Kava-2fts-Hornbags: Lets Bollock Around Fiji A While! (Pt3)

Man can't dribble over trains alone!
Fiji has much to offer the foamer photographer, apart from just that which is just rail based.
For the Bunzel the country is a mecca of old vehicles of types long since retired or turned into brothel tour buses within Australia. The good ol Leyland still rules the road and will likely do so for many years to come.
That they still operate after so many years, on many rural roads that are more rock than dirt, is testimony to their 'can't kill them with a stick' builder.
But it ain't only buses, there is the local populous, the ever friendly hornbags, buildings and ancient machinery rotting away in various locations.
Lets take a look at some random shots from 2006.

For the closet Bunzel!

CW430 accelerates after picking up more passengers on a Lautoka to Nadi run.
The 'Sleeping Giant' forms the background.

Some of the rural roads these buses endure are appalling, however this one on the approach to Ba was in very good condition.
The bus is approaching a long wooden road/rail bridge and is about 15 minutes from Ba Township.

Some farmers bring the loaded trucks to the nearest pick up point by tractor.
They use rail mounted trailers that can fit only one at a time.
It is also common practice to use a tractor to rip a rake of cane trucks off the line and drag them down the road for loading. Strangely enough, despite doing this, there is still bulk complaining about the constant derailment and condition of the rollingstock. Go figure.

This shot was taken near Nadi airport.

Near the end of the long wait at Rarawai Mill. These two cane truck drivers have moved up the queue gradually and are next in line at the gates.
It is not unknown for these guys to wait over 20 hours when the mill experiences problems.

OK back to the trains!

This is the lovely Tavua loco depot, which is situated in a yard near the
town of the same name.
Tavua is an out depot of Rarawai Mill (in Ba) and is situated on the other side of a spectacular run across the Macqere Ranges, a ride
over which is greatly recommended.

Lautoka fuel bay, just outside the south end of the mill.
#10 is about to have a drink.

More Fiji fun coming shortly. Meanwhile check out the related forums below.