Work has begun to dispose of around half of 53 Auckland commuter train carriages stored at a Taumarunui railyard.
The unused rail carriages were sent to the central North Island town seven years ago by Auckland Transport to await sale or re-assignment.
Security was initially provided but this ceased, allowing for vandalism to occur.
Ruapehu District mayor Weston Kirton said Taumarunui residents had become "increasingly upset" as the condition of the carriages deteriorated.
"They have been ruining the image of the community, so we're quite relieved to have the final outcome."
Once vibrant and bustling, the local rail yards now stand silent, overrun by deteriorating wagons, a stark contrast to the vibrant history they represent. (Source: 1News)
He said the removal was "good news from the point of view that there won't be so much of an eyesore".
"It's been taking some time but here we are seeing some action."
He had been engaging with the owners to work on plans for the carriage's removal.
A KiwiRail spokesperson said the 27 unused rail carriages being scrapped were equipped with older, coil spring suspension bogies that were "less suitable" for re-use.
Twenty-six carriages will remain on site: Eleven belonged to KiwiRail, 15 from the Glenbrook Vintage Rail, and two from Steam Incorporated.
The 11 owned by KiwiRail were "more suitable" for spare parts or future conversion projects.
"KiwiRail intends to also remove these carriages from the site but a date for this has not yet been set."
Scrapping was due to begin in January but KiwiRail said this was delayed due to preparation work taking longer than expected.
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