Here’s the complete finalised map set for Omakau and a few Google pictures from along the way.
Bridge 74 just west of Omakau and the deep rock cutting at the west end of it.
Bridge 74A was added to the line in 1964 to eliminate a level crossing on State Highway 85, the site of which is seen below.
Aerial photo from 1938 of the old level crossing.
A view of Tiger Hill, the major topographical feature between Chatto Creek and Omakau. The railway descends and sweeps around, to pass along the foot of the range of hills seen to the right.
An aerial view from Google Earth of this section of the railway. This highlights in particular how the Chatto Creek to Omakau section bypassed the deep Manuherikia River gorge to the right. The Manuherikia was followed by the railway from Lauder to Omakau and from Chatto Creek to Alexandra, hence the three large bridges that crossed this waterway.