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{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2015}}
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The '''Mossburn Branch''' was a [[branch line]] railway in New Zealand from [[Lumsden, New Zealand|Lumsden]] on the [[Kingston Branch (New Zealand)|Kingston Branch]] to the town of [[Mossburn]] in western [[Southland, New Zealand|Southland]]. Construction began in [[1879]], Mossburn was reached in [[1887]], and the line closed in [[1982]].
{{Use New Zealand English|date=August 2015}}
{{Infobox rail line
| name = Mossburn Branch
| other_name =
| color = 6699FF
| type = [[Passenger rail terminology#Heavy rail|Heavy rail]]
| system = [[New Zealand Government Railways|New Zealand Government Railways (NZGR)]]
| status = Closed
| locale = [[Southland, New Zealand|Southland]], [[New Zealand]]
| start = [[Lumsden,_New_Zealand|Mararoa Junction]]
| end = [[Mossburn]]
| stations = 3
| open = 1887
| close = 1982
| owner = [[New Zealand Railways Department|NZ Railways Department]]
| operator = [[New Zealand Railways Department|NZ Railways Department]]
| character = Rural
| linelength = {{convert|16.9|km}}
| tracks = Single
| gauge = {{RailGauge|3ft6in}}
| map = {{Mossburn_Branch}}
}}
{{Maplink|frame=yes|type=line}}

⚫
The '''Mossburn Branch''' was a [[branch line]] [[railway]] in [[New Zealand]] from [[Lumsden, New Zealand|Lumsden]] on the [[Kingston Branch (New Zealand)|Kingston Branch]] to the town of [[Mossburn]] in northern [[Southland Region|Southland]]. Construction began in 1879, Mossburn was reached in 1887, and the line closed in 1982. It was operated by the [[New Zealand Railways Department]].


==Construction==
==Construction==
⚫
The line was intended to open up land to the west of Lumsden and perhaps even reach [[Manapouri]] or [[Te Anau]] in [[Fiordland]]. Construction began in July 1879 and the line left the Kingston Branch just outside the north side of Lumsden at a location named Mararoa Junction that was simply a set of [[railroad switch|points]].{{sfn|Churchman|Hurst|2001|p=211}} The only real obstacle was the [[Ōreti River]], which was crossed by the end of March 1880, though an 1880 Royal Commission into New Zealand's railways was so unimpressed by the line's prospects that it declared "the railway bridge over the Oreti should be decked over and thrown open for [[Wagon|dray]] traffic."{{sfn|Leitch|Scott|1995|p=123}} Nonetheless, construction progressed onwards towards Mossburn, albeit slowly due to the effects of the [[Long Depression]] of the 1880s. The first three kilometres opened to Castle Rock on 1 April 1881, but almost five years passed before the next section, six and a half kilometres to Murray Creek, was opened on 13 March 1886. The final six and a half kilometres were built much quicker and the line was opened all the way to Mossburn on 21 January 1887.{{sfn|Leitch|Scott|1995|p=124}} No proposals to continue construction westwards ever had a serious chance of being realised.{{sfn|Churchman|Hurst|2001|p=211}}

⚫
The line was intended to open up land to the west of Lumsden and perhaps even reach [[Te Anau]] in [[Fiordland]]. Construction began in July [[1879]] and left the Kingston Branch just outside the north side of Lumsden at a locality named Mararoa Junction. The first and only real obstacle was the [[Oreti River]], which was crossed by the end of March [[1880]], though a report at the time was so unimpressed by the line's prospects that it declared "the railway bridge over the Oreti should be decked over and thrown open for [[dray]] traffic." Nonetheless, construction progressed onwards towards Mossburn, albeit slowly due to the effects of the [[Long Depression]] of the [[1880s]]. The first three kilometres opened to Castle Hill on [[April 1|1 April]] [[1881]], but almost five years passed before the next section, six and a half kilometres to Murray Creek, was opened on [[March 13|13 March]] [[1886]]. The next six and a half kilometres were built much quicker and the line was opened all the way to Mossburn on [[January 21|21 January]] [[1887]]. No proposals to continue construction westwards ever had a serious chance of being realised.


==Stations==
==Stations==
⚫
Only three stations were on the Mossburn line (in brackets is the distance from Mararoa Junction):<ref name="quail">''New Zealand Railway and Tramway Atlas'', fourth edition, edited by John Yonge (Essex: Quail Map Company, 1993), 29.</ref>


⚫
*Castle Rock (3.24&nbsp;km)
⚫
Only three stations were on the Mossburn line (in brackets is the distance from Mararoa Junction):
⚫
*Murray Creek (9.7&nbsp;km)
⚫
*Mossburn (16.29&nbsp;km)


The end of rails was just beyond Mossburn station, 16.9&nbsp;km from the junction.
⚫
*Castle Hill (3.24 km)
⚫
*Murray Creek (9.7 km)
⚫
*Mossburn (16.29 km)


==Operation==
==Operation==
⚫
Traffic on the line was never heavy until the 1960s; for many years, two [[mixed train]]s ran a week from Lumsden. These trains carried both passengers and goods, with the usual inbound cargo consisting of [[agricultural lime]] and fertiliser, and wool and livestock outbound.{{sfn|Churchman|Hurst|2001|p=211}} Passengers were no longer carried after 4 October 1937, and the low freight figures implied that the line was set for a slow descent into oblivion.{{sfn|Leitch|Scott|1995|p=124}}


⚫
The Mossburn Branch did not have a predictable demise, however. Mossburn was the nearest railhead to the [[Manapouri Power Station|Manapouri hydro-electric project]] and the branch suddenly became very busy with traffic not only for Manapouri but also for other government schemes in the area that centred on the development of farming. Mossburn station and yard were wholly re-organised; a modern station building replaced the previous shelter shed and a [[station master]] was appointed. A train ran from Invercargill every weekday, with allowances made for a second when required. As well as relevant freight for the Manapouri project, the line also carried significant quantities of livestock, fertiliser, and [[Serpentine group|serpentine]] for local fertiliser manufacturing plants. It was not until around 1980 that the various government projects wound down and required the railway less. The line reverted to a twice-weekly level of service, with trains running from Invercargill on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Traffic from this point became economically unsustainable and the branch closed on 16 December 1982,<ref>Mossburn Branch Closed ''[[New Zealand Railway Observer]]'' issue 173 Autumn 1983 pages 18/19</ref> the same day as the section of the Kingston Branch from [[Makarewa]] to Lumsden.{{sfn|Leitch|Scott|1995|p=124}}
⚫
Traffic on the line was never heavy until the [[1960s]]; for many years, two "mixed" trains ran a week from Lumsden. These trains carried both passengers and goods, with the usual inbound cargo consisting of [[agricultural lime]] and fertiliser, and wool and livestock outbound. Passengers were no longer carried after [[October 4|4 October]] [[1937]], and the low freight figures implied that the line was set for a slow descent into oblivion.


==Today==
⚫
The Mossburn Branch did not have a predictable demise, however. Mossburn had the nearest railway to the [[Manapouri Power Station|Manapouri hydro-electric project]] and the branch suddenly became very busy with traffic not only for Manapouri but also for other government schemes in the area that centred around the development of farming. Mossburn station and yard were wholly re-organised and a train came from Invercargill every weekday, with allowances made for a second when required. As well as relevant freight for the Manapouri project, the line also carried significant quantities of livestock, fertiliser, and [[serpentine]] for local fertiliser manufacturing plants. It wasn't until around [[1980]] that the various government projects wound down and required the railway less. The line reverted to having a train twice weekly, running from Invercargill on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and with traffic no longer substantial enough, the branch closed on [[December 13|13 December]] [[1982]], the same day as the section of the Kingston Branch from [[Makarewa]] to Lumsden.
⚫
Very little remains of the Mossburn Branch. Most of the formation is still visible, but due to the flat nature of the land, it is insubstantial, lacking [[cutting (transportation)|cutting]]s or [[embankment (transportation)|embankment]]s. A new road bridge across the Ōreti River has been built and all traces of the railway bridge have been obliterated except for a few rails pointing to nowhere on the Lumsden bank. In Mossburn, a hotel has "Railway Hotel" moulded into its concrete façade. Nearby, the site of Mossburn's yard has been mostly bulldozed flat and only the loading bank and a few rails and [[railroad tie|sleepers]] remain.{{sfn|Leitch|Scott|1995|p=124}}


==The branch today==
==See also==
*''[[Main South Line]]''

*''[[Waimea Plains Railway]]''
⚫
Very little remains of the Mossburn Branch. Most of the formation is still visible, but due to the flat nature of the land, it is hardly interesting, lacking cuttings or embankments. A new road bridge across the Oreti River has been built and all traces of the railway bridge have been obliterated - except for a few rails pointing to nowhere on the Lumsden bank. In Mossburn, a hotel has "Railway Hotel" moulded into its concrete façade, but the words "Mossburn Hotel" have now been painted over the top. Nearby, the site of Mossburn's yard has been mostly bulldozed flat and only the loading bank and a few rails and sleepers remain.
*''[[Kingston Branch]]''
*''[[Waikaia_Branch|Waikaia/Switzers Branch]]''
*''[[Waikaka branch]]''
*''[[Wyndham_Branch|Wyndham/Glenham Branch]]''


==References==
==References==
===Citations===

{{reflist}}
* Churchman, Geoffrey B., and Hurst, Tony; ''The Railways Of New Zealand: A Journey Through History'', HarperCollins Publishers (New Zealand), 1991 reprint
===Bibliography===
⚫
* Leitch, David, and Scott, Brian; ''Exploring New Zealand's Ghost Railways'', Grantham House, 1998 revised edition
{{refbegin}}
⚫
* {{cite book|last1=Leitch|first1=David|last2=Scott|first2=Brian|title=Exploring New Zealand's Ghost Railways|date=1995|edition=1998|publisher=Grantham House|ISBN=1-86934-048-5}}
* {{Churchman & Hurst Railways of New Zealand}}
* {{cite book |last= Mulligan |first= Barbara |title= New Zealand Rail Trails: A Guide to 42 Ghost Lines |year= 2000 |publisher= Grantham House Publishing |location= Wellington |isbn= 978-1-86934-126-8 |pages= 202-204 }}
{{refend}}


{{NZR Lines}}
{{NZR Lines}}


[[Category:Closed railway lines in New Zealand]]
[[Category:Rail transport in Southland, New Zealand]]
[[Category:Railway lines in New Zealand]]
[[Category:Railway lines in New Zealand]]
[[Category:Southland, New Zealand]]
[[Category:Railway lines opened in 1881]]
[[Category:Railway lines closed in 1982]]
[[Category:1881 establishments in New Zealand]]
[[Category:1982 disestablishments in New Zealand]]

Revision as of 00:57, 17 March 2024

Mossburn Branch
Overview
StatusClosed
OwnerNZ Railways Department
LocaleSouthland, New Zealand
Termini
Stations3
Service
TypeHeavy rail
SystemNew Zealand Government Railways (NZGR)
Operator(s)NZ Railways Department
History
Opened1887
Closed1982
Technical
Line length16.9 kilometres (10.5 mi)
Number of tracksSingle
CharacterRural
Track gauge3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm)
Route map

Legend
km
0.0
Kingston Branch
Mararoa Junction
Ōreti River
3.2
 Castle Rock
9.7
Murray Creek
16.2
 Mossburn
16.9
end of line
State Highway 94 NZ.svg SH 94
This diagram:
Map
Map

The Mossburn Branch was a branch line railway in New Zealand from Lumsden on the Kingston Branch to the town of Mossburn in northern Southland. Construction began in 1879, Mossburn was reached in 1887, and the line closed in 1982. It was operated by the New Zealand Railways Department.

Construction

The line was intended to open up land to the west of Lumsden and perhaps even reach Manapouri or Te Anau in Fiordland. Construction began in July 1879 and the line left the Kingston Branch just outside the north side of Lumsden at a location named Mararoa Junction that was simply a set of points.[1] The only real obstacle was the Ōreti River, which was crossed by the end of March 1880, though an 1880 Royal Commission into New Zealand's railways was so unimpressed by the line's prospects that it declared "the railway bridge over the Oreti should be decked over and thrown open for dray traffic."[2] Nonetheless, construction progressed onwards towards Mossburn, albeit slowly due to the effects of the Long Depression of the 1880s. The first three kilometres opened to Castle Rock on 1 April 1881, but almost five years passed before the next section, six and a half kilometres to Murray Creek, was opened on 13 March 1886. The final six and a half kilometres were built much quicker and the line was opened all the way to Mossburn on 21 January 1887.[3] No proposals to continue construction westwards ever had a serious chance of being realised.[1]

Stations

Only three stations were on the Mossburn line (in brackets is the distance from Mararoa Junction):[4]

  • Castle Rock (3.24 km)
  • Murray Creek (9.7 km)
  • Mossburn (16.29 km)

The end of rails was just beyond Mossburn station, 16.9 km from the junction.

Operation

Traffic on the line was never heavy until the 1960s; for many years, two mixed trains ran a week from Lumsden. These trains carried both passengers and goods, with the usual inbound cargo consisting of agricultural lime and fertiliser, and wool and livestock outbound.[1] Passengers were no longer carried after 4 October 1937, and the low freight figures implied that the line was set for a slow descent into oblivion.[3]

The Mossburn Branch did not have a predictable demise, however. Mossburn was the nearest railhead to the Manapouri hydro-electric project and the branch suddenly became very busy with traffic not only for Manapouri but also for other government schemes in the area that centred on the development of farming. Mossburn station and yard were wholly re-organised; a modern station building replaced the previous shelter shed and a station master was appointed. A train ran from Invercargill every weekday, with allowances made for a second when required. As well as relevant freight for the Manapouri project, the line also carried significant quantities of livestock, fertiliser, and serpentine for local fertiliser manufacturing plants. It was not until around 1980 that the various government projects wound down and required the railway less. The line reverted to a twice-weekly level of service, with trains running from Invercargill on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Traffic from this point became economically unsustainable and the branch closed on 16 December 1982,[5] the same day as the section of the Kingston Branch from Makarewa to Lumsden.[3]

Today

Very little remains of the Mossburn Branch. Most of the formation is still visible, but due to the flat nature of the land, it is insubstantial, lacking cuttings or embankments. A new road bridge across the Ōreti River has been built and all traces of the railway bridge have been obliterated except for a few rails pointing to nowhere on the Lumsden bank. In Mossburn, a hotel has "Railway Hotel" moulded into its concrete façade. Nearby, the site of Mossburn's yard has been mostly bulldozed flat and only the loading bank and a few rails and sleepers remain.[3]

See also

References

Citations

  1. ^ a b c Churchman & Hurst 2001, p. 211.
  2. ^ Leitch & Scott 1995, p. 123.
  3. ^ a b c d Leitch & Scott 1995, p. 124.
  4. ^ New Zealand Railway and Tramway Atlas, fourth edition, edited by John Yonge (Essex: Quail Map Company, 1993), 29.
  5. ^ Mossburn Branch Closed New Zealand Railway Observer issue 173 Autumn 1983 pages 18/19

Bibliography

  • Leitch, David; Scott, Brian (1995). Exploring New Zealand's Ghost Railways (1998 ed.). Grantham House. ISBN 1-86934-048-5.
  • Churchman, Geoffrey B; Hurst, Tony (2001) [1990, 1991]. The Railways of New Zealand: A Journey through History (Second ed.). Transpress New Zealand. ISBN 0-908876-20-3.
  • Mulligan, Barbara (2000). New Zealand Rail Trails: A Guide to 42 Ghost Lines. Wellington: Grantham House Publishing. pp. 202–204. ISBN 978-1-86934-126-8.
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