This is pretty much the way Waipara is today. The main changes since the previous photos (the date 1995 is an approximation) are in the removal and replacement of the passenger platform and station for the Coastal Pacific Express, and the erection of the Weka Pass Railway carriage shed with its attendant and companion sidings…

In 1990 the main changes are that the yard has been reduced; there is now just the main, a longer loop and a public siding to the loading bank; the goods shed and triangle have been removed. Weka Pass Railway has opened their engine shed with three tracks. The connection between their yard and NZR…

The changes being seen now are much more. Weka Pass Railway has been in operation for only three years but have already managed to start building an engine shed near the old stockyards.  The trolley shed at the north end of the station has been replaced by a new one at the south end, while…

At the north end there have been some changes in track layout between the branch, branch platform sidings, main and loop. At the south end the main difference is the country works depot being built, the engine depot facilities have completely disappeared and the singleman’s quarters (“the kennels”) have gone.

Between 1961 and 1972 the main difference visibly is in the number of houses. The stationmasters and signal maintainers house have disappeared from their distinct locations, along with a number from the row of 12 bisected by the triangle. Although the engine shed is by then vacated, it is still in place.

Since 1950 there are not many changes in the yard. Mainly in the number of houses, and the appearance of the social hall marked A at the north end.

These are of the 1950 aerial image of Waipara. The buildings are correct, but the track layout is uncertain due to poor resolution.

This is a very quick comparison shot of Waipara in 1950. See my previous post for more detail of what the buildings are.

Once again this article is not in either a MNL or Waiau Branch series, because these pictures are another set of samples rather than a complete set of maps for Waipara. I am warming to the idea of doing a Waiau Branch series, and also adding the 1950 aerial of Waipara to the 1961, 1972…