<kuid:850934:100797> The Waiau Branch (NZ) TANE V2

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The Waiau Branch (New Zealand – 3ft 6in gauge))

This branch line in the South Island of New Zealand started at Waipara (approx. 60 km north of Christchurch), leaving the main line to climb through the Weka Pass to Waikari. The line crossed the farming areas of the inland plains, through the extensive Balmoral Forest to the township of Culverden. From there it headed towards the Waiau River, terminating on the opposite side of the river from the township of Waiau, approx. 66 km from Waipara.

In the early days (late 1800’s), this line was proposed as part of the main route north, but a coastal route was eventually chosen, leaving the branch to serve the farming communities and the Balmoral Forest.

The section from Waipara to Waikari is now preserved as the Weka Pass Railway.

The history of the branch line by Les Dew (‘The Great Northern: the Story of the Waiau Branch Railway’ (ISBN 0473071886 (hbk.)) has been an invaluable source of information. I have also used maps from Land Information New Zealand, and Google’s maps from which the route of the branch from Waikari to Waiau can still be perceived, even though the tracks were lifted many years ago.
Not being an asset-maker, I have used what is available (with a lot of ‘tweaking’ at times for TS12). Therefore ‘designer’s licence’ has been used quite frequently! However, I trust something of the flavour of the branch still comes through.

G Parker
Christchurch NZ
January 2013

Version 2, 2019
by Alikiwi.
On downloading this TANE version I discovered several missing assets. Most were chestnut trees and red oak, so I found replacements. I also updated some scenery and added a few more baseboards, removed a 4ft 8 1/2in gauge turntable and replaced it with a 3ft 6in and added in a few streams (that exist in reality). For the Railcar session you may need to download the Drewry set from Trainzone.co.nz.