Hundreds of steam enthusiasts turned out to ride aboard the Kingston Flyer on Saturday - launching the second season of the vintage train's operation under new ownership.

Owner David Bryce said more than 600 passengers boarded three trips from Kingston to Fairlight throughout the day, which signalled a great start to a season in which he hoped the Flyer would firmly establish itself as a southern tourist favourite.

"Having 611 passengers, and hundreds more people dropping by to see the train in action was a really good start," he said.

"One of the steam engines which are used in the operation had to have a major strip-down, where the boiler was repaired and a 10-year certification was done, so that engine, known as No 795, should be back on the tracks by Christmas."

Before Mr Bryce bought the Kingston Flyer, the major tourist drawcard had languished in receivership for three years.

The trains - which were built in 1927 - as well as Mr Bryce's commitment to preserving these relics of a bygone era, had served to spark a "Friends of the Flyer" concession card.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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