Full Steam

A Really Useful Engine

The driver of the steam train let us ride up front. It was the warmest place to be.

Fire Chief

James loves fire engines so the Hall of Flame at Ferrymead is just the thing on a cold wet day.

Trams Need a Home

The tram station in chch is badly damaged so the city trams are being stored here. Unfortunately they are exposed to the elements so an appeal has been launched to fund a shelter for these beautiful old vehicles.

Temporary Market

After the February earthquake, the Arts Centre market has had to find a new home at Ferrymead. James was pleased because he could get chicken satay and rice from his favourite Thai stall. It was a bitter cold day so business was quiet but I wish them well.

Up Top

Despite the rain it was great fun riding up top.

return of the Trams!

Since the February quake we have not been able to travel on James' favourite thing: trams. Fortunately, the tracks at Ferrymead have been fixed and they are running this weekend. It is not the same as travelling through the city centre but it is still lots of un and they do have this fantastic double decker steam tram!

Race To The Top

James was quite scared when he got near the top but made it a couple of times. Actually I was very scared!

Clip 'n' Climb

The last time we came here James was too scared of the belay system, this time he couldn't wait to get climbing.

Provincial Council Chambers

Munted. There are plans to save these buildings. I hope so they are part of what makes Chch special.

Broken Heart

The cathedral lies at the centre of the city. We have all seen the images on TV of the damage but few of us have seen it for real. This is as close as I could get: a zoom through the barricades.

Chimneys

Christchurch has lost a lot of chimneys. These large stone ones are at the Arts Centre. I love walking down this street or, even better, taking the tram. I wonder how long it will be before we can do that again.

Cracked

This close up shows the damage to the tower. Apparently the whole building was within seconds of complete collapse. Amazingly no one was killed in the Arts Centre.

Clock Tower

At the Arts Centre work is progressing on stabilising the buildings. The clock tower has been surrounded by a frame of girders.

Colombo St

Munted.

Manchester St

This is the view through the barricades. Still recognisable just. After the demolitions have finished I don't think there will be much left.

Back of High St

High St is still inside the cordon but this is the back of the row of shops as seen from St Asaph. Should not be able to see these but the building in the way has collapsed and been removed.

Munted

Parts of the CBD have been opened up to traffic so I took the chance for a look around. It's hard to tell but I think this used to be Mckenzie and Willis. What must things be like in the areas they won't let us see.

Temporary Repairs

Attempts at weather proofing these damaged buildings look like failing. It is sad but lots of lovely buildings like these will be demolished.

Weeping Angels

Obviously quantum locked as they are facing each other with their eyes open.

Basillica Update

After dropping James off at pre-school I went for a look round the city. Work on deconstructing the basillica is about to start. Large containers have been placed in front to catch any falling masonry and the cross is due to be removed today. After that the plan is to remove the dome which is slowly crushing the damaged main part of the building.

This is just opposite James' pre-school so I will be able to monitor the progress.

I Love it When a Plan Comes Together

Success! Everything fitted together nicely. Now to do the other one.

Tenon

The doors have several mortise and tenon joints. Here is the bottom rail of the door frame.

Woodwork Update

Woodwork classes have restarted after the post quake clean up. I am currently making glass paneled doors for the book case I made last term. These are some of the pieces I have carefully made. If my measurements are right they should go together like lego.