Driving Creek Railway: A Legacy of Art and Engineering
The Driving Creek Railway (DCR) is a remarkable feat of passion and perseverance, blending the worlds of industrial art and civil engineering. Founded by potter Barry Brickell, this unique railway serves as both a functional tool for artistic production and a breathtaking tourist attraction in New Zealand.
The Origins of the Line
The story began in 1961 when Barry Brickell acquired a 22-hectare property with the vision of establishing a pottery collective. In 1975, he began constructing a 15-inch gauge rail line to transport essential materials—specifically clay and pine wood fuel—to his kiln.
That same year, Brickell expanded his holdings by purchasing an additional 60 hectares (150 acres) of land. This expansion led to the creation of the Driving Creek Railway and Potteries. While his original line used a 10.5-inch (267 mm) gauge, the new railway was built to a 15-inch (381 mm) gauge. Beyond supporting the potteries, the railway played a vital role in environmental restoration, helping to replant the hillsides with kauri and other native plant species.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Engineering Challenges and Infrastructure
Over the course of 25 years, the DCR was expanded into one of the few completely new railway lines built in New Zealand in recent history. Because the line traverses steep and complex terrain, it required sophisticated civil engineering. The route features inclines as steep as 1 in 14, three tunnels, and ten bridges.
One of the most notable structures is the Double-Deck viaduct, a testament to the technical ambition of the project. Additionally, a short branchline connects the potteries to a firewood drying shed via bridge № 1A. While this specific branch is not used for passenger transport, visitors can see the drying shed as their train ascends from bridge № 1 toward the Lower Spiral. The full return trip takes approximately one hour.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]The Eyefull Tower Terminus
The railway reaches its conclusion at the Eyefull Tower, which was completed in 2004. The tower's design was inspired by the Bean Rock Lighthouse in Auckland. In 2005, a large viewing deck was added at Brickell's suggestion, offering panoramic vistas. While some have compared the view to the Kereta Hill layover north of Coromandel, Brickell maintained that the perspective from Eyefull Tower was superior.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Overcoming the 2004 Washout
The railway's resilience was tested in 2004 when unseasonally heavy rainfall triggered major landslides. A significant slip damaged the track leading from the № 2 'Taniwha' tunnel to the Double-Deck Viaduct, as well as the higher-level track entering the Hoki Mai loop. Another slip occurred above the № 3 (Cascade) switchback.
During the repair period, trains were forced to terminate just beyond the 'Taniwha' tunnel, allowing passengers to observe the damage. The restoration involved constructing a concrete retaining wall at Cascade to prevent future slips and building two new bridges—one on the lower level and one on the higher level—which included the points at the southern end of the Hoki Mai loop.
Key Facts
- Founder: Barry Brickell, a potter who started the project to support his pottery collective.
- Gauge: 15 inches (381 mm).
- Infrastructure: Includes 10 bridges, 3 tunnels, and the unique Double-Deck viaduct.
- Environmental Impact: Used to replant native kauri and other flora on the hillsides.
- Visitor Volume: Attracts over 30,000 people annually.
- Purpose of Funds: Much of the proceeds are used to fund nature conservation works.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Track Gauge | 15 inches (381 mm) |
| Maximum Incline | 1 in 14 |
| Key Structures | Double-Deck Viaduct, 3 Tunnels, 10 Bridges |
| Final Terminus | Eyefull Tower (Completed 2004) |
| Trip Duration | Approximately 1 hour (return) |
| Annual Visitors | 30,000+ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Driving Creek Railway originally built?
It was built by Barry Brickell to transport clay and pine wood fuel to his pottery kilns and to assist in replanting native kauri and other plants on his property.
What is the significance of the Eyefull Tower?
Completed in 2004, it serves as the railway's final terminus. Its design is based on the Bean Rock Lighthouse and features a viewing deck added in 2005.
How did the 2004 washout affect the railway?
Heavy rain caused slips near the 'Taniwha' tunnel and the Cascade switchback. This required the construction of two new bridges and a concrete retaining wall to stabilize the line.
Where do the proceeds from the railway go?
A significant portion of the funds generated from the 30,000+ annual visitors is used to support nature conservation efforts.
What makes the engineering of the DCR unique?
The line is one of the few completely new railways in New Zealand, featuring complex civil engineering like the Double-Deck viaduct and steep 1 in 14 inclines to navigate the rugged terrain.