Rail carts through the Forgotten World - 4K
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 ต.ค. 2024
- Take a ride along part of New Zealand’s mothballed SOL (Stratford Okahukura Line) between Tokirima and Okahukura in a golf cart converted to run on rails. This was part of Forgotten World Adventure’s Rail and River Run (Jet Boat one way Rail Cart the other)- for more information and a map use this link - forgottenworld... for information about the line itself, use this link - en.wikipedia.o... To see more rail cart runs along the SOL on this channel, please click on the following - • Forgotten World Advent... • Part 3 - Forgotten Wor... • Part 3 - Forgotten Wor...
For High speed runs over the whole line - • High speed SOL line wi... • Part 2 - High speed SO...
It's amazing you can tell just by the landscape it's a different country, the ground moss, the plants setup, how the weeds grow, the tree lines, the hills within the ground, the color of the sky, the texture of the grass. Its almost like we're in a simulation.
Hi, at first sight, the New Zealand landscape can look like North Wales in the UK, but as you rightly point out a closer look reveals a different story.
What an amazing ride! Such innovative solutions are needed everywhere, so local lines can be preserved and benefit the land they go through by activities such as this one, combined with tours and selling local products. Thank you Tim, i can imagine how fun this was for you!
It would be nice to see this happen in the UK, better than ripping the lines up, only to discover you need them again 20 or 30 years later (the Borders Railway in Scotland, the East West line between Cambridge and Oxford) I bet you can think of some disused lines in tourist areas of Greece that would suit this sort of operation.
Probably one of the best abandoned lines anywhere. Even with no maintenance these tracks will last nearly forever with those low stress, lightweight buggies.
It's great way to enjoy a line that would otherwise be lifted and reclaimed by nature.
We can hope that the scrap iron value doesn't become too much of a temptation.
Forgotten World Adventures have a 30 year lease on the line, so things should be OK for a while.
Timsvideochannel1 That's great news I have always said that these kind of adventures are a viable proposition for someone provided the railways don't decide to tear up tracks for scrap. Keep em rolling
I was just about to add that the only line I knew of that was abandoned in southern MD, USA was immediately pillaged for the rail and creosote ties many years ago. Fortunately the county eventually bought the right of way and is currently turning it into a paved walking, biking and horse trail.
How fun that would be. The little rail carts are adorable but that scenery is spectacular.
Hi Sandy, this is one fun journey.
They should have done something like that with the tracks near where I live instead of ripping them up.
I wondered what those rails in the middle of every bridge were for until I thought a moment and realised that they're anti-derail rails. If the train derails while on the bridge, those extra rails will help keep the train from running off the side of the bridge and falling into the water. Clever!
I think most people can think of a now dismantled railway line where these carts would have been successful. It takes the Kiwi mentality to make it happen, a country not bogged down with pointless regulation where a can do attitude is still alive and well. Your reasoning for the extra rails on bridges is spot on.
Fantastic joyride on a golfcart in an old railway! Woot! Woot! Thanks for sharing your beautiful video. 😍👍
It was great fun to be a train driver, even if the train was golf cart.
And most Golf Carts are battery operated. The 2 stroke engines on the former RR Speeders put out too much pollution. Electric will be the way to go.
These golf carts on rails remind me of the bamboo trains near Battambang in Cambodia. When I first went, 15 years ago these were used by the locals for transporting themselves and produce. I was the only foreigner there.If two of these "trains" met, the one with the lightest load would be lifted off the tracks to allow the other to pass. At the time there was a maximum of one real train a day, which travelled at about 12 km per hr, so accidents, if any were rare. There are several videos on You Tube but they all seem to be pretty recent when the trains were mainly being run as a tourist attraction and of less interest to me.
surrounded by green growing things, that's how we were supposed to live. not stuffed into little crowded boxes, that we struggle to pay for
I totally agree, my daughter is about to buy a flat in London for an eye watering price, she could buy a mansion in the country for the same price.
What a superb trip and beautiful countryside. It makes me want to hop across the "pond" and go for a ride.
Just great - there are so many abandoned rail lines in the USA this looks like something a person/company could look into and make a few bucks also a point of interest to people
There are abandoned railway lines through beautiful scenery in many parts of the world, where it would make good sense to introduce an operation like this. The local economy has benefited a great deal from the extra tourists looking for somewhere to stay and a place to eat.
Great to hear someone agrees with me on this matter - if I was not so old and disabled I personally would think of getting more involved in my state.
Hi Ted, it would be nice to think someone, somewhere in the world might see this video and be inspired to set up a similar operation. I would love to see it happen in the UK and judging by comments from the USA, there are plenty of people there who would love the chance to be able to ride rail carts along old railway lines. I also notice that there are a number of people who own Speeders/Rail carts in the USA who get together and arrange trips along lightly used/disused lines, so it would appear the owners of some of these lines may well react positively to the idea of a more permanent tourist venture, looking after their asset and there is also a good opportunity for positive publicity along the lines of - local company helps new tourist venture benefitting the wider community. We can always dream.
Great to chat with you - maybe a posting on Facebook etc may inspire some to venture into this, I think very profitable venture. As I do not use any of the social media, I personally can not do it............again, great to chat with you.
It was good to chat with you Ted, you never someone might see this and be inspired to breath new life into an old railroad. Tim.
What an innovative idea - would love to take that tour. No one in a hurry awesome scenery, great idea - kudo's
It's great fun and lovely way to relax, whilst enjoying the beautiful surroundings.
New Zealand reminds me so much my old country of birth, Portugal, especially in the winter and spring when everything is green and overgrown. The vegetation and overall landscape is remarkably similar.
What a fun peaceful ride you must've had. I wish I had been there with you all.
Hi, I'm hoping to visit Portugal this year, I've watched a number of TV programs and TH-cam videos showing the Douro Valley and Lisbon, both look fascinating, especially the Lisbon trams. New Zealand's Forgotten World is very scenic with a backdrop of ferns the likes of which I've not seen anywhere else, it's a prehistoric landscape, only the dinosaurs are missing, it’s a very relaxing and interesting experience.
@@Timsvideochannel1 Been wanting to respond earlier but I kept being delayed. Portugal is very scenic mostly during winter and spring when the mediterranean climate is more suave. I do recommend you visit the interior if you're searching specifically for landscapes, medieval and roman villages and even pre-historic monuments.
Where I originally come from, Alentejo in the south, there's a lusitanian sanctuary and Castro (fortified village) dedicated to Endovelicus. This god was so popular even the romans who invaded Lusitania converted to this indo-european god. Further north you have the Cromeleque dos Almendres (stone circle/stone field of Almendres), way older than Stonehenge. There are also dolmens and menires in the region. (I posted links but TH-cam deletes my comments)
The north is very scenic as well and you can even take a Douro cruise and/or ride steam trains over the old lines that are still maintained to this day. If you visit the country I strongly recommend you stay away from the big cities. There's more stuff to see more quickly but the "país desconhecido" (unknown country) is better.
Happy voyages.
Exactly. However, I spent quite a bit of time in G.B. and used my time off to do as many of the legacy steam trips as I could. There are many more of those there than in the U.S. and there seems to be not only a lot of public support but also cooperation from mainline RR operators. Many years ago I participated in the conservation and eventual restoration attempt of a Chicago Burlington and Quincy S-4 Hudson 4-6-4. We had enough money donations promised to do the restoration but we got no cooperation in the negotiations to make mainline trips if we finished the restoration. So, the old girl sits in a park.
Whilst here in the UK we don't always make good use of mothballed railways, there is no doubt the British love of railway preservation has resulted a world class heritage scene, whether it be museums, heritage railways or main line steam excursions. Its a pity the Hudson 4-6-4 was not fully restored
What a fantastic way to get around on the old disused railway lines. I was born in Christchurch too but this is the first time I've heard about this, great video, thanks for uploading!!
Thanks, I'm glad you found it interesting. A trip through the forgotten world is one of New Zealand's best kept secrets, I only discovered it when I was looking for the shortest route from New Plymouth to Taumarunui. The road trip is well worth doing although the surface is gravel for part of the way. Over much of the journey the road and rail are not far apart, but the view from each is very different as the road tends to be higher up the hillsides, whilst the railway follows the valley floor.
Great to see railways being used for something worthwhile. Beautiful scenery.
I can't think of a better way to see the delightful scenery and the rail-cart operators keep the route clear of undergrowth and landslips, it's a win win situation all round.
thank you for sharing, this is something I would not be able see without people like you. thanks
Thank you Alice, I really appreciate your comment.
I like so much this is a great idia
We simply loved this ride. When we saw golf carts we thought how neat, and it was. Loved seeing the cows, sheep, horses etc.
Its hard to think of a better use for a mothballed railway, everyone's a winner, KiwiRail get their asset looked after for free, just in case there is a requirement for trains to run again some day and the public get to enjoy a truly unique experience.
My first viewing of this journey on your golf carts. What a great video. I drive past the boarding location at Okahukura on the North Island Main Trunk as a current Locomotive Engineer for Kiwirail Te Rapa and have seen the Golf Carts parked up. I remember seeing a wash out on the line some time ago in the Kiwirail Monthly Journal. I thought it was still closed. I will definitely put this on my To Do Bucket list as Im nearing retirement whenever I set my date. Typically beautiful NZ country side native green bush streams rivers tunnels bridges animals, small villages. Beats the Nullaboors any day.
Well done film crew. Give yourself/selves a pat on the back.
Wayne M.
Hello Wayne, New Zealand is a country full of surprises. The first time I saw the SOL in 2006 trains were still running although I never actually saw one, I visited the line again in 2007 and 2009 when trains only ran at night, I still didn't see any trains. I was saddened to read that the line was mothballed after a derailment towards the end on of 2009. When I first read about the rail carts in 2012 I booked a trip over the full length of line on my next visit including an overnight stay at the legendary Whangamōmona Hotel, the line still looked in reasonable condition. I did a short trip over part of the line with my wife in 2017 as shown in this video, it was clear that the venture had really taken off with the addition of short trips and jet boat rides. Please click on these links to see my first rail cart ride over the line - th-cam.com/video/F_5334NNBYM/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/EqkaXqWTIV0/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/ZQYCpLbcWRE/w-d-xo.html A ride through the Tangarakau Gorge in a rail cart is the nearest thing to a Jurassic adventure, only the dinosaurs are missing. Being a locomotive Engineer in New Zealand, you will be well aware that the loco crew have the best view of the countryside, the view from the rail carts is the nearest a member of the public can get to enjoying the view normally reserved for the footplate crew. If you do get to ride a rail cart over this line, I'm sure you will find it a rewarding experience. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Cheers. Tim. PS a trip on Autsralia's Savannahlander is other awesome experience.
tunnel 18 and 19. nice over growth. what a great thing to do. almost makes me want to put New Zealand on the travel list. just for this. but the wife might not go for that, bridges, tunnels, country side, and history. so sweet. thanks for bringing the camera along.
I'm glad you enjoyed it. Pleasing wives can be a challenge, mine doesn't like trains unless they are taking her to a warm sunny beach somewhere, but I have to admit she was OK with this venture, even after she discovered the first leg of trip aboard the Whanganui River boat was really a jet boat. New Zealand is an amazing place, good luck with finding a way to sell the idea to your better half.
This is a great adventure for someone like me. With a camera, Beverage, snacks and friends. It's like tubing a river. Only this would be a river of iron to glide on.
It's a great experience to share with friends, there is no reason not to enjoy a drink and snack on the way. Its a very relaxing way to see the beautiful countryside.
This is on my bucket list.The scenery is just incredible.Very much like British countryside only ten times better, and more of it.
I came across this line just before it closed to regular trains, although I never saw a train. When I first heard about the rail carts in 2013, I booked to travel over the whole line in one and it was nice to return again in 2017 and see how successful the venture has become, with the addition of Rail Bikes and Jet Boat trips along the Whanganui River. Forgotten World Adventures have really put the Forgotten World back on the tourist map.
Don't be fooled by clean green image - dairy farming and logging are the main things you'll see in NZ, this is probably safer than driving on the roads though...
Having ridden the rails through the Smokie Mountains, USA I must say this did quite grab me.
Riding the rails through the Smokie Mountains sounds like a good experience. This video only covers part of the route, I've ridden the whole route in the past requiring two days , it is an amazing ride. I have included links to my earlier visits in the description for this video.
What can one say? Magnificent!👍 I'm keeping this video in my library to watch again later. Ta muchly. 🇦🇺
There is something strangely hypnotic about watching rail cart videos, I think I'm hooked on them. There is one rail cart venue north of Auckland, I have yet to see, hopefully I will get to tick that off my bucket list on my next visit to New Zealand.
Thanks for posting your wonderful video. It's great to see an abandoned line being used in a practical and enjoyable way which will help to preserve it. As always, your videos are beautifully presented.
Thank you, I really appreciate your comment. This video covers about 25% of the mileage available to the rail carts along this highly scenic railway. I can't think of a better way to enjoy the line, short of running trains again. If you wish to see the complete route, I have provided links in the video description. Thanks again. Tim.
What a lovely way to see the country side great video.
Thank you, I'm pleased you enjoyed it.
A superb video and as to 22 dislikes perhaps the dislikers are related to Dr Beeching? I detest flying (well the airports and their bolshy staff really) so this video was a brilliant way to see some of NZ for free! Many thanks!
Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed the ride. People vote "dislike" for a number of reasons, sometimes not even connected with the video, although on a few occasions people have explained their reasons, often giving good advice, helping me to improve my videos. It appears Dr Beeching may have moonlighted and closed railways all over the world, although I think the trend has reversed now as more new lines are being built than closed. As for airports, they are an unavoidable fact of life and if keeping us safe means subjecting us to searches and X-rays, then I guess that's the way it has to be. I live in the UK and travelling to Europe by ferry or Eurostar train is a much better experience than flying, often making the journey part of the holiday.
Absolutely superb! Keep thinking a golf course is suddenly going to appear - can't think why!!
Cheers, I'm pleased you enjoyed it. There is a nineteenth hole, I think they are still working on the rest.
What a grand ride thru absolutely beautiful countryside!!
It was a wonderful experience.
That was a fantastic video. I wish we'd have something like this here, especially on some of the old barely used freight lines in scenic places.
I would love to see these rail carts on some of the rarely used and disused branch lines in the UK as well. I think there is even a case for allowing them to use preserved railways on the days when there are no other trains, maybe rail cart events. I think people would be prepared to pay enough to make rail cart events pay their way.
I absolutely loved the cows racing the carts! That was so cute Thank you for sharing this looked an enjoyable time out
Hi, New Zealand cows can be quite playful, I'm glad you enjoyed the ride, it is a beautiful part of the world.
A very interesting and very successful idea. Wonderful views
I am pleased you enjoyed watching it, a really novel and fun way to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
What a wonderful idea! Good way to see the scenery and explore beautiful countryside. Thanks for making this video.
Thank you, these carts are great fun, offering a totally different view of the forgotten world.
Camera is one of the best on you tube.
Thanks, nice video.
I have watched this several times through and can only dream of such a wonderful adventure. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.
Hi, I'm glad you enjoyed the ride. If you would like to see more, I have included links to more videos of this line, shot on a previous visit when I took the two day excursion over the full length of the line.
Thank you for that info. I had completely overlooked those links. I'll really enjoy it!
Tim, You should be valued and congratulated for researching this. Just thanks.
Thank you, your comment is appreciated. This railway has fascinated me since I first saw it around ten years ago, when trains were still running although I never saw one in action. There are abandoned villages and farmsteads along the line where settlers tried to eek out a living from the land, either by farming or coal mining. The deserted homes and farm building along with stunning scenery make this a fascinating place to visit.
I travelled over this line many, many years ago - hope I can revisit some day. Thank you so much for posting.
It must have been a great experience to travel over the line by train, something I really wish I had been able to do. It is well worth visiting and you get an all round view from a rail cart.
Nice trip,I would love to do that. At first I didn't know where this was but as soon as I saw the scenery, it screamed New Zealand/
Now that would be something I would love to do, that was some beautiful scenery that they passed through. thanks for a very out standing video.
Thank you John, I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Nice film! It reminds me Buster Keaton in " The Railrodder" .
Well I had to take a look - th-cam.com/video/epfOOodUzHI/w-d-xo.html - they don't make em like that anymore.
Lucky with the weather while filming!
Can't wait to do this in the Summer. 😀Our beautiful country has some hidden gems
I hope you have a brilliant time, sometimes it pays to leave the regular tourist trails a discover new places. I saw some amazing places when I explored the beaches and coves north of New Plymouth before taking the road through the hills to Matiere.
i'm booking this for sure when i get to new zealand...love this!
the track looks to be in real good shape,, better than some used by full sise trains, good video
The line was in pretty good shape, much better than it would have been if nature had been allowed to take over.
What a unique experience!
As Monty Pythons used to say "and now for something completely different". There are currently three locations in New Zealand where you can drive rail carts along mothballed railway lines. I would love to see this happen on the line between Blaenau Ffestiniog and Trawsfynydd in North Wales, UK as a step on the way to reopening it.
A society is now working on the Traws line!
Hi, is Traws line the name used for the Blaenau Ffestiniog to Trawsfynydd Railway? I have just looked at this article - www.bftr.co.uk/progress - The last train I photographed on this line was hauled by a Class 47 diesel locomotive with a couple of vans.
Timsvideochannel
La noi de ce nu arpute fi sunt atîtea linii dezafectate
Este bine pentru a vedea liniile de cale ferată utilizate pentru turism. Mai bine decât doar le scoate.
what a neat way to repurpose the old rail line. Would love to do this some day.
It's great fun, I've done it twice now, but next time I am in New Zealand I'll do it again.
Thanks for sharing this video .. im from rotorua and went on the mamaku track it was very short but an amazing experience to see the beauty of rugged nz.. best 21st present ever.... even better go on a cloudy day and you have the track to your self... yourself the clickity clack of the wheels and the birds + dont forget the kids and wife too.. they loved it more .. when they threaten to rip up track they are erasing history ...
Thanks again
i might just have to head west and go on this 1
Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it. I love visiting Rotorua. I had the pleasure of meeting Neil Oppatt of Rotorua railcruisers who kindly took me along the closed part of the route into Rotorua as far as the line goes - th-cam.com/video/qV8mWTp6K4k/w-d-xo.html & th-cam.com/video/ZtNVdM6JBdA/w-d-xo.html
The Rotorua operation is very different to the Forgotten World Adventure, the Rotorua operation it is a family friendly turn up and go attraction where as the Forgotten World Rail-carts need to be booked well in advance and can only be driven by adults, although children can ride as passengers. The two operations are both well worth a visit.
On a previous occasion I traveled the full length of the old SOL Forgotten World line as can be seen in these videos - th-cam.com/video/F_5334NNBYM/w-d-xo.html - th-cam.com/video/zaibFM-qM2Y/w-d-xo.html - th-cam.com/video/ix3u3vSljwY/w-d-xo.html - th-cam.com/video/GrQseuBKnRw/w-d-xo.html - th-cam.com/video/quaKZUlui_E/w-d-xo.html
My wife and children really enjoyed visiting the wildlife and Thermal parks around Rotorua, there is nowhere else quite like it. If you make the trip, I am sure you will enjoy it. I wish we had rail-cruising in the UK, I am sure they would be a massive hit.
Looks like a lot of fun. It is kind of sad to see abandoned rail lines. Means that something went wrong.
I know what you mean about seeing abandoned railway lines, but it is good that they don't rush to tear up the tracks in New Zealand as it gives time to find alternative uses and sometimes they are bought back into use.
What a beautiful trip this must have been.
It's one of my all time favorite rail experiences, a novel way to ride the rails and wonderful scenery.
Thanks, Tim. Another really fine video you have shared with us. Maybe Forgotten World should have the sheep farmers graze their flocks along the right of way. They certainly keep the hills free of all that growth.
Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it. I think the sheep have found a few holes in the fences, but not enough to keep the vegetation in check as they have on the surrounding hills.
This was a great trip and I felt like I was with you. Great video and thanks for sharing.
Thank you, it was a fun experience, I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Such a great video and thanks to the person taping it, did a great job, vary enjoyable
Thank you, I'm pleased you enjoyed it.
Veľmi prekrásne natočené video . Pochvala a palec hore .
Perfektné , super , vynikajúce .
Ďakujem, som rád, že sa vám to páčilo.
What a wonderful experience...
I would love to go there...
I'm glad you enjoyed it, its a wonderful part of the world.
Central Oregon and Pacific Railroad out of Coos Bay has the same sort of tour. Go thru the harbor/dunes/several lakes on your way to Florence.
Hi, that sounds interesting. I used the internet and Google Earth to try and find some information. There is a highly scenic rail line that appears to have closed recently, but I can't find anything about a tourist venture using rail carts. I have found links to both You Tube and an organisation that arranges tours for rail Speeders - www.pro-online.org/calendar.htm - You Tube - th-cam.com/video/p3XR1ksbuUg/w-d-xo.html - th-cam.com/video/Hmj6p2i7_ko/w-d-xo.html These links give some information about the line -
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coos_Bay_Rail_Link www.brian894x4.com/CentralOregonandPacificRR.html
It would be great to see rail carts used in the same way as they are in New Zealand, it would certainly be worth the airfare from the UK to experience such an operation.
www.railspeeders.com/gallery/gallery.asp?id=35 I go boating on a lake that the tracks run along and have seen the speeders several times. Absolutely beautiful trip.
I would love to do that trip, what an amazing place, thanks for the link, they are beautiful photos.
And now for something different! Just enjoying another look at this great video too!
It was fun.
What a great adventure!! We have lots of lines out of use where these carts could be a godsend to tourist operators and the local economy. Unfortunately, the powers that be hold on to their rusting relics", some of which have not seen a turning wheel for thirty or forty years ."No you can't do that here' and then trot out all the reasons why you are not allowed to do it. Any entry upon a derelict line is still trespass regardless of the condition or time out of use. Myself and no doubt thousands of others would love to do what you are doing "but you can't do that here" is the word.
Loved the video. Greetings from across the Ditch.
Arthur
Hello Arthur, New Zealanders have a refreshing attitude to life, they are a can do nation, where obstacles are there to be overcome. They love their scenery and tourism is a big part of their economy. There are three of these ventures operating in New Zealand offering an experience that is almost unique. Maybe it would be worthwhile forwarding the link to this video to tourist authorities where suitable disused railway lines exist so that they can see how well it works. The town where most people start their tours has seen a real upturn in it's fortunes as visiting tourists need hotel accommodation and places to eat. These ventures are a win win situation for all parties involved.
Ingenious idea and interesting vessels cyrrying it out .
It's a fun way to enjoy the beautiful New Zealand countryside.
Very interesting ride, sceneries also beautiful. Thanks.
Thank you, I'm pleased you enjoyed the ride.
Beautiful county and a delightful rail ride.
Hi Peter, I love this part of New Zealand and these rail carts are a fantastic way to enjoy the scenery.
Congrats on the video. Great idea to enjoy the rails in a different way, very good, very good indeed.
Thank you, I love riding these rail carts, much better than walking along an old track bed, trying to imagine how it used to be.
The description doesn't show when you're watching youtube on TV . So it would be helpful to note this is in New Zealand on the screen with the other stuff. I watched this for an hour on TV and there was no location noted....very frustrating
Tim, that was informative and very scenic. thanks for sharing another line... Peter
Hi, riding these golf carts is fun, the full tour takes 2 days, I did it shortly after trains stopped running and the venture was in its infancy, now it is established and highly successful. Please click on these links to see the full tour - th-cam.com/video/F_5334NNBYM/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/zaibFM-qM2Y/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/ix3u3vSljwY/w-d-xo.html
Tim, thanks. though I enjoyed my one off visit to NZ to friends some years ago, unlikely we will return with son & 3 Aussie grandchildren higher in priority listings. Also my wife didn’t like the fuming vapours in North Island, so your videos are the closest I’ll get to the many wonders of NZ. Peter
@@Pjs75 Hi, I guess you visited Rotorua, there and White Island are the only places to have a strong sulphur smell. Visiting family must come first, my son and his family live in New Zealand, hence my regular visits. I'm pleased you enjoy following my virtual journeys, the internet has made so much possible. Take care. Tim.
Tim,
Indeed we did a boat ride on a lake, to within a few metres of a sulphurous fumarole. Also walked from our Rotorua accommodation near holes in the ground that fumed and steamed. I was not too phased, but when added to the advice from the air stewardess (on boarding the internal plane from Auckland to the Hawke’s Bay airport at Napier) in the event of ditching in water (to remember to take the seat squab with us as flotation device) really got to my wife, who could not be impressed by Cape Kidnappers gannet colony or anything else NZ, when her resident former colleague talked of their store of essential goodies in their Earthquake box.
As you say, visiting relatives, son & grandchildren, take precedence.
Your videos come a very accessible subordinate in my list of ‘to do’s. Peter
@@Pjs75 Hi Peter, I find all the volcanic stuff fascinating, if a little pungent at times. I can understand your wife, people don't like to be reminded that aircraft sometimes crash, just as you are settling in for a flight. It came as a bit of a shock to me when White Island erupted, just months are I visited. My wife doesn't like the flight from the UK to NZ, not because she is worried about flying, its just a long time to be sat in a seat with very little room to move. Other than a slight rumbling below the earth, I've never experience an earth tremor whilst visiting NZ, although I have seen the aftermath in Christchurch, Wellington and Milford Sound. The mud pools in the public gardens at Rotorua just appear almost overnight, each time I visit they are different. They can happen anywhere in the town, even in peoples gardens. My to do list just keeps growing, I love to follow other travelers on TH-cam. Take care. Tim.
So when did some genius come up with using golf carts to convert to gas power and adapt to the rails? I'm 58 and JUST DISCOVERED this "AS A THING TO DO" last month!. Its brilliant and so doable. (I now have something new on my bucket list)
I first came across these carts about eight years ago, similar vehicles now operate on three lines in New Zealand. I have also seen them in Australia acting as fire control vehicles following steam trains on the Puffing Billy railway, should a wayward ember start a fire in the forest. They are great fun.
LOVE THIS AND SHARED THIS VIDEO TOO!!--THANK YOU!
Bellissimo. Very fine. The vegetables are all strange, but the hills remember me the italian region, land, of Basilicata.
Ah lovely grew up in NZ Dad taught at a school near Woodville a bit further south.
Hi, I know the Manawatu Gorge well, I even traveled on one of the very few passenger trains to call at Woodville, it's a nice part of the world.
@@Timsvideochannel1 Will go to NZ next year looks like a run with the cows will be in order.
Hi John, I hope you enjoy your visit to NZ as much as I did. A trip on the golf carts is a great experience.
What amazing countryside and terrain.......a bit of a contrast from living in NY!!!
Who does track matence. It looks to well cared for to be abandoned.
The company that runs the rail carts looks after the track in return for using it, the line is mothballed in case New Zealand Railways require it to run trains again at some future date. it's a win win situation for both NZR and Forgotten World Adventures.
What a great way to travel...Excellent idea....Nice one Tim....Steve.-:)
Hi Steve, this was fun to do, wish there was something like it in the UK. Much better than just ripping the track up. KiwiRail mothball lines before they are lifted, this allows them to be reopened without the cost of replacing everything and they are available for rail carts whilst their eventual fate is decided. This venture has done a lot to bring the tourist buck into the area, hotels, shops and cafes all benefit.
During which part did you pass the old the T-Rex paddock? so many spots look like they could have been :) (but seriously, thanks for sharing, looks like loads of fun)
Hi, this part of New Zealand really does look like the setting for the film "The Land That Time Forgot". This videos shows just a part of the line, on the a previous trip I did the whole 2 day journey, the middle part of the line with its tall ferns and steep sided valleys were just as I would have imagined the Jurassic world might have looked. Please click on this link to ride my favorite part of the route - th-cam.com/video/zaibFM-qM2Y/w-d-xo.html
What a beautiful countryside.
This has to be the best way to appreciate this beautiful part of New Zealand.
G'day Tim. Just a technical question, how did you hold the camera so steady? I tried to do it on our Mornington railway track patrol trolley and the image bounced all over the place when yours does not oven show the track joints bump. I also tried a tripod but the vibration was almost as bad....Thanks Arthur
Hello Arthur, getting steady shots from a moving train is a real problem. To try and reduce camera shake I use Sony Camcorders with "Optical Steady Shot", this video was taken with a hand held Sony FDR-AX53 camcorder. There are a number of camcorders in the Sony range with "Optical Steady Shot". I hope this helps. Tim.
For those with a technical bent, it is also possible to process the video after it is shot to remove some of the shaking. I've had some success using the no-cost "VirtualDub" with the no-cost Deshaker plugin - if you Google VirtualDub Deshaker there are how-to instructions that several folks have put together :-)
Hi, I've just taken a look at "VirtualDub". In the demo videos, it looks to do a good job, I'll look into it further. I edit with Pinnacle Studio Ultimate version 20. It has a stabiliser built in and another as a plugin. They are not very good, the built in version will improve a slow pan, otherwise it is not very successful. I also purchased full version Mercalli because it looked good in demo videos. It does improve things but the video resolution suffers too much, unless the original video is 4K then the output is something like 1080P which is acceptable. The best solution is to try where ever possible to reduce camera shake when shooting the video, to do that I use Sony cameras with floating lenses and occasionally a DJI Osmo camera. Thanks for the heads up on "VirtualDub", I'll download it and give it a go.
Kind of a silly idea, mothballing this line was. It was built to bypass the volcanic plateau in the central North island, in case a volcanic eruption took out the line up there.
I was under the impression the line was being retained in a mothballed state, so that it can be operationally restored should a catastrophic quake close the North Island Main Trunk railway although I did notice a bridge missing near Taumarunui.
i stopped half way to comment that tunnel scene is awesome
Some of the tunnels are really long and there are plenty of them.
Very interesting countryside and a novel way to experience it. Of course we all who see this think of other methods of doing it and my suggestion is in a 1957 Oldsmobile convertible with the top down of course. Maybe a bigger one like a van done over with a convertible roof. So many ways to approach this.
Have you seen the "Top Gear Caravan Train"? to see it click on this link - th-cam.com/video/mkpCzp0CmjY/w-d-xo.html - One of my favorite rail carts uses a sail and you are right, there so many possibilities.
ANOTHER ONE OF YOUR GREAT JOURNEYS...THANKS TIM!...;) VERY RELAXING...;)
Thanks, this was fun to do, its's not everyday you get the chance to drive your own train, albeit a rather small one.
Beautiful country, not dry like Texas .Are there songbirds and can you hear them over the drone of engines and clacking of steel wheels on rails ? Imagining electric drive , quieter wheels .
Hi, the motors use stop start technology, so it is quiet when the carts stop, leaving passengers to enjoy the sounds of nature. These carts cover a lot of miles, it takes two days to cover the complete route, something I did a few years earlier, links to that trip can be found in the video description. Rail bikes with plastic wheels can also be hired. I believe they have considered battery power, but at the time, I don't think it was practical, although as battery technology improves it may well be the way forward for the next generation of rail carts.
By golly that was the best sleep I’ve had in quite awhile!
Did you sleep through the video or did it relax you ready for a good nights sleep? my wife is always telling me that my videos send her to sleep.
I was wondering why it looked so familiar. Then it struck me - Lord of the Rings!
Beautiful landscape, Beautiful trip
Thanks
The northern end of this trip is not far from the central North Island locations in National Park where some scenes in Lord of the Rings were filmed and the landscape is very similar. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy was filmed all over New Zealand, creating a whole new tourist industry catering for people wanting to visit the locations.
Looks like fun!
Seems like everything in NZ is either up or down.
Laying out RR must have been interesting.
It was fun, it must have been expensive to build, with so many tunnels.
Looks like converted golf carts. Nice scenery
They are converted golf carts, I love this part of the world and the way New Zealanders think outside the box resulting in unique rides like this one and Jet Boat river adventures.
What a wonderful concept ! Indeed!
I would love to see this adopted in the UK, so much better than a disused railway becoming a dumping ground and general eyesore.
Enjoyed watching it. What do these carts run on ? fuel or electricity? Are they driven by tourists ? I saw some operated on pedals ( on the links provided ). Very novel & unique idea. Never seen or heard of before ! Thanks for sharing 👍
Hi, the carts are petrol powered with start stop technology, so the engine only runs when required. The tourists drive their own carts, so all of us can be train drivers for a while. There are the peddle carts for energetic youngsters. It's a fun experience, everyone enjoyed themselves.
I so enjoyed this!! Watch, next thing you know Disney will be borrowing the idea. They'll just fill their tunnels with a few mock dino's. Lol
Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it. Disney don't have a forgotten world ride yet, but if any of their guys visit the real forgotten world, it may well happen, mock dinosaurs and all.
Nádhera , super , fantastické , prekrásne . Len tak ďalej .
Ďakujem, upravujem videá odvedené v Severnom Walese a Slovinsku v súčasnosti, teším sa na ich odovzdanie na You Tube.
beautiful countryside love the 4K i just bought a 4K camera i love it
Hi, I'm pleased you enjoyed it, a 4K camera is great, just wish I had a 4K monitor or television to watch it on. I'm working on it.
Great concept and great idea for the reborn world after collapse
The bushes and grass need a bit of a trim, but the track looks to be in mostly good condition. A few bad areas around the 52 to 53 mark.
The line was originally taken out of use because the daily freight train derailed causing extensive damage, the cost of bringing the line up to standard was considered too high and the freight train was diverted via an alternative route. The line has not been out of use long and the people running the railcarts repair and maintain the track as necessary.
I understand they have a 30 year agreement to maintain the route, and Kiwi Rail can use it, or has the right in an emergency. Do you know if the Forgotten World group received any equipment from Kiwi Rail to maintain the route? I know of other tourist rail lines that make similar agreements, but without the proper equipment, they can't maintain the route in a timely manner, and fall behind.
The route is severed from the main line network at Okahukura by a missing road bridge, but there is no reason why KiwiRail can't use a road/rail vehicle. Forgotten World Adventures do use road/rail vehicles for maintenance and weed killing purposes. For the line to remain open past 30 years, some heavy maintenance might be required, but from what I saw Forgotten World are doing a good job, although some trees might require trimming for a full size locomotive to use the line. Its a win win situation for both parties, railcarts use the formation and it is kept in far better condition than it would be if it was just abandoned.
I agree, but when it comes to replacing ties and repairing sections of track, that takes specialized machines. Just wondering if they were given any of that, or if Kiwi will assist them on track repairs.
I don't know the terms of the lease, but knowing Kiwi's they don't look for problems, they'll find solutions, that's why something like this is possible in New Zealand.
beautiful journey he offers. Wondering if it's round trip and length of legs.
Hi, this was a half day trip, out by jet boat, return by rail-cart. I have also done the 2 day full line trip. There are a variety of options, take a look at this link to see what is available - forgottenworldadventures.co.nz/
I didnt want the trip to end...made 2 hot chocolates go down...45.12 where is the Blondini gang???...(from the movie Goodbye Pork pie...)...grew up next to rail yard during the end of the steam train era...Im going to NEW ZEALAND to do this and more...Thanks Tim
Hi, Kiwis like to put old cars in the air. I don't if you looked, but if you click "More" in the intro, there are a bunch of links, just click on them to see the complete ride. New Zealand is awesome.
I assume these carts were powered with a gasoline engine, if so, how was gasoline supplied the fill the tanks on these carts?
Hi, the carts were powered using gasoline, they were ready to go at the beginning of run and I wasn't aware that they were topped up over the two days we had them for this adventure. The carts did operate using modern stop/start technology to get the most out of every drop of fuel.
Where in the World is this place please??? Thank you.
Hi, this railway is located on New Zealand's North Island.
I see you did the same as I have thought about. Using Golf Carts for Rail Riding.
The system works really well, the wheel arrangement has changed over the years. The first time I rode them, the golf cart wheels were just as they came on the original carts with extra flanged wheels added front and back to guide the cart, this had the advantage of being able to raise the flanged wheels to drive the cart away from the rails. On the later carts the regular wheels have been replaced with flanged wheels, the advantage being no constant local tyre wear.
What a neat idea! Thanks for sharing.
It's a neat idea that allows people to enjoy see this beautiful part of New Zealand from a very different prospective.
Such absolute fun!! Would love to do this one day
It's an awesome ride in a wonderful country, I hope you get to do it one day.
PHENOMENAL! That was a amazing experience, even if it was watching it online inside, thousands of miles away where its currently -2 degrees Fahrenheit! I was trying to follow along on Google maps at the same time, sadly though, many of the last uploaded maps for this area are well are 10 years old. Still, amazing job!
Hi Robert, I'm glad you enjoyed this. The first time I saw this railway, trains were still running although I never saw one. When I first read about the rail-carts I arranged a trip to New Zealand to ride along the full length of the line, it was an amazing experience, please click on these links to see that journey th-cam.com/video/F_5334NNBYM/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/zaibFM-qM2Y/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/ix3u3vSljwY/w-d-xo.html My son emigrated to New Zealand from the UK and I try to visit most years, the whole country is a awesome place. I use Google earth a lot to check place names and routes, It's a useful tool.
I just started watching this. Why do they have steering wheels? They don’t turn. A simple lever would be all that is required when they have to decide at a split in the line.
They are just converted Golf carts and occasionally they are driven away from the rail tracks to access the storage sheds. Please click on this link to see how they first looked - th-cam.com/video/ix3u3vSljwY/w-d-xo.html at about the 38.16 mark you can see them being parked up away from the railway.
Thanks
@@isalan You're welcome.
Thanks for the interesting video. Here in the US it is hard to get permission to ride mothballed routes because of the liability and darn tort lawyers waiting to pounce.
Hi, I'm pleased you enjoyed it. I live in England where there is nothing like this, I think legal issues are the problem here as well. New Zealand has a far more refreshing approach, where they look at these lines and see the benefits for both the owner of the line and the local tourist industry, the right of way is looked after and the extra people visiting the area book hotel rooms, eat in restaurants and cafes, as well as shop in local shops, an all round win, win situation. Lawyers and money men never make things happen, they just get in the way as they try to get their hands on other peoples money. New Zealander's, even the rich ones have a social conscience and generally work in the interest of the country as a whole.
Go rogue in lightweight convertible models. Who’s going to catch you with the right hardware?
Would love to do that,as young adults we used to take our cars,trucks on the RR tracks at night,
Riding these rail-carts is an awesome experience, when you took your vehicles onto the rail road at night, where they guided in a similar fashion to the rail-carts? it must have been fun, I take it that there were no trains running at night.
A really beautiful journey.May Allah bless this particular piece of land. Ameen
Hi, New Zealand has been blessed with some of the worlds most beautiful scenery.