End of a 24 year era - Retirement of the S class carriages 

I took the capital connection a few times in the late 90s and in 2000 & 2001. And I remember when the S class configured carriages entered service around the turn of the new century, and I can attest that they were a revolution in terms of ergonomics and comfort and insulation. I also used to take the Wairarapa trains in the Hutt valley (before the tight petty losers in the Wairarapa put a stop to it) and the introduction of the SW was also a similar sea change. I think that people would have been motivated to take the train from the Wairarapa with the increased conform levels. And the interiors were so much nicer than the old 56 ft crappers that they replaced. So it’s a bit odd seeing them now being too old and needing replacement. But of course it’s inevitable, they’ve served this his run for almost 25 years, and they weren’t new when Tranz rail acquired them. But as for their replacement, essentially the old SA carriages that were used in Auckland’s western line? Well I’ll have to ride to know first hand. But I can see immediately that the seats look comfortable. However; I think that losing the overhead luggage storage is a BIG downgrade. And I’m not too keen on the double doors not being at the end of the carriage and segregated from the seating area, the old door arrangement was fine as it prevented cold winter drafts from getting inside the carriages and they never had large amounts of people alighting all at once, thus needing double doors. I wonder if they’re intending to move the replacement carriages to te Huia once the new rolling stock arrives?

now to wait for the more frequent service... always so silly that day trip to palmy from welly is impossible because it is only palmy-welly in morning and welly-palmy at night.

Good video! What happens to the carriages now? Am hoping they have a second life somewhere

I will miss you Capital Connection S Coaches.

Beautiful locomotive 🚂

Nice one Sam, You have kind of inspired me to make a compilation of all my Capital connection shots from over the years.

Amazing Video Sam! Can't wait to see what the SR's have to offer!

think i did see the cars but didnt go on them but fairwell S cars

Also just shie of 25