Kiwirail attempting to plow a route through to Christchurch today from Arthurs Pass made for some spectacular images. 07 June 2012 Content available for licensing. Contact Geoff Mackley at geoff@geoffmackley.com
It brings tears to my eyes, because I think of all the people who braved enormous challenges in the elements without the technology we have today; those who battled through mountain passes with horses, carts and shovels who must have asked themselves every day, back then, if the cost of progress was worth it. I think, if people a couple of hundred years ago who battled the taming of mountain passes could see this video, they would be proud.
Elsewhere in the world they need huge blades/ploughs/blowers attached in front, but here in New Zealand, the snow is often so dry and light and powdery that we just need a couple of bog standard DX locomotives to clear the line! :)
I worked on rail for 3 years and never found the same attraction to trains as the foamers who take video and pics like this. Must be a deep passion. More power to you all.
I did this same trip but on a steam train. About 40 years ago. It was spectacular. They let us off the train near here. Specifically so the train could back up and then come through again and we could capture our videos and photos. Going through gullies where there were crystals of ice hanging off foliage right by the windows. Stunning light and the silence that comes from snow absorbing sound. Got to the pass and had picnics in undisturbed fields of snow. Made snow angels and had snowball fights. With the big black steam train as a back drop. Simply magical. One of my best life memories. What’s more. It cost nothing as it was a work outing that was paid for by a business. You can not imagine the scenery. Please, if you ever get the opportunity to visit the South Island of New Zealand do so. You will never regret it.
Lucky you! I already put my winter tires on! Starting to get cold in Montreal , Canada! Time winterize the boat, the pool and pull out the snowblower and shovels haha!
We definitely need this type of old fashion train to transport people to work in the United Kingdom. This is the best train ever for the winter. I love it, truly amazing train.
This is a wicked video, thanks for the upload! I am shocked at the amount of people who a) don't realise that it's winter in the southern hemisphere, and b) didn't know it snowed in New Zealand... (I'm Aussie btw).
driving that train everyday over the mountains and through the valleys must be the best job in the world, did that train journey a couple of times when I lived there.
If this was England that line would be closed for about 17 years and no lines would ever be built again,trains would become illegal and asking why would lead to accusations of thought crime.
It would probably suck if you just happened to be walking on the smooth snow sheet on top of the track as this train came through and not even realizing there was a track underneath.
I would love to film something like this it's great blasting through the snow is great I love winter scenes with snow on railways sadly we don't get the snow in England much I would love to do this job snow going everywhere (pow)
There have been some comments on the safety/ability for the locos to stay on the tracks whilst 'plowing' through powder snow. Here's some maths. The locos weigh 570kg per cubic metre (kg/m3). That's a downwards pressure in excess of 8 tons per wheel. Powder snow weighs 60kg/m3. No contest. Hard packed snow approaches 900kg/m3 and is a COMPLETELY different story. This is why hard packed snow can stop a train in its tracks (sorry) whilst powder snow, whilst a hindrance to visibility (if you drive too quickly), has no detectable effect on the speed or 'road holding' of the locos in this video.
Don,t forget the leading loco does have a plough catcher mounted on its front so it is actually pushing the deeper snow out to the sides, powder or other wise.
@@chrismckell5353 Hi Chris. KiwiRail used to organize a Winter Excursion in a steam train and several carriages from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass when there was decent snowfall. My brother was Station-master at AP.
You can keep your bullet trains and lightening quick transport. Take the Kiwi Rail trip Christchurch to Greymouth to sit back to enjoy the spectacular scenery on a rail line through some of most challenging terrain anywhere.
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I have seen this from the cab when we were going through snow about twice that deep, you cant see much because the snow really just totally blocks your vision
After I watched this, a Coors Light somehow magically appeared in my hand! I'm also suddenly surrounded by half-naked women dancing to "Love Train". 0.0
Beautiful winter wonderland Geoff! What a sight these locos make as they plough through all that snow in fine style! I liked the good positions you took up to take the various clips - well done mate - liked! Best wishes. Ken
I met a really nice Australian girl once who was on a student exchange program. My sister and her boyfriend were her sponsors. She got to spend Christmas with us I got such a kick out of my one niece (early 20's) who asked "do they have trucks in Australia?" I explained to her that not only are there trucks but those really cool land trains I saw when I was watching a documentary. It was very nice to meet her. Smart kid. It was years ago, I wonder how she's doing.
