Back to page

Bay of Islands Vintage Railway

  • BOIVRT - Gabriel's boiler

      12 June 2023
    Main image

    We spent time refurbishing Gabriel's wheelbase, and parts to be refitted onto a new boiler.

    The Provincial Growth Fund was also applied to provide the remainder of the money for Gabriel's boiler.

    BOIVRT are so grateful for all our friends and supporters world-wide. We are finally able to run Gabriel with her new boiler. Please come to visit us.

    see www.bayofislandsvintagerailway.org.nz for up to date information.

    Thank you again.

      1 comment  |  Login to leave a comment

    • 12/06/2023 by Pete

      Most excellent! It was one of the best bits of our trip to New Zealand. A steam railway running down the main street is amazing. In the UK I can't imagine that would happen. The Inspectorate is paranoid about crossings, far less alongs.

  • Gabriel's boiler progress

      24 June 2019
    Main image

    Thank you so much to our many supporters who have raised the grand total of $6,234.00 to buy Gabriel's new boiler.

    As seen in the last message, the firm that her boiler was with went into liquidation; however, a new boiler-maker has been found, and the boiler was moved.

    Even though it is unable to be used again, it is necessary to have the boiler to re-create a new one.

    Gabriel's wheelbase is at her home base in Kawakawa.

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Latest progress on Gabriel

      4 May 2019
    Main image

    We are very grateful to all our supporters. $6,134.00 has been donated via "givealittle" for Gabriel's boiler, and other donations have been kindly given directly into the Bay of Islands Vintage Railway (BOIVR) Special Project account.

    News came that the firm which investigated the boiler problems has gone into liquidation; however, the boiler is now housed safely away from their premises, pending progress.

    Watch this space for the latest news on progress.

    Thank you all for your supportive comments, help and donations.

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Update on Gabriel

      16 May 2018
    Main image

    After further investigation, we were given the bad news - Gabriel's boiler is not able to be resurrected.

    We must get a new one ... $300,000.

    This iconic engine needs to get back on her tracks to help bring business to our locality.

    Please help us achieve this asap

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • 2018 - Gabriel's boiler dismantled

      7 January 2018
    Main image

    Gabriel's boiler has been removed from her chassis, and, once the backplate has been removed investigations can get underway to provide full condition (and cost) reports. Watch this space for the latest information.

    Thank you to all our supporters for passing on our news and for your donations.

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Gabriel's boiler - update

      20 September 2017
    Main image

    Thank you so much to all our supporters. You have kindly donated $4,871.00 to help us buy a new boiler for Gabriel.

    This side-tank engine is the only one of its type left in the world.

    Please let all your contacts know that she has run out of puff, and we need help. Thank you.

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Such wonderful support for Gabriel

      3 August 2017
    Main image

    Our kind supporters have now raised $4,665.00 - thank you indeed.

    Gabriel has friends all over the world - USA, Australia, UK, Canada, Germany, to name but a few. So please let your contacts know that we are able to receive donations from all of the world-wide steam-loving community.

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • What a great start ...

      19 July 2017
    Main image

    BOIVR supporters and friends have raised $2,364.00 almost overnight. If everyone we know donates only a couple of $ we'll be able to buy Gabriel a new boiler and get her back on her tracks.

    Please tell at least 2 people you know about the problem, and spread the news.

    Thanking you

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment