The Plains Railway & Historical Museum

The Plains Railway & Historical Museum Home to 3 historic Steam Locomotives: K88, Ja1260, A64 - Vintage Railcar Rm50 - DSA218 and a Shunter Fleet. Staffed completely by Volunteers.

OWNED AND OPERATED BY THE ASHBURTON RAILWAY & PRESERVATION SOCIETY INC The Plains Railway & Historical Museum was founded by the Ashburton Railway & Preservation Society in 1971 to preserve the Mid-Canterbury regions past. Since then the museum has grown to incorporate a farm, worked by our vintage machinery, a pioneer village and - of course - a vintage railway. It was the railway that brought th

e museum international recognition, with the restoration of Rogers K 88, which was dug out of a river where it had been buried for 50 years and returned to operational service in 1981. Since then the 'K' has been restored a second time and is now run regularly for Tour Bus companies. Alongside Rogers 'K' 88, which pulled New Zealands first 'express' passenger train between two urban centres, the museum is home to Dubs & Co 'A' 64, New Zealands second oldest operational Steam Locomotive. Also on shed is Hillside, Dunedin built 'Ja' 1260, which hauled New Zealands last steam hauled express and Vulcan Railcar 'RM' 50 - still New Zealands official Rail Speed Record holder.

02/06/2026
01/06/2026

Saturday 30th, quite a cold morning....

01/06/2026
Graeme and Glenn crafting in the Blacksmith Shop. The sounds of hammering certainly echoed through the Village!
01/06/2026

Graeme and Glenn crafting in the Blacksmith Shop. The sounds of hammering certainly echoed through the Village!

Jakob takes a break from Guard duty to show Glen Anthony (photo contributor) progress on his restoration work on Tr38, w...
01/06/2026

Jakob takes a break from Guard duty to show Glen Anthony (photo contributor) progress on his restoration work on Tr38, which sat in the dock road both days on display.

Thanks to all the visitors who supported our Museum over Kings Birthday Weekend, and previous Operating Days. Its been ...
31/05/2026

Thanks to all the visitors who supported our Museum over Kings Birthday Weekend, and previous Operating Days. Its been a great pleasure!

We are receiving great photos of K88 in action which will be added to the Kings Birthday photo album over the next few days.

Our page 'liker' number is 15 short of hitting 11,000 - share this post to help us get there!

31/05/2026

Sunday 31st: K88 performed the shunt to set up the dock road static displays....

K88 rounds the curve... Photo credit Glen Anthony
31/05/2026

K88 rounds the curve... Photo credit Glen Anthony

Address

20 Maronan Road
Tinwald
7778

Telephone

+6433089600

Website

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