Philip Liner presents an episode of his 'Roundabout' programme on the Silver Fern railcar service. [The full programme includes several music tracks between interviews, which have been removed from the online audio due to copyright.]
Actuality on the platform at Auckland station and recorded on board the 400 mile rail trip from Auckland to Wellington
Interview with railway guard, Bob Roberts about his duties on the Silver Fern railcar.
Philip Liner describes the route from Auckland via Papakura, Hamilton, Te Kuiti, Taumarunui, National Park, Waiouru, Ohakune and Taihape, Marton and Palmerston North to Wellington.
An interview with the train driver Les Boswell who talks about his 32 year driving history, which included driving steam locomotives. He talks about the teamwork which used to be a feature of railway work, his job responsibilities and the Silver Fern's engine specifications.
A brief history of the Raurimu Spiral in the National Park.
At Taihape, Philip Liner interviews rail hostesses, Kathleen and Barbara, who talk about their work looking after passengers, serving food and drinks distributing newspapers and pamphlets and providing commentaries.
The bar is open soon after leaving Auckland and they say this occasionally causes problems.
The actuality ends with vox-pop style interviews with several passengers.