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Who remembers the Railway Children?
One of my most vivid childhood terrors is of a steam train barrelling through a tunnel where I am hiding, or running me over whilst I am tied to the tracks.
Never mind that steam trains died out well before I was born – these fears lingered thanks to Penelope Pitstop and the like.
Now I am a vintage girl I appreciate the merits of a steam train. First and foremost of course it is a dress up opportunity.
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I chose a bit of a mash up of 1930s and 40s.. An original brown 1930s eyelet dress and brown hat with a vintage opshopped cardy, very old crochet gloves and my vanity train case.
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The Steam train in question is at Paekakariki, a little North of Wellington, and today was their open day.
Built in 1910 it is regularly taken out for excursions and its carriages are in pristine condition.
I went with my friend James. He is a vintage geek too – but for boy things, so was in seventh heaven, going on about lathes and bandsaws and all kinds of things. To be honest, I just wanted to soak in the prettiness and pretend I was catching a train to see my sweetheart.
So much geeky fun. And a cheap day out!
I am super keen to take the train to Art Deco weekend in February – this is the train that goes up.
I did mention to the lady working on it that I would have to take at least 5 suitcases – which she helpfully told me was fine – they have a luggage carriage.
Sorted then!
Starlet O Hara 
