Mainline Steam is an organisation devoted to the restoration and operation of historic mainline steam locomotives in New Zealand and they do an absolutely superb job ranking amongst the best in the world. It is owned by Ian Welch who has worked miracles and given pleasure to millions.

Regular day excursions and multi-day tours are operated, by Mainline Steam, over rail lines thoroughout New Zealand. These excursions provide travellers with the unique opportunity to relive the days when steam was king while experiencing the magnificent New Zealand countryside. Excursions are operated by the Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch branches. These are well advertised in local newspapers and on the Excursion page of this website. Early bookings are essential for all excursions.

But the most fantastic thing they do is to run a steam train from Auckland at the top of North Island to Invercargill at the bottom of the south island and Greymouth in the West of the South Island.

The photographs on this page and the other New Zealand Pages are mainly about their trains. They are fantastic, even though I say so myself. If you get any chance at all contact them and travel with them. You will remember the experience all your life.

Mainline Steam currently has a number of fully restored and mainline certified locomotives. They include: J1211, Jb1236, Ja1275, Ab663 and Ba552. See our Locomotive page for more details.

The principle depot is located in Auckland at 23 Cheshire Street, Parnell, where up to twelve steam locomotives are kept, including a GMAM Garratt from South Africa. The depot is usually open Monday to Saturday from 9am - 4:30pm and visitors are always welcome. Entry is by donation (usually $5). The Wellington Depot is located at Plimmerton and regular workdays are held each Saturday. In Christchurch the depot is located in Middleton and because it is located on an industrial site access is restricted.

If you want to do more than look at the locomotives you might consider becoming a member and getting some hands on experience at locomotive restoration. New members are always welcome at all our depots and we would be happy to send you out the required application forms or you can download the appropriate form from the Membership page.

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Locomotives

Mainline Steam has a large collection of locomotives currently under restoration at its bases in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. As well as a variety of significant New the collection include: Ab663, Ba552, Bb144, Bagnall, J1211, Ja1240, Ja1275, Jb1236, Ka942, Kb968, K911.   Disposition as at 18/08/2007. Ab663 Wellington Mainline certified. Ba552 Auckland Not currently mainline certified. Bb144 Auckland Under restoration. Bagnall Auckland Boiler work completed and waiting final steam test. J1211 Wellington Mainline certified. Ja1240 Auckland Restoration Underway. Ja1275 Auckland Mainline certified. Jb1236 Christchurch Mainline certified. Ka942 Wellington Under overhaul. K911 Wellington Awaiting restoration. Kb968 Christchurch Restoration under way.       Contact Details: Mainline Steam PO Box 37871 Parnell Auckland New Zealand Telephone: (09)810-9567 Updated : 21st. March 2008