New Zealand - Palmerston North - Railway engine "The Skunk" - Designated Class 'A', this locomotive was one of three small tank locomotives built by the Lion Foundry and fitted with outside Stephenson link motion. All three were the first railway locomotives to run a scheduled service between Palmerston North and Foxton from 1876, replacing a horse dawn tram service. The Skunk later worked on the line between Palmerston North and Wanganui, opened in 1878, and was relegated to shunting and ballast duties before going to Greymouth for harbour construction work. - 1876 - Charles Mariboe Photo Palmerston North - A city in the North Island - Located in the eastern Manawatu Plains - Near the north bank of the Manawatu River - Early Palmerston North relied on public works and sawmilling. - The west coast railway was built in 1886, linking the town to Wellington - Palmerston North benefited from a booming pastoral farming industry. - Popular attractions include Te Manawa and several performing arts (Reference: Wikipedia) Palmerston North railway station - A main station on the North Island Main Trunk serving the city of Palmerston North in the Manawatū-Whanganui region of New Zealand. - It is the northern terminus of the Capital Connection long distance commuter train to Wellington and a major stop on the Northern Explorer service between Auckland and Wellington. - With the discontinuation of the Overlander and the introduction of its replacement the Northern Explorer, several stops on the Overlander were discontinued; including Levin and Feilding. Palmerston North is now the nearest station for these locations. (Reference: Wikipedia) Video: Palmerston North railway yards 1960's Turitea Palmerston North railway yards in the 1960's and the Milson deviation opening. Great steam shots - distant views of the engine sheds and railway through the Square. Video courtesy of archivesnz. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IatB76IRMC4 --------------------- Image source: Railway engine "The Skunk", Palmerston North – Charles Mariboe 1876, No Known Restrictions https://manawatuheritage.pncc.govt.nz/item/432b1bed-d658-4650-80b7-5228569f10e5