This railroad has been created after many years of concentrated imagineering. Six previous railroads had been constructed on this property, three outside and three inside. They ranged from 00 European, HO American (Great Northern Railway), 0 Gauge 9mm scale N.Z.R., 9.5 inch live steam, Central European LGB G scale and now the "Hungry Creek & Long Pass" operating on gauge one track with the scale, anything from 20.3 to one, through to 29 to one. There is no fine scale super detail on this railroad, the effect required was a serious attempt to produce something close to realism within the restrictions that are imposed by the mere fact of being outside and being exposed to the harsh weather conditions. It is my opinion that for durable structures and reliable running, fine scale and super accurate detail is not on.

The length of mainline and branch track totals 75 meters and there is a further staging amount of 55 meters, both inside as storage roads and outside as crossing loops and storage. There are 29 turnouts throughout the railroad. Track is brass code 323 rail and plastic sleepers, this is laid onto mostly 2.5 inch (63mm) reinforced concrete base. Most of the Colorado style scenery was created from concrete in a form of sculpturing. Another important feature adding considerable depth to the overall scenery is the scenic backdrop which 1 painted on Hardy Flex panels attached to the wooden fence. Exterior acrylic paints were used.

The present steam loco roster is made up of six Bachman locos, five LGB locos and one Aristo-Craft loco. There are also one LGB diesel, two Aristo-Craft diesels and one USA Trains diesel. More than sufficient to run and maintain the daily roster but the Chief Mechanical Engineer just loves locomotives. The Railroad President is still unaware of the excessive expenditure on motive power.

The main freight traffic for the "Hungry Creek & Long Pass" are logs, lumber and coal plus the usual merchandise required by the numerous small towns along the route. Traffic has been moderate to heavy for some years, which is probably the reason why the Mechanical Engineer still has his job. Passenger traffic counts have not been so good resulting in one five total express. The morning train from Hungry Creek to Long Pass has been taken off the run and replaced by and old rail bus converted by the railroad in their own shops during the depression years to meet the Governments requirements for a passenger service. This old rattletrap is not very popular with the locals who are constantly pressing for the return of their express train. Passenger stock consists of three combines, one Aristo, one Bachman and an LGB. There are four Bachman coaches, three LGB coaches, one USA Trains Overton Coach and one LGB Baggage car. Of course not forgetting the home built Rail Bus based on a Bachman combine. There are thirty five freight wagons and five cabooses seven total work train made up from mostly Bachman freight cars, looks after all the railroad maintenance. Boxcars have been rebuilt into bunk cars and engineering car etc. The 1 0 ton crane is interesting and deserves close inspection.

The main industry in the center of operations is the McKenzie Dip Coal-Mine. This mine is a combination of both open cast and shaft mining and is worth a visit if there is time during pauses between the special tour trains. Another interesting feature is the Crown Hill Branch to the logging camp. Logs are hauled by a very efficient Shay loco down to Boundary station yard for redistribution. Another attraction at Crown Hill is the local Lodge where one can stay for reasonable accommodation. The proprietor arranges guides for tramping and shooting adventures or fishing on the lake where one will see the very rare and beautiful golden trout, found only in Crown Hill's Rocky Island Lake. A sanatorium is planned on the shore of the lake where it is hoped stressed out locals may recover in the healthy environment.

We hope you have enjoyed your visit and that we will see you here again sometime.

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Please feel free to contact me at warren.s.rail@xtra.co.nz