Barrie Brickell was a teacher-turned-potter who built New Zealand's only narrow gauge railway through native bush that he planted himself. He originally built the railway to move clay down the mountain for his use as a potter. (below). He began charging for rides to pay back his loans.
The traincars and everything that you see on your ride are made and maintained by employees at Driving Creek Railway. The commentary on the ride and at the top (The Eye Full Tower!) are
full of fun facts about the owner and the property.
Among the many interesting pottery items along the tracks, the cross below marks the final resting place of Barrie Brickell.
I would imagine that you can ride this train many times and still see and hear about things you missed before!
Some of the walls are made of beer and wine bottles donated by the public.
This was our driver who usually works in the workshop.
If you are interested in more information about this whimsical place, click here. Click the three horizontal bars on the right to see more pages.
20 comments:
I've never heard of any sort of artist building a railway before. If they had maybe rail travel would be a lot more interesting!
To own your own railroad thru lush greenery, that must be a dream for many railroad lovers.
...what a great adventure!
Hari OM
Oh my word, this is wonderful! Thank you for all the great shots along the way - and how fitting that Brickell is laid to rest in view of this achievement. YAM xx
I loved this. I'm fascinated by the history of the railway.
Amalia
xo
Such a cute train and I love the wood carving guy! Have a great week.
Charming train, and an exciting place to visit!
Magic!! This pushes several of my favorite buttons -- whimsical genius, nature, train .... love it all!!! Wonderful photos (that's another of my favorite buttons!)
that looks like a wonderful wee trip!
Amazing little place!
Have great respect for people who go to the end degree to follow their dream! Good for him for charging for the rides!! Thank your for sharing this inspiring story of this teacher turned potter with All Seasons! Have an awesome week, Betty!
This is my kind of place. Were you ever afraid the train would fall over into the water, I'd be. So many pretty and imaginative shots. Love the beer bottle wall, the giant totem dude may freak me out though. A fun and fitting tribute to an industrious sounding guy.
Truly Amazing. Thanks for sharing.
That was smart of the artist to charge people to take rides on his trolley. I know I'd pay a pretty penny to ride it. :-)
The View from the Top of the Ladder
What an amazing life he must have led!
wow what an interesting place!
What a wonderfully interesting place!
I'm with Jeanna - a couple of those photos look like the train could topple off the narrow track into the gorge below .... I would have to look the other way if I was riding it! Thanks for sharing this very unique place ...
Looks like a fun place to visit. Who owns it now?
I can't imagine building a railway to haul clay for one person! Looks like he was very creative.
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