The Railway Project

To provide an opportunity for employment it was decided that the old goods shed and facility at the Stratford Railway station provided an ideal opportunity. The proposal broadly would be to establish a workshop where old steam locomotives and rolling stock could be restored. Once restored could provide the nucleus of a tourism venture running steam train excursions around the province and beyond.With particular emphasis on the Stratford to Taumaranui Line

This Trust is being set up to run this project on behalf of Hawe Orlando Ltd. Its aim is to provide engineering skills for young people that can be put to good use in the rebuilding and restoration of old steam engines and trains that once kept so many people employed. The future tourism potential for vintage trains is seen as a positive move by many.