 Because of its isolated status, it was often low on the list of priorities to receive the benefits of new technologies.The line closed before the coming of the diesel age, and consequently, the line was only ever operated with steam-hauled trains.The primary role of the Nelson Section as a purveyor of freight transport was to convey the products of Nelson and its hinterland to Port Nelson where it could be shipped to other markets and to bring in supplies, mainly of an agricultural nature for use in farming.