Restoration work on insulated wagon W849 is continuing to progress well. Recent work has focused on the northern end cladding, with one section of timber replaced and extensive sealing and filling of the weatherbeaten cladding and corner posts being undertaken. Much of this end is now in white primer and has dramatically improved the appearance of the vehicle. The timber mouldings from around the roof line were in very poor condition and required new sections of timber to replace broken boards, the numerous splits have been glued and plenty of filler used to hide the scars resulting from decades of service. One of the split sections had been repaired by dozens of staples by Railways during the wagons later years.

Steam Locomotive A67 has recently returned from its exotic adventure in Oamaru following an unexpected transport delay.

Steam locomotive F111 is currently having its refurbished springs refitted. These and the brake-gear reassembly are proving to be more challenging than expected, leading to a few interesting theories as to whether things had been “quite right” in this department for many years.

The current stage of the film archive project is now complete. Fans of Vulcan and Twinset Railcars will be well rewarded when they see the current batch of films. There's also images of Ed locomotives charging around Wellington and freshly painted Dh's working in Otago. A number of films detailing excursions during the twilight of steam have been preserved, as has an exciting visit to the construction railway for the original Deep Cove tailrace tunnel. There's also some Dj action including on the Wairio branch. More films were contributed to the project than we expected, which means that later in the year we will seek funds for yet more films to be preserved before the images fade too badly. A couple of contributers had become frustrated with their films and had considered disposing of them, which further adds to the value of our project; ensuring that the images survive indefinitely. While we aren't able to accept any more films at the moment for transfer to DVD, through the generosity of a friend of the society, we are still able to accept VHS tapes for transfer to DVD. Already a couple of people have taken us up on this offer. Old VHS tapes really are at risk from the ravages of time, and once problems become evident, it may be too late to restore the material.

The improved weather has allowed us to do further work on upgrading the track and a number of sleepers have been replaced and herbicide dispensed to deal with a late growth spurt from the dreaded yellow weed.

There have been a few rumours circulating regarding diesel locomotive DS 203 and the length of time that it was unservicable. There were some reasonably complex contractual difficulties with a supplier which are now resolved in a manner that was fair to both parties and has significantly reduced a potential liability to the society. The locomotive is now back in service following routine maintenance to the brakes.

Recently, our expertise was called upon to steam K92 at Mandeville for a major aircraft event they were hosting. The event went well and was enjoyed by all those who participated.

A number of timber and steel components have passed through our workshop for cutting and machining. This has been a small-scale fundraiser and has used equipment that doesn't normally see intense service.