'Siberia' Curve (Horseshoe Gully), Rimutaka Incline

History

HistorySiberia, also known as Horseshoe Gully, was a part of the Rimutaka Incline that was exposed to extreme wind gusts. On 11 September 1880 there was an accident where a gale blew three carriages off the track. Three children, Ida Pharazy, Francis John Nicolas and a boy with the surname Quinn, were killed in the initial accident, and a fourth, Stanley George Nicholas (brother of Francis John) died on the 2 October 1880 from his injuries. After this incident a windbreak fence was erected along that part of the track. The Rimutaka incline was closed in 1955. In 1967 the embankment was washed out in a flood.

Photos

RaboDirect Big Coast, 2011

Wellington-Masterton Railway circa 1881; Rimutaka Incline

Rimutaka Incline; 'Siberia'; windbreak at windiest location on the Incline. [P2-13-21]

Rimutaka Incline; 'Siberia'.

Rimutaka Incline; train rounding 'Siberia' curve (Horseshoe Gully) c1955. 001

Rimutaka Incline; 'Siberia' (Horseshoe Gully).

Publication

History of the Rimutaka Incline

More Information

More informationRimutaka Incline accident

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