F 163: Steam in the Manawatu Gorge - April 2019 (HD)

During April 2019, the Fielding & Districts Steam Rail Society ran a series of steam hauled excursions out of Palmerston North, into the Manawatu Gorge behind 139 year old F 163, New Zealand's oldest steam locomotive certified for mainline running. We capture this unique weekend on camera as we both follow and ride behind the F, with the odd assistance from a KiwiRail diesel when required. Saturday 13th April was a special rail photographers excursion, with rare photo opportunities in the gorge, with Sunday 14th being a day of public shuttle trains between Ashhurst & Woodville. Enjoy some more of New Zealand steam at its finest!

[@tonyhogg366]

In 1994 I had the privilege of riding in the cab from Taumarunui to Ongarue when F163 and train set were enroute from Palmerston North to Hamilton. The whole of Taumarunui Primary School rode in the carriages. Space was a premium with three in the cab.

[@christay21]

first time iv seen the f on the tracks in over 10 years (i was part of the F163 crew when it was based in palmy north) im now in the king country it bought back fond memory's of the time i was with the crew (i was in palmy over 30 years)

[@nztphotography5758]

Lovely footage, 163 is a lovely F :)

[@NZREngine]

Fantastic footage!

[@roryanderson7808]

I love these excursions

[@Grenadier_]

this is wonderful 😄👍 well done

[@roryanderson7808]

Is wab794 still running this year

[@SpottingWithSam]

No sadly, we’re overhauling her. Got set back a bit with covid.