Glenbrook Vintage Railway - History

History

The GVR is based on part of the old Waiuku branch line which opened in 1922 and closed from Glenbrook to Waiuku in 1967.

The initial concept for a steam powered tourist railway was initiated when the New Zealand Government Railways announced closure of the line - a popular route for excursions operated by the parent body, the Railway Enthusiasts Society. Re-construction of the GVR began in 1970, with a huge amount of work slashing back overgrown gorse that had covered the line, renewing rail and building the Pukeoware Depot and the terminus at Glenbrook.

Delivery of items of rolling stock included the well-remembered "delivery" rail-tours bringing the steam locomotive fleet from the South Island back to Auckland for use at Glenbrook. Carriages were sourced out of stock being retired from the Auckland commuter network at the time, and in some cases (such as carriage "Manukura"), where the item of rolling stock had sentimental value to the members of the Railway Enthusiast's Society.

In 1977 the railway opened between Glenbrook and Pukeoware. Early services over the railway used the line's ex-Ministry of Works Ruston diesel (later GVR NO 3), a motor trolley, and several material trolleys fitted with longitudal seats. For the first proper services, steam locomotive NO 1 (formerly WW 480) was used with several carriages.

In 1986 an extension was completed to Fernleigh, 6 km from Glenbrook. The opening took place on 6 December, with Prime Minister David Lange doing the honours. The next day a special excursion train ran from Auckland. JA 1250 and DA 529 hauled a large public excursion out to Glenbrook station from Auckland dubbed the "Sunset Coast Express". The prevoius day DC 4444 and 6 Cityrail branded carriages made the run from Auckland to Fernleigh (including the GVR section). This train carried Lange to Fernleigh to open the extension.

Acquisitions and improvements to track and structures occurred during the late 1980s and 1990s. In 1995 initial plans were laid out for the extension of the railway line from the Fernleigh Terminal into the actual town of Waiuku. Planning, lobbying public support and fundraising continued until the major physical works began in 1999. As the original Waiuku station and yards had been developed following the closure of the line in 1968, the decision was made to have the new Waiuku Station at Tamakae Reserve.

As part of the work, a new bridge would be required to reach Tamakae Reserve, and so a temporary station was opened at Victoria Avenue in Waiuku, just behind the Cosmopolitan Club. When the final extension is completed, it is intended that Victoria Ave will be retained. Member preview trains ran on Easter Saturday 2010, and at Labour Weekend 2010 the new route was opened to regular service by former Waiuku Mayor Kevan Lawrence and Mayor of Auckland Len Brown. The heritage 1922 concrete bridge known as Black Bridge has been strengthened to allow trains to operate beneath it, and laying of newly-welded rail onto concrete sleepers (a first at the railway) has been completed. Work continues on planning the requirements of the final extension to Tamakae reserve.

The 1,000,000th passenger was carried on the 7 January 2007.