Fell Locomotive Museum

The Fell Locomotive Museum in Featherston houses the H199 Mont Cenis, a rail engine designed with a special gripping system for steep mountain grades. The collection includes scale models, archival photographs, and historical railway equipment that trace the development of transport in New Zealand.

The H199 was one of few Fell locomotives that climbed the Rimutaka Incline from 1877 to 1955, operating on one of the country's most challenging routes. This machine represents a technical solution designed to overcome grades that conventional engines could not navigate.

The collection reflects the engineering challenges faced by early railway builders who had to cross steep mountain passes in New Zealand. The solutions they developed became part of the country's transport identity and show how people adapted technology to their landscape.

The museum is located at the junction of State Highway 2 and Lyon Street, making it easy to access by car. Visiting on a weekend or public holiday gives you the best chance of finding it open without overcrowding.

An electric motor powers the locomotive on mounted rollers, bringing its gripping and friction systems to life. This working display shows visitors how the complex mechanical parts actually operated during service.