The Passchendaele Express

Travel with Steam Incorporated North from Wellington up the NIMT to friendly Feilding for an easy day out while enjoying a full day of nostalgic rail travel.

The train will be hauled by our “new” steam locomotive Ab608 “Passchendaele” and we will be using our fleet of heritage carriages, most with open end balconies.

This will be one of the first excursions using WWI Memorial locomotive Ab608 “Passchendaele” since the completion of a major restoration taking many years and costing over half a million dollars. Ab608 was built in 1915, the first of the successful and prolific Ab class, and in 1925 named “Passchendaele” in memory of all of the railwaymen that fell in the Great War. It is fitting that we are able to run this excursion to coincide with the outbreak of WWI, 100 years ago.

Passenger stops will be Paekakariki, Paraparaumu, Waikanae, Otaki and Levin.

The train will include a buffet car selling hot food, drinks and snacks, and our souvenir counter for all sorts of railway and steam memorabilia.

There will be a two hour stopover at Feilding giving you time to explore the town and enjoy lunch.

Option 1 – Country Pub Lunch ** SORRY THIS OPTION SOLD OUT**
Enjoy a roast meal at a country pub. After the meal you have the option of exploring the picturesque township and gardens of Feilding and a chance to stretch the legs before boarding the homebound train. Cost $39. Includes bus transfers.

Option 2 – For the Steam Buff
Visit the Feilding Districts Steam Rail Society, the home of Wab794, F163 & X442. Watch Ab608 be turned on the turntable and be prepared for the return journey. Plenty of time afterwards to stretch your legs around Feilding township and visit the local eateries.
Adult $5, Child no charge.

Option 3 – Own Arrangements
Alight at Palmerston North or Feilding to visit family or friends, or just take a look around the area until it is time to board the homebound train.
The stopover in Feilding will be for two and a half hours.

Provisional Outbound Timetable:
Paekakariki Dep 08.35am
Paraparaumu Dep 08.50am
Waikanae Dep 09.04am
Otaki Dep 09.30am
Levin Dep 10.00am
Feilding Arr 11.45am