K92 was pulled out of the Oreti River and fully restored.
Rogers K92 Locomotive is now at the Waimea Plains Railway in Mandeville. When I arrived they were getting the locomotive ready for a public day, so I hung around to see it running. While waiting, I checked out the Crydon Aviation Heritage Centre next door. What a treat, not only did I happen on a Steam Locomotive but I also found myself in a hanger full of heritage aircraft.
So if you are ever passing through this way make sure you set aside a bit of time to explore Mandeville.
Find them on Facebook
Waimea Plains Railway – @waimeaplainsrailway
Croydon Aviation Heritage Centre – @experiencemandeville