Preserving New Zealand's English Electric Railway Heritage

We’re a Canterbury-based charity preserving and operating English Electric Locomotives on heritage railways and the National Network.

Our Mission

We are a registered charity dedicated to preserving New Zealand's diesel railway heritage. Since 1983, our team of volunteers has specialised in restoring and maintaining locomotives built by the English Electric Company—machines that were vital to mid-20th century rail transport across the country.

Based at Ferrymead Heritage Park and Weka Pass Railway, we operate a diverse fleet on both heritage railways and the National Network. Every restoration project, every maintenance hour, and every kilometer traveled represents our commitment to keeping these mechanical taonga (treasures) running for future generations.

As a volunteer-run organisation, we rely entirely on the generosity of supporters like you to continue our work.

Our Volunteers

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Our volunteers are the heart of everything we do—talented drivers, skilled mechanics, and enthusiasts who give their time to preserve New Zealand's diesel heritage.

  • Restoration of historic locomotives
  • Maintain our fleet of locomotives
  • Operating and training new operators

Living history, not static display

These locomotives are more than museum pieces. Our fleet is actively restored, maintained, and operated — allowing people to see, hear, and experience New Zealand’s diesel electric heritage in action.

DE 511 & 512
  • DE 511 & 512 Built - 1951

    Heavy shunters that were in use on all types of operations.

  • DI 1102 Built - 1966

    The last survivor of its class and still operating on the National Network

  • DG 772 Built - 1956

    The first class of English Electric used in the South Island

  • DF 1501 Built - 1954

    New Zealand’s first mainline Diesel-Electric Locomotive

Help Keep Our Locomotives Running

Become a volunteer or donate today to help bring living rail history to communities across the South Island.