Waitara Railway Preservation Society on the climb

A Taranaki Electricity Trust grant has enabled the Waitara Railway Preservation Society to make some significant improvements as it looks to the future.

A Taranaki Electricity Trust grant has enabled the Waitara Railway Preservation Society to make some significant improvements as it looks to the future.

Over the past year three specific projects have been undertaken:

• Construction of a new work area cover
• The Waitotara Station building was restored
• Purchase of scaffold elements and training of members

"Sincere thanks to the Trust for your support with our latest projects," Secretary/Treasurer Derek Baker said.

With the construction of a new work area cover, rolling stock repairs, maintenance and restoration can now be undertaken in more comfortable, safe and convenient conditions, whatever the weather. "We have added a rainwater collection tank to this project as part of our sustainability policy."

Of the building restoration, Baker noted: "Our existing platform has been extended to include this project, and timber, paint and electrical fittings have been purchased to enable its eventual completion."

The scaffolding is also of importance, enabling the restoration of the AL class carriage/guard's van able to occur now in a "safer and more convenient manner."