Anyone have more details on this 1953 rail disaster in New Zealand? What type of engine, etc.. I presume the equipment was later recovered?

http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/42729.htm
ryarger@rypn.org

> Anyone have more details on this 1953 rail
> disaster in New Zealand? What type of
> engine, etc.. I presume the equipment was
> later recovered?
The locomotive was one of 35 Ka class 4-8-4's, no 949, and while it was recovered in badly damaged condition it was never returned to service. The passenger cars which went into the river were write offs and indeed some underframe sections still lie there. A steam hauled excursion is being run on dec 21 to commemorate the anniversary. Engine Ja 1271 will carry the original smokebox numberplate from 949 mounted on a special bracket.The Prime Minister and Governor General along with other lesser politicians will be travelling on the train which incidentally will be made up of rebuilt ex British Rail mk2 passenger cars.


e.c.tutt@xtra.co.nz