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Taupo Totara Timber Railway

(Redirected from Mokai Tramway)

The Taupo Totara Timber Company Railway ("TTT Railway") was constructed by the Taupo Totara Timber Company (TTT) to link their milling centre at Mokai with the New Zealand Government Railways line (NZR) at Putāruru in the Waikato region on the North Island of New Zealand. The more than 51 miles (82 km) long light railway line was operated from 1905[2] to 1947[3] by the Taupo Totara Timber Company. After the closure of the Mokai mill, the NZR purchased the 19 miles (31 km) stretch between Putāruru and the Kinleith Mill south of Tokoroa.[4] This stretch of track underwent a major reconstruction, and is now(2024) part of KiwiRail's Kinleith Branch Line.

Taupo Totara Timber Company Railway
Railway line of the Taupo Totara Timber Company showing "the corkscrew", with five different levels[1]
Technical
Track gauge3 ft 6 in (1067 mm)
Route map

Legend
km
from Hamilton (NZR)
to Rotorua (NZR)
0,0
 former transfer to the NZR network
Taupo Totara Timber Co. in Putāruru
Tokoroa
29,0
 Kinleith Mill
Waikato River
The Spiral or
The Corkscrew
82,0
 Taupo Totara Timber Co. in Mokai
Wooden tracks into the bush
Fan like network in the bush

History

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The 82 kilometres (51 mi) line was built for the TTT between 1903 and 1905 by John McLean & Sons[5] to carry sawn timber from the TTT sawmill at Mokai (23 kilometres (14 mi) northwest of Taupō) to the government railway at Putāruru. It was designed as a contour[6] railway by former Wellington and Manawatu Railway engineer and TTT director James Fulton,[6][7] who in 1903 temporarily resigned his position on the TTT board to supervise construction of the railway and sawmills.

The 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) northern section between Putāruru and Lichfield was built on the formation of the former Lichfield Branch line, which was originally built by the New Zealand Thames Valley Land Company (NZTVLC) to be part of the line to Rotorua. The permanent way (rails and sleepers) had been removed in 1897 after the failure of the NZTVLC's Lichfield town development (known as the "Selwyn Estate"),[8] leaving only the earthworks.[7]

The TTT line continued south of Lichfield over easy country through what is now Tokoroa to Kopakorahi, near the present-day(2024) Tokoroa Golf Course and Kinleith paper mill. From Kopakorahi it crossed the Maungaiti Range via the Wawa saddle, descending 1,000 feet (300 m) from Wawa to Ongaroto, where it crossed the Waikato River. The line continued south and uphill to the sawmill village at Mokai.[9]

 
Taupo Totara Timber Company sawmill at Mokai[1]

Several bush tramways, some temporary, brought logs from the forests to the Mokai sawmill.[10]

The Putāruru to Mokai line had a ruling grade of 1 in 35.[6][11] The construction contract specified 100 feet (30 m) radius curves on steep sections and curves of 3 chains (60 m) to 5 chains (100 m) on easier sections.[11] Some of the sharper curves were later rebuilt with wider radii.

Operations

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Initially the TTT Railway operated as a private carrier, carrying TTT staff and their families, guests,[12][10][13][14] freight, and mail[15][16] between Putāruru and Mokai.

From January 29, 1908, the TTT Railway opened its freight and passenger[17] services to the public under the terms of a NZ Government Order in Council.[18] The line provided a direct connection between Putāruru and the settlements of Lichfield, Tokoroa, Ongaroto, and Mokai.[19] Passengers and freight for destinations such as Wairakei, Taupō, Tokaanu, and northern Hawkes Bay, would be set down or picked up at a siding approximately 3 miles (4.8 km) from Mokai.[20] A Government road facilitated transportation between the siding, Oruanui, Wairakei,[21] and Taupō.

 
Trains hauled by Heisler steam locomotives crossing at Kopakorahi[1]

A siding at Kopakorahi was used for changing locomotives. Heisler geared locomotives hauled trains over the mountainous section between Kopakorahi and Mokai. From 1914, trains on the easier northern section between Putāruru and Kopakorahi were usually hauled by locomotive number 7, an articulated Mallet Compound locomotive.

A typical TTT train consisted of one locomotive (or occasionally two), multiple flat cars, and a van with passenger accommodation. The TTT used hand-operated train-brakes, controlled by a brake operator who walked along the tops of the cars, manually adjusting the brakes on each vehicle.

Waikato River bridges

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The longest single span wooden bridge in New Zealand over the Waikato River at Ongaroto[1]

The TTT Railway crossed the Waikato River at Ongaroto, approximately 5.6 km southwest of the present-day(2024) State Highway 1 bridge near Ātiamuri .

The first Ongaroto rail bridge was built in 1904. Designed by James Fulton, this timber bridge had a single span of 231 feet (70 m) and a total length of 260 feet (79 m). The structure consisted of four bolted laminated timber arches (two each side), stiffened by a timber through-truss. Except for hardware such as bolts, the bridge was built entirely of locally-sourced totara.[22]

To provide support and access during construction, the contractors in late 1903 erected a temporary suspension bridge. Prior to construction of the arch bridge, the suspension bridge provided access for Mokai traffic.[22][23][24] The suspension bridge cables are visible in early photos of the timber arch bridge.

In the late 1920s the timber arch bridge deteriorated and consulting engineer Stanley Jones recommended replacement. Following Jones's inspection and report, the company banned anyone from riding the train across the bridge. Trains would stop at the bridge and the passengers and fireman would walk across. The driver would gently open the throttle and then jump off. The train would slowly ease across the bridge before being stopped on the other side by the fireman, where everyone would reboard the train.[25]

In 1931 a new steel truss bridge was built a short distance downstream of the timber arch bridge. Designed by Edgar Jones, of Jones and Adams consulting engineers, the bridge was erected by Wilcox and Company Ltd, at a cost of £10,000. [26][27][25]

The steel bridge was designed with two spans, supported by a central pier. The contractors sank a coffer dam and started building foundations for the central pier. However, a hot water eruption flooded the coffer dam, causing it to float off. It was decided to relocate the mid-river pier. Some of the steel-work had already been fabricated, so one of the spans was redesigned as a cantilever supporting the end of the other girder. This bridge stood successfully until it was removed some years after the closure of the TTT railway.[22][28]

The timber arch bridge was dismantled in 1933 and the timber sold.[29][25]

The steel truss bridge's deck was expected to be submerged a "few feet" below the surface of Lake Whakamaru, when the Whakamaru dam was flooded.[30] The bridge was removed before the dam was flooded.[31]

A concrete bridge was later erected at the site of the Ongaroto rail bridges.

Taupo extension proposal

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In 1911 the TTT put forward a proposal to extend their line from Mokai to Taupō via Oruanui and Wairakei.[32][11][33] Residents in the Taupo district formed the Taupo District Railway League to support the project.[34] However, the proposal triggered controversy.[35][33]

The NZ Government in 1913 issued an Order in Council authorising the extension, and in 1914 passed legislation describing the process to be followed.[36][37][38] The company was unable to implement the project, and eventually abandoned the Taupo Extension proposal.

Closure, sale, and reconstruction

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The TTT In late 1944 adopted road transport throughout its operations.[39][40]

The company disposed of its railway in two stages. The southern section from the "19-Mile Peg" to Mokai, together with branch lines from Mokai to various bush areas, was dismantled and salvageable items were sold. Salvage of the southern section started on 26 October 1944 and was completed by 27 October 1945.[41][42]

The TTT continued providing rail service on the 19 miles (31 km) northern section, from Putāruru to the "19-Mile Peg" (south of Tokoroa).[43][44][45] The NZ Government compensated the company for its operating loss on this service, until the line could be taken over.[46] The NZ Government purchased the northern section in October 1946.[47]

Starting on Tuesday, 10 June 1947, the Public Works Department took over the operation of the northern section,[48][3] using steam locomotives purchased from the TTT.[49]

The northern section was reconstructed under a NZ Government scheme for development of the Waikato River basin and surrounding areas.[50][51] The project was completed on 6 October 1952. This section is still(2024) in use as part of the NZR's Kinleith Branch Line.

Main article: Kinleith_Branch

Rolling stock

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Locomotives[52]

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TTT Number 7 ALCO Mallet steam locomotive [1]
 
TTT maintenance trolley[1]
TTT Number Maker Maker's Number Year Type Comments
1 Stearns Manufacturing Company 1074 1903 Heisler New. Scrapped early 1950s
2 Stearns Manufacturing Company 1082 1903 Heisler New. Sold c. 1944
3 Yorkshire_Engine_Company 255 1875 Conventional From NZR ("A" class), 1905. Sold c. 1921
4 Dubs & Co 654 1873 Conventional From Nelson Harbour Board 1907 (ex NZR "A" class). Sold 1914
5 Climax Locomotive Works Unknown Unknown Climax Type A Purchased used, 1903. Sold 1914.
6 Barclay 1270 1912 Conventional New. Sold 1923
7 ALCO 53970 1912 Mallet Compound New. Sold 1947. Preserved at the Glenbrook Vintage Railway as their NO.4
8 Heisler Locomotive Works 1448 1921 Heisler New. Sold c. 1944.
9 Heisler Locomotive Works 1449 1921 Heisler New. Sold 1947.
10 A & G Price ? 1937 Price Type E (geared) New. Sold 1947.

Wagons

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  •  
    Heisler steam locomotive No 8[1]
  •  
    Heisler steam locomotive No 9[1]
  •  
    Empty train ton the return trip to Mokai[1]
  •  
    Loco No 7 at Ngutuwera T.T.T. Railway, 1947[1]
  •  
    Map of the Taupo Totara Timber Company Railway and surrounding district, 1903 - 1905.

See also

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Notes and references

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand
  2. ^ "The Taupo Totara Timber Company". Waikato Argus. 10 November 1905. p. 2. Retrieved 25 June 2024.
  3. ^ a b "T.T.T. Line: Government Takes Portion: To Serve Hydro Projects". Putaruru Press. 12 June 1947. Retrieved 20 August 2024.
  4. ^ Scherer, Vicki (1992). Putaruru: Home of the Owl. Tokoroa, NZ: South Waikato District Council. p. 74.
  5. ^ "Special Interviews - The Totara Timber Industry - A chat with Mr. Murdoch McLean", NZ Herald: 1 (Supplement), 5 April 1905
  6. ^ a b c AJHR, 1912 Session 2 Section I-10: Report of Taupo Totara Timber Company Committee. Wellington, NZ: Government Printer. 1912. p. 65.
  7. ^ a b Jones 1957, p. 237.
  8. ^ Scherer, Vicki (1992). Putaruru: Home of the Owl. Tokoroa, NZ: South Waikato District Council. p. 20.
  9. ^ "Special Interviews - The Totara Timber Industry - A chat with Mr. Murdoch McLean", NZ Herald: 1 (Supplement), 5 April 1905
  10. ^ a b "Visit to Taupo Totara Timber Co's Mill at Mokai". New Zealand Graphic. 2 September 1905. pp. 24–29. Retrieved 5 June 2024.
  11. ^ a b c AJHR, 1911 Section I-10: Report of Taupo Totara Timber Company Committee. Wellington, NZ: Government Printer. 1911.
  12. ^ "A Big Private Enterprise: Line Built by the Taupo Totara Timber Company to Connect Their Mill with the Government Railway". New Zealand Graphic. 26 August 1905. pp. 23, 36, 37. Retrieved 5 June 2024.
  13. ^ "Taupo Totara Timber Company: An Important Industry". Waikato Argus. 11 September 1905. p. 2. Retrieved 25 June 2024.
  14. ^ "Taupo Totara Timber Company: An Important Industry (concluded)". Waikato Argus. 12 September 1905. p. 4. Retrieved 25 June 2024.
  15. ^ The Taupo Totara Timber Company Limited minutes 1901 - 1907. Wellington, NZ: The Taupo Totara Timber Company Limited. 1907. pp. 283, 284.
  16. ^ AJHR, 1907 Section F-3: Inland Mail-Services, 1907-1908. Wellington, NZ: Government Printer. 1907. p. 3.
  17. ^ "Putāruru to Mokai: A New Route to Taupo: Auckland Highlands: Timber Milling Enterprise No. I". NZ Herald. 29 May 1908. p. 7. Retrieved 22 June 2024.
  18. ^ AJHR, 1911 Section I-10: Report of Taupo Totara Timber Company Committee. Wellington, NZ: Government Printer. 1911. pp. 43–46.
  19. ^ "Putaruru To Taupo: A State Railway: Desire Of Settlers: Evidence Before Commission". Matamata Record. 11 November 1920. pp. 1, 4. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
  20. ^ "Railway to Taupo: The Extension Proposal: A Widespread Desire". Matamata Record. 18 November 1920. pp. 1, 4. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
  21. ^ "Mokai To Wairakei: Incidents On The Way: The Broadlands Estate: Farming Pumice Soil". NZ Herald. 5 June 1908. p. 7. Retrieved 24 June 2024.
  22. ^ a b c Jones 1957, p. 238.
  23. ^ "Taupo Totara Timber Co: Progress Of The Railway". Auckland Star. 22 December 1903. p. 2. Retrieved 12 August 2024.
  24. ^ "Taupo Timber Industry: An Extensive Undertaking". NZ Herald. 1 February 1904. p. 6. Retrieved 13 August 2024.
  25. ^ a b c 1901-1961 - Sixty years of progress in the Taupo Totara Timber Company Ltd. Taupo Totara Timber Co Ltd. 1962. pp. 19–22.
  26. ^ "Bridge At Ongaroto: New Steel Structure: Timber Company's Line". NZ Herald. 14 August 1930. p. 12. Retrieved 16 July 2024.
  27. ^ "New Bridge Contract: Auckland Firm's Tender". NZ Herald. 26 September 1930. p. 10. Retrieved 16 July 2024.
  28. ^ "Hot Spring in River: Bridge Support Raised: Problem for Engineer: Cylinder Lifted Eight Feet". NZ Herald. 28 January 1931. p. 10. Retrieved 19 July 2024.
  29. ^ "Taupo Totara Timber Co., Ltd. Old Bridge Timber For Sale". NZ Herald. 15 April 1933. p. 4. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
  30. ^ Jones 1957, p. 239.
  31. ^ "Rangitikei County Council". Christchurch Press. 7 September 1950. p. 1. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
  32. ^ AJHR, 1911 Section I-3: Reports of the Native Affairs Committee. Wellington, NZ: Government Printer. 1911. Retrieved 17 June 2024.
  33. ^ a b AJHR, 1912 Section I-10: Report of Taupo Totara Timber Company Committee, Together with Minutes of Evidence and Appendix. Wellington, NZ: Government Printer. 1912. Retrieved 17 June 2024.
  34. ^ "Totara Timber Company's Proposals". Waikato Argus. 22 August 1911. p. 2. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
  35. ^ "Private Railways: A Timber Company's Design". Observer. 26 August 1911. p. 2. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
  36. ^ Reserves and other Lands Disposal and Public Bodies Empowering Act 1914, s 28. NZ Parliament. 1914. Retrieved 13 August 2024.
  37. ^ "Railway to Taupo: An easily completed link: Private light line, which state may resume: Is the company's offer fair? No.V". Evening Post. 5 February 1913. p. 10. Retrieved 9 April 2008.
  38. ^ Before 1915, enabling legislation for the TTT Railway typically refers to the Wellington Industrial Development Company Limited (WID). The WID and the Taupo Totara Timber Company were owned by common shareholders and controlled by a common board of board of directors. In 1915 the two companies were consolidated into a single company, the Taupo Totara Timber Co Ltd.
  39. ^ "Bush Tramlines: System To Be Abandoned". NZ Herald. 25 September 1944. Retrieved 22 August 2024.
  40. ^ "Licence Granted for T.T.T. Cartage - Rail to be Abandoned". Putaruru Press. 28 September 1944. p. 4. Retrieved 11 July 2024.
  41. ^ Clark, Jean Hamilton (1951). Taupo Totara Timber Company and its Share in the Development of the Timber Lands 1900-1950 (MA Thesis). Auckland, NZ: Auckland University College. pp. 121–122.
  42. ^ "Settlers Use Railway". Waikato Times. 26 August 1944. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
  43. ^ "The T.T.T. Railway: County Council's Concern: Proposal For New State Line". Putaruru Press. 26 October 1944. p. 5. Retrieved 22 August 2024.
  44. ^ "Request For Railway: Rotorua-Reporoa Traffic". Waikato Times. 31 October 1944. p. 4. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
  45. ^ "The T.T.T. Railway: Running to 19-Mile Peg: Pending' Decision Of Cabinet". Putaruru Press. 20 September 1945. p. 3. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
  46. ^ "T.T.T. Railway: Purchase Approved: To Be Extended". Putaruru Press. 3 October 1946. p. 4. Retrieved 19 August 2024.
  47. ^ "Government Buys Railway". Waikato Independent. 18 October 1946. p. 2. Retrieved 18 August 2024.
  48. ^ "Notice. Taupo Totara Timber Company Railway". Putaruru Press. 15 May 1947. Retrieved 20 August 2024.
  49. ^ Churchman & Hurst 2001, p. 118.
  50. ^ New Zealand Gazette, Monday, July 1, 1946 (PDF). Wellington, NZ: Government Printer. 1946. pp. 935, 936. Retrieved 26 August 2024.
  51. ^ "T.T.T. Line". Putaruru Press. 20 January 1949. p. 8. Retrieved 8 June 2024.
  52. ^ Cudby 2001, p. 56.
  53. ^ a b c AJHR, 1921 Section C-13: Report of the Taupo Tramway Lands and Timber Commission, with Appendices. Wellington, NZ: Government Printer. 1921. Retrieved 15 June 2024.
  54. ^ The Taupo Totara Timber Company Limited minutes 1901 - 1907. Wellington, NZ: Taupo Totara Timber Company Ltd. p. 109.
  55. ^ The Taupo Totara Timber Company Limited minutes 1901 - 1907. Wellington, NZ: Taupo Totara Timber Company Ltd. p. 275.

Further reading

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  • Churchman, Geoffrey B; Hurst, Tony (2001) [1990, 1991]. The Railways of New Zealand: A Journey through History (Second ed.). Transpress New Zealand. ISBN 0-908876-20-3.
  • Cudby, Kevin (2001). Men of Pluck. Cudby Publications. ISBN 0-473-07505-9.
  • Davis, Ida; Forshaw, Ruth (1990). Mokai. Taupō, NZ.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  • Jones, Stanley W. (1957). "The Taupo Totara Timber Co". New Zealand Engineering. 12/7: 237–239.
  • Scherer, Vicki (1992). Putaruru: Home of the Owl. Tokoroa, NZ: South Waikato District Council.
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