Driver Dick Bennett takes the miniature train for its maiden run around the Adventure Park on Saturday. In the front right seat looking at the crowds of people was Mrs Douglas.
Article accompanying photo:
Big welcome for little train
There was one very special passenger aboard the maiden voyage of the Levin's train at the Adventure Park on Saturday afternoon.
Joyce Douglas took her place in the front seat of the front carriage after she cut the ribbon to open the mini railway. Mrs Douglas was taking her first ride in the train her late husband Ken built almost 50 years ago.
The train started life doing circuits in Muaupoko Park at the Horowhenua Lake Domain but the railway there was shut down because of constant vandalism.
A ruined kiosk and a mound of dirt over the old tunnel are all that remain at the lake.
The train was then given to Kimberley Centre for use by residents but has been in storage.
Kimberley is now closing and the train has been recovered and done up and is back in use.
And hundreds of children lined up for their first ride on the latest attraction at the Adventure Park on Saturday. Horowhenua Mayor Brendan Duffy gave an opening speech about how great the train is and what it will do for the town while the children were looking in the opposite direction waiting for their chance to go for a ride.
After Mrs Douglas cut the ribbon and declared the train open for the first load of passengers to pile in many had to wait for the second circuit of the park