From Kingston Flyer to F150 and beyond
As we steam past the halfway mark of 2025, we wanted to take an opportunity to catch our breath and reflect on how far we have come.
What began as a vision to preserve the Kingston Flyer on behalf of the Southland community and could have stopped with its private sale in 2017, has grown into something much larger, something deeply rooted in Southland’s past and its future.
Southern Steam was incorporated in 2015 and became a registered charity in 2016. We have a simple but powerful goal: to protect and celebrate our region’s rail heritage. When the Kingston Flyer was sold in 2017, we turned our attention to a new chapter, the restoration of steam locomotive F150, a loco with a rich history across the South Island.
The F150, as featured in many fond memories, departing Newfield Park playground (Reg McLeod collection)
From a dream to a new destination
In July 2022, restoration of F150 began in earnest. Today, we are proud to say we are about 60% through the restoration, guided by the expertise of our Heritage Technical Committee supervising engineer. This work has been made possible thanks to $540,000 in funding secured between 2021 and 2024 with $520,000 being spent by January 2025.
The F150 receives visitors as part of open days as part of Heritage Southland month in March 2025
On August 1st, KiwiRail announced that the Ohai rail line will be mothballed, following the planned closure of the Takitimu coal mine. While this marks the end of an industrial era and another piece of the Southland railway falling away, it also opens a new possibility for returning the F150 to the rails.
Southern Steam has formally registered interest in leasing a 7km section of the line, from Lorneville to Branxholme, just short of the Oreti River bridge. This stretch, once used to haul coal until it was damaged by the storms in 2023, could soon carry passengers seeking a different kind of journey — one that connects them to Southland’s landscapes, stories, and spirit
The Ohai line, proposed to be mothballed (closed) - KiwiRail Network Map, Opensource
We are also in early discussions with Makarewa Coolstores Ltd, about establishing our operational base at the site of the former Makarewa freezing works. The site includes a functional private loop and serviceable track and we’re exploring concepts to store our assets.
Close up showing 9km to 16km markers for the potential railway lease
We are grateful for the opportunity to imagine what could be — a permanent home for Southern Steam, nestled in the heart of Southland with a company with deep roots in Southland as potato and carrot growers.
What this means: to us and for you
This journey is not just ours, it belongs to everyone.
Those who remember playing on the F150 alongside the tank in the Newfield playground.
Those who believe that there is a future in New Zealand where we value not only our rail of the past, but the potential of rail to help protect our environment through alternative transport as shown by the recent roaring success of the short return of the Southerner.
It belongs to those who remember the Kingston Flyer, and to those who will one day ride behind a restored F150 and once again hear the whistle echo across the Oreti plains. To share that moment with your children, your parents, your friends.
We are not just restoring a locomotive, we are restoring a legacy. And we are doing it together, for Murihiku Southland.
How can you help?
💖 We still need help with finishing our restoration: you can donate here.
🤝 Partner with us: join the many amazing Southland businesses and residents that have offered in-kind support, let us know how you want to get involved
📣 Share our and your story: on facebook, with your friends, visit us on open days, all this help spread the importance of this mahi and sparks our next generation of train enthusiasts!
