Ja1240 pulls an excursion train from Christchurch and Arthurs Pass. In this presentation starting at Broken River, we follow the train to Arthurs Pass, and then back down to Christchurch.
The full restoration and re-operating of the Ja1240 Jessica steam locomotive is nothing other than pure absolute genius. It is true testimony to the proof that Kiwis Can Do Anything! What vision was shown by Peter Coleman from NZR in 1971 when he bought and moved Ja1240 to his Blenheim property after it was retired from work after 25 years service (1946-1971). Then Ja1240 was again purchased by Ian Welch in 1991, and moved to Parnell for restoration; again such vision. Then in 2007 restoration work began until 2012 when again Ja1240 arose from the fires of idleness to again grace the steel rails of New Zealand railways in all her former glory. What an utterly inspirational story of faith, hope, and yes glory. All Kiwis should acknowledge Ja1240 Jessica. I never even knew she existed until last weekend when my wife and I were visiting Dunedin for the New Zealand Hot Rod Association annual New Zealand Hot Rod Nationals held at the Edgar Centre. On Monday morning we read the Otago Daily Times news rag and spotted the story of Ja1240 Jessica. Well that was all I needed to immediately head down to Dunedin's famous Railway Station so I could take some photos. My wife went and enquired about the famous steam locomotive and she was informed there were still tickets available for a short excursion. COOL! I have found myself completely head over heels in love with this amazing piece of New Zealand railway history; the Ja1240 steam locomotive Jessica. Yes I have seen The Kingston Flyer and never ridden on her. Though the locomotive isn't a Ja. And for me as the Ja is easily the most powerful steam locomotive ever made in New Zealand there is nothing like a Ja. And they were such tough, reliable, and as I say powerful steam locomotives that worked and worked and worked and worked their big boilers and locomotion parts to the limits. And never ever broke down! Well seldom if ever. Now that's history that can never be replaced. It is pure absolute testimony to just how intelligent and skilful the Kiwi engineers were at Dunedin's Hillside Workshops plus the drivers, stokers and operators of the Ja's were/are. All I ask is that more and more Kiwis come out, actually get out there now and support this amazing Ja1240 Jessica steam locomotive near you. I can guarantee you will not be disappointed. And who knows may be you just might fall in love again, just like me!
