Fell Locomotive Museum — Attraction in Featherston Community

What an incredible piece of history! We arrived and were greeted by the very knowledgeable and friendly Ben, he took us around the museum, answered all our questions, and shared his knowledge of the Fell Locomotive. The museum is well layed out and has plenty of information and tonnes of historic photos. We could have spent much more time there but unfortunately had an event to attend so didn't get to see the movie that they have. Ben let us try work out the token boxes for signaling and when we struggled to work it out he talked us through how it all worked. I would highly recommend this museum even if you aren't the biggest train fan! The train they have on display is the last of its kind and incredibly unique. Was such...

Life size exhibits of both fell engine and a brake / guard's van on display allowing you to see how the extra braking as well as the extra wheels that grip the centre rail. Loco 199 served on the Rimatuka Incline from 1878 until the line closed in 1955 when the tunnel deviation was opened. Many displays to illustrate the working life and equipment of this unique line in the world. Also many stories describing the social history both from the railwaymen as well as their women folk who lived alongside this railway. How to manage your washing on the line to avoid locomotive smoke! Or preparing to defend her children when Japanese prisoners of war were taken over the line to the POW Camp in Featherston. Well worth its...

We visited the museum to kill a bit of time but actually really enjoyed the experience and got a lot out of it. They weren't actually officially open as we were there on a Friday and the normal opening days are Saturdays and Sundays, so it was wonderful for them to open up to is and a couple of other small groups as well. A really interesting place chocka full of history and uniqueness, the film was fascinating and the photographic study was really incredible too. Glad I had a warm jacket on as it was freezing inside and from the looks of it would swelter in summer. Worth a stop and look around if you have the time, a lot of effort, history and knowledge to be gained by exploring the Fell...