Returning a Locomotive to Service on New Zealand's Iconic Midland Line

Following a locomotive breakdown at the historic Arthur's Pass Rail Siding, Smith Crane and Construction was proud to assist with the replacement of an 18-tonne bogie, helping return the 105-tonne locomotive to service on New Zealand's legendary Midland Line.

Completed in 1923, the Midland Line is one of New Zealand's greatest engineering achievements, stretching 223 km through the Southern Alps and home to the world-famous TranzAlpine.

With road access restrictions ruling out larger cranes, our team utilised the M1200 Crawler, LTM 1090-4.2 and LTM 1090-4.1, along with an inverted lifting beam, to safely support the locomotive while the bogie was replaced. Through careful planning, technical expertise and a strong commitment to safety, the lift was completed with precision and efficiency.

Working on such an iconic piece of New Zealand's rail history was a privilege.

For more than 50 years, Smith Crane and Construction and our predecessor, J.C. Smith Contractors, established by Tim Smith's father, John C. Smith, have proudly supported KiwiRail and its legacy organisations with specialist lifting, bridge replacements, emergency bridge repairs and civil works across New Zealand.

We're incredibly proud of this long-standing partnership and thank KiwiRail for their continued trust.

We look forward to helping keep New Zealand's rail network moving for generations to come.