An actual railway station, boarded up but still a station.
The small south Canterbury town of Rolleston was first served by a railway station built by the Canterbury Provincial Railways on their broad gauge line from Christchurch, which was then known as the Canterbury Great Southern Railway. Since then, the station has been patronised by a variety of services, most recently by the long-distance TranzAlpine passenger train.
On setting up this series I remembered back in the mid 80’s going on a steam train excursion to Arthurs Pass for the day. It was an amazing experience and a fine Canterbury day. The ride had a different feel to the modern diesel engine. The Steam locomotive is like a living beast that is all power, coal smoke, steam and sound. From the arrival at CHCH station to board the train I was in amazement walking along the platform to view this machine all fired up ready to go. Not long after leaving the Christchurch we stopped at Rolleston station to pick up more passengers. The train also stopped at Springfield and a few more to join the journey.
After leaving the Canterbury plains it was a good time to visit the viewing car to watch the Steam train snaking its way through the twists and turns against the mountain scenery. As the train passed though the hot smoke and steam trail you would be gasping for breath and rubbing your eye and find soot on your face. Oh what fun!! And don’t forget the unmistakable sounds – clickety click of steel wheels on the track. The breaking sounds and then the loco - Chuff chuff, steam hissing and the steam whistle.
This is a view of the yard about 1968.
Final
Which year did the station open? ABCC
A+A = D
C/2 = E
E+D = F
S 43° 35.DFB E 172° 23.AEE