the fireman has maintained sufficient water level in the boiler before cresting gradients, in order to prevent crown sheet damage and fusible plug fusion. Sustainable braking must also be performed when travelling down grades. Locomotive Assistant/Fireman The Locomotive Assistant/Fireman's duty is to assist the driver with the safe and efficient operation of the locomotive. The fireman performs controlled firing to raise sufficient steam pressure for the drivers usage on a steam locomotive. The fireman is also responsible for maintaining sufficient water level in the boiler and performing shunting where required. The Locomotive Assistant on a diesel locomotive can be thought of as a first officer, assisting the driver and watching the road ahead, as well as performing shunting where required. As firemen and locomotive assistants gain experience, drivers will begin teaching them to drive the locomotive. Locomotive Trainee They ride with the engine crews in the cab and are able to practice firing techniques, often on the afternoon train on a standard running day. Qualified Firemen/Locomotive Assistants and Drivers supervise these members and give tips and advice to assist the trainee. The trainees are also trained to prepare appliances such as the Detroit Lubricator and the Westinghouse Brake Pumps. PPA During times of high demand, PPA (Preparing and Putting Away) assistants are rostered to help out with operations. A PPA assistant usually has the skill and experience level of a locomotive trainee. They are rostered to allow duties to be completed faster, allowing loco crew shifts to be completed within 10 hours. Gate Keeper When the Weka Pass Railway society was formed, much of the original railway formation was already divided onto private land. As a result, the modern day railway passes over several farms. Gate Keepers are responsible for ensuring that livestock does not move from paddock to paddock, and they must report to train control if stock are preventing a gate from being open. Locomotives and rolling stock The railway presently owns four locomotives, all formerly owned by the New Zealand Government Railways, and a large fleet of ex-NZR rolling stock. NZR steam locomotives NZR diesel locomotives Carriages Viewing cars Vans Wagons Cranes Track inspection cars Gallery References External links Rail transport in Canterbury, New Zealand Hurunui District Tourist attractions in Canterbury, New Zealand