Cup and Saucer [N.Z.R]
Maker and role
Crown Lynn Potteries, Manufacturer
New Zealand Railways, Commissioned by
Production date
1986
See full details
Object detail
Accession number
2022.52
Production period
Description
N.Z.R. Cup and Saucer.
Part 1: Creme ceramic cup with handle. On the front of the cup, "ELECTRIFICATION OF THE MAIN TRUNK / Old Main Road / N / S / Piopiotea River / RAURIMU SPIRAL" has been printed in blue along with a map illustrating the track. At the back of the cup, "N.Z.R." is printed. "NEW ZEALAND" is engraved into the base of the cup.
Part 2: Creme ceramic saucer with "N.Z.R." printed at the top of its face in blue. At the back of the saucer, "CROWN LYNN / NEW ZEALAND / SUPERVITRIFIED WARE / 86" is stamped in the centre.
Part 1: Creme ceramic cup with handle. On the front of the cup, "ELECTRIFICATION OF THE MAIN TRUNK / Old Main Road / N / S / Piopiotea River / RAURIMU SPIRAL" has been printed in blue along with a map illustrating the track. At the back of the cup, "N.Z.R." is printed. "NEW ZEALAND" is engraved into the base of the cup.
Part 2: Creme ceramic saucer with "N.Z.R." printed at the top of its face in blue. At the back of the saucer, "CROWN LYNN / NEW ZEALAND / SUPERVITRIFIED WARE / 86" is stamped in the centre.
Brief History
This is a limited number commemorative tea cup and saucer produced by Crown Lynn in 1986. It commemorates the electrification of the Raurimu Spiral in the Central Plateau of the North Island's main trunk railway (NIMT). The NIMT was a steam powered railway between 1908 until the 1950s, when sections of the line began to be electrified. The electrification between Hamilton and Palmerston North, including the Raurimu Spiral, was completed in 1988 and cost around $250million.
When first designed in 1898, the Raurimu Spiral was celebrated as an engineering success by providing a solution to the steep descent in the Central Plateau of Te Ika-a-Māui (North Island). The solution was designed by engineer Robert West Holmes (1856-1936) and involved a spiralling railway track that starts with a horseshoe curve to overcome the drop in altitude. It includes two tunnels which allow the track to overlap and wind around in a circle. Engineering New Zealand notes that no feasible alternative to the Spiral has been proposed since its construction, making it a significant example of engineering heritage importance.
When first designed in 1898, the Raurimu Spiral was celebrated as an engineering success by providing a solution to the steep descent in the Central Plateau of Te Ika-a-Māui (North Island). The solution was designed by engineer Robert West Holmes (1856-1936) and involved a spiralling railway track that starts with a horseshoe curve to overcome the drop in altitude. It includes two tunnels which allow the track to overlap and wind around in a circle. Engineering New Zealand notes that no feasible alternative to the Spiral has been proposed since its construction, making it a significant example of engineering heritage importance.
Marks
ELECTRIFICATION OF THE MAIN TRUNK / Old Main Road / N / S / Piopiotea River / RAURIMU SPIRAL Printed
N.Z.R. Printed
NEW ZEALAND Engraved
N.Z.R. Printed
CROWN LYNN / NEW ZEALAND / SUPERVITRIFIED WARE / 86 Stamped
N.Z.R. Printed
NEW ZEALAND Engraved
N.Z.R. Printed
CROWN LYNN / NEW ZEALAND / SUPERVITRIFIED WARE / 86 Stamped
Media/Materials
Credit Line
Crown Lynn Potteries et al. 1986. Cup and Saucer [N.Z.R], 2022.52. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
Public comments
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