Bringing Your Locomotive?
We welcome visiting locomotives and rolling stock on our track. To keep everyone safe and ensure a great day for all, please review the following requirements before your visit.
Track Specifications
All visiting equipment must conform to the MEANZ British Narrow-Gauge standard.
- Gauge185 mm
- Back-to-back wheel measurement171.5 mm
- Tightest radius on track20 m
Steam Locomotives
- •A current and valid boiler certificate is required for all steam locomotives. Please bring documentation to present on the day.
- •All steam drivers must hold a current MEANZ driver's licence or equivalent from a recognised body.
- •New drivers or those unfamiliar with our track are welcome — a qualified member will be happy to accompany you on your first run.
Rolling Stock
- •All rolling stock must have a current Warrant of Fitness (WoF) issued by a recognised model engineering club.
- •Wheel back-to-back measurements must comply with the 171.5 mm standard to avoid derailments or damage to our track infrastructure.
- •Passenger-carrying rolling stock must have adequate seating and safety features for the number of passengers carried.
Planning a Visit?
We'd love to have you and your locomotive visit us. Get in touch beforehand so we can arrange the best running day for your visit and ensure everything is ready.
We run on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month, 10:30am – 2:30pm, with occasional special events throughout the year.
Contact UsBecome a Member
Christchurch Live Steamers is a volunteer-run club and everyone is welcome. Whether you're a seasoned engineer or simply passionate about trains, there's a place for you here.
All Are Welcome
You don't need to own a locomotive to join. Members come from all walks of life — some build and drive engines, others help run public days, assist with track maintenance, or simply enjoy being part of the community.
Working Bees
Members gather on Saturday mornings for working bees — maintaining the track, grounds, and infrastructure that keep the club running. It's a great way to get involved, learn new skills, and meet fellow enthusiasts.
Driver Training
Interested in driving one of our locomotives? Members can undertake driver training with our experienced operators, working towards a MEANZ driver's licence. There's nothing quite like taking a steam engine around the track yourself.
Interested in Joining?
Get in touch and we'll be happy to tell you more about membership, upcoming working bees, and how to get started. Come along on a running day and introduce yourself — we're a friendly bunch.