Steam on new track

The 50-year-old Hutt Valley Model Engineering Society has spent the past two years rebuilding the raised rail tracks for their steam engines on the Petone Esplanade. This involved a lot of voluntary effort and the trains are now running on their new track. I would like to acknowledge the work of Patron Ian Welch, President Claude Poulson, Project Manager Ross Johnston, and members of the Society who made the new track possible. Hutt City Council staff also supported the project. Two years ago the thought of replacing the raised track seemed a good idea and, after many months of hard work, we have the reality. The reason for replacing the track in the first place was gradually shifting sands from the Petone foreshore slowly, but surely, burying the old track. The good news is that the work to stabilise the Petone foreshore, much of it undertaken by volunteers, is paying dividends as all the planting begins to take hold and keep a firm grip on the moving sand. This should mean it will be many years before you need to repeat the task of replacing the track volunteers keep our community alive and well. A shared interest in all things engineering, and in particular, model steam trains, provides an opportunity for society members to run their models and, on the journey, provide delight for children and families. Regular events held at the foreshore draw large numbers of people who enjoy the steam engines and their capacity to fascinate young and old. The presence of the club at its current site, I am sure, will continue for many years to come.