Palmerston North Electric Power Station Inc.

Wellington Vintage Car Club's visit:

25 March 2001

The first of two visits to the power station on 25 March was that of the Wellington Vintage Car Club between about 9:30 and 10:30 am. In addition to the many cars that were attending the SPCA's open day next door, the lower portion of Keith Street was also lined by the various types of vehicles driven by the Wellington group. This visit included the third start-up of Engine 216 after the replacement of its stolen copper piping (which had not been recovered).

The power station's 'devoted helpers' (some would say slaves to the cause), then continued with a low key open day for passers by, while also preparing the building for the visit by the Wade Farm Tour party and others for dinner that night - around 60 people in all. The SPCA's fund-raising cause also did well out of our presence - as did our kitchen cupboards and our means of feeding our workers during future working bees!!!

An interesting assortment of cars (including Dick's slightly 'out of character' white van) on Keith Street. Note the lovely silver exhaust pipe on the right, that Dick had painted the previous day. The horse float in the distance, is there in association with the SPCA's open day, also held the same day. There was a horse tied to it also (just through the wall from Engine 216), until we realised this and warned the owner to rescue it, about 10 minutes before Engine 216 was started. Exhaust smoke, which is visible at the left chimney top, normally goes all across the road when the engine first starts. Not too environmentally friendly, but...

More vintage cars and more exhaust fumes coming out of the chimney!!

On 'engine watch'

Last updated: 13/4/2001