Economical Facing Point Lock. Visit this page to view a diagram and photographs explaining the operation of an economical facing point lock (FPL).

An economical FPL allows a switch and its associated lock to be operated from one rod.

Fletcher Siding. Fletcher Siding is south of Ava and once served three private sidings.It is of interest because of its proximity to a Hutt Valley Junction signal and the associated train stop.

Mainline Protection Study the protection of the mainline. Diagrams and photographs document all extant trap points and safety sidings between Woburn and Upper Hutt.

The diagrams show the configuration of each of these structures in detail.

Wynn-Williams Spring Points A diagram and photographs explain the operation of the Wynn-Williams spring points mechanism.

Gracefield Rail Infrastructure.   I have identified nine different rail fastenings and five different rail joints on the closed Gracefield Industrial Line. Two of the rail fastenings each have two variants, giving eleven distinct fastenings in total.

Photographs and an extract from the relevant 1989 Railnet Code document these fittings.

Sleeper Locks The internal mechanism of a sleeper lock is explained, using an example from the Carterton Railway Restoration Society's collection. In 2004 the only sleeper locks still in use are at Masterton.

Woods Keys The operation of Woods keys is explained, using an example from Masterton - the only location where such keys were still in use in 2004.

Mechanical Train Stops are used on the Johnsonville line, rather than the electrically operated stops used elsewhere.

Switchlock 17 at Ngauranga stood in isolation for several years after the Ngauranga yard had been lifted.

This page documents the mechanism beneath the wooden planking.

Location Cabinets - Ava To Petone.   Between Ava and Petone there are 13 location cabinets, 3 small buildings and the Petone Electric Traction Rectifier Substation. There are at least 9 different cabinet styles.

A diagram and photographs document all cabinets and buildings between these locations.

Location Cabinets - Petone To Horokiwi.   Between Petone and Horokiwi there are 7 location cabinets, 2 small buildings and the Petone Signal Box.

A diagram and photographs document all cabinets and buildings between these locations.

Points Indicators The operating mechanism of mechanical points indicators is explained.

Page under construction.

Loco Release Crossover at Wellington Station. A switchlock controlled crossover between platforms 8 and 9 at Wellington Station allows locomotives to be released from their trains.

A diagram and photographs document the crossover and the points mechanisms.

Page Under Construction

For Future Use

For Future Use

Rail Brands  A selection of rail brands observed in the Hutt Valley area. An explanation of the brands is given.