Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
NEWSLETTER OF THE RAIL MOTOR SOCIETY INCORPORATED FEBRUARY 2017
Paterson Points
ww
w.railm
oto
rsocie
ty.org
.au Patron: Rear A
dm
iral Peter Sinclair AC
PRIN
T POST A
PPROVED
PP100
0039
04
RAIL MOTOR SOCIETY PATERSON
PAGE 2 Paterson Points
FRONT COVER: Deep within the confines of the Flemington Maintenance Centre 402 rests on the “Wash Road” clear of a “Y” set ATP test train while equipment is installed to support its own testing duties. (Photo: Stephen George)
SOCIETY NEWS
Secretary’s Report– Mick Walsh
By the time this edition reaches you the festive season will be over, The Board of Management, hopes that 2016 was kind to you, you achieved what you wished and wish you all a merry and prosperous 2017.
To all those volunteers who put in time and effort over the last year to make the Society function we offer our sincerest thanks and remind you that it all starts again early in January 2017.
Public Officer
Our Public Officer and Editor of Paterson Points for many years, Geoff Murray, has sadly and reluctantly, tendered his resignation from both positions. The Board of Management and I’m sure all members, recognise and appreciate the time and effort Geoff has put into both of these positions over the years. Thank you Geoff for a job well done, you have set a high standard for those who will inherit these positions. We wish you well for the future.
Administrative Matters
There was a rather disappointing lack of response from our electronic survey seeking those with email addresses wishes to receive email editions of Paterson Points and other publications. Of the approximately 68 emails sent, there were 33 responses, 27 were in agreement.
We will be adopting new titles for our operational and passenger services crews from 2017.
Operational:• The Driver and Driver Trainer titles remain• Driver In Training changes to Trainee Driver• Safe Working Supervisor becomes Driver Assistant
Passenger Services:• Train Crewing Manager changes to Customer Service Manager• Train Manager becomes Customer Service Supervisor• Other Cabin Crew will be known as Passenger Attendants
Working with Children Check
The Committee has recommended that all active volunteers obtain a “Working with Children” check. For volunteers there’s no charge, so we believe, just a bit of time required to go to the RTA. The Secretary will register, then confirm the certificate and keep the letters on file.
For more information go to www.kidsguardian.nsw.au/check and review the FAQ section and application form. If you require assistance or additional information contact the Secretary.
Transport Heritage NSW
A meeting between Transport Heritage for NSW represented by, Andrew Moritz and Jennifer Edmonds, and TRMS represented by, Arthur Burgess, Mick Walsh, Bruce Agland, Rodney Short, Stafford Payne and Eric Larkins, to discuss and clarify custodial arrangements for rail motor 621/721, was held in the Station Masters Cottage, Paterson on 26th October. During the meeting, Andrew revealed that Heritage was in negotiations with TfNSW regarding new custodial agreements. We are vitally interested in the outcome of these negotiations. The funding streams and the processes involved in
Annual General MeetingMembers are advised that this important meeting has been tentatively scheduled to be held at Paterson on Saturday 1st April 2017. The formal meeting notice and associated forms are included with this issue of Paterson Points.
funding future custodial asset management and other funding sources available for non-custodial equipment, available, were explained to us by Jennifer. Andrew and Jennifer were then shown around our depot, our restoration project and our operational units, which concluded with a light lunch.
Major Projects
Our Business plan prioritised projects are all either near completion or advanced in the planning stage.
The car park resurfacing is all but complete and on budget.
The Society has received a grant of $24,500 under the 2016-2017 Hunter Region Heritage Grants Program to construct a 25 x 4 metre extension to our shed. The grant has been made on a dollar for dollar basis and is to be completed by May 2017. A subcommittee consisting of Stafford Payne, Eric Larkins, Rod Short, Arthur Burgess, Bruce Agland and Mick Walsh was formed to oversee the Project. At the first meeting Bruce Agland was appointed as the Project Manager. Planning and some preliminary work has commenced under Bruce’s guidance. Following some lengthy negotiations, the approval to proceed from Dungog Shire Council has now been received and we are heading forward in regard to this project.
Major expenditure for another ICE radio was approved. This radio had just arrived at the time of writing. The purchase of this unit will now allow for all trains to have a dedicated radio and eliminate the potential for damage to these expensive radios when they had to be shifted around from unit to unit.
Expressions of interest are being sought from engineering firms regarding the wheel replacement and bogie overhaul for HPC 402. Hopefully there will be some movement in this regard very soon.
Purchase of tools to assist in restoration and general work was approved. These tools have arrived and will be put to valuable use.
The Station Master’s Cottage exterior is starting to look a bit worse for wear and to this end contact was made with the ARTC Property Manager, Paul Samaras, came for a visit had a look around and as a result there have been tradesmen calling around doing inspections for quotation purposes. We hope to see some movement in this area in the near future.
Operations
It is amazing how things change. Years ago there was no shortage of carriage attendants and it was a hard fought privilege to earn a trip on one of our tours. Come 2017 and we are now battling to provide a full complement of attendants. Please if you can assist, put your name on the whiteboard in the Station Master’s Cottage or contact Bev Walsh.
As always, we would welcome more volunteers at our Wednesday work days. If weekdays don’t suit you there are usually people at the depot most Saturdays. We would appreciate your help, please contact the Secretary if you are interested.
February 2017 PAGE 3
SOCIETY NEWS
Christmas LuncheonOur Christmas Luncheon was held at Club Macquarie on 11th December. Those who attended thoroughly enjoyed the occasion. The Society wishes to recognise and thank Bev Redman for the great effort organising the luncheon and to Mark and Jan Oxford for organising the prizes and running of the raffle. The following presentations were made at the luncheon.
The Society presented Geoff Murray a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of his valuable contribution to the Society over 33 years which have included him holding the positions of President, Vice President, Secretary, Public Officer, Committee member, Newsletter Editor, and Commonwealth Employment Projects manager. Geoff is also a life member and foundation member No.3. Retired Secretary Bryan Hicks presented Geoff with his certificate.
Our Volunteer Awards were presented for the 2016 year. These awards are a peer award voted for by the volunteers of the Society. Arthur Burgess presented the awards and the Society’s congratulations go to all of the recipients.
Encouragement Award – Trish Short Volunteer of the Year – Bruce Gehrig
Runner-up – Mark Oxford Runner-up – Jan Oxford
PAGE 4 Paterson Points
DIRECTORYThe Rail Motor Society Incorporated Depot & MuseumWebbers Creek Road, Paterson NSW 2421 Caretaker: 02 4938 5411
PresidentArthur Burgess Phone: 02 4959 6409 Email: [email protected]
Vice PresidentRodney Short Phone: 02 4932 6967 Email: [email protected]
Engineering Manager (Infrastructure)and Train Crewing ManagerEric Larkins Phone: 02 4966 1549 Email: [email protected]
SecretaryMichael (Mick) Walsh Phone: 02 4954 4904 Email: [email protected]
TreasurerJohn Redman Phone: 02 4948 8769 Email: [email protected]
Operations ManagerBruce Agland Phone/Fax: 02 4996 4666 Mobile: 0416 224 531 Email: [email protected]
Engineering Manager (Rollingstock)Stafford Payne Phone: 02 4948 8521
Contributions of articles and/or photographs for future editions of Paterson Points and The Tin Hare Gazette are most welcome. For more information contact Mick Walsh (Secretary).
Correspondence to be addressed to: The Secretary PO Box 445 Charlestown NSW 2290
Member No.3 Retires – A Tribute to Geoff Murray– Bryan Hicks
I am very happy to pay tribute to this kind, gentle man who I consider to be one of my best friends.
As most of you know, Geoff recently suffered two massive strokes and a heart attack. He beat the odds and survived lengthy heart surgery and made a remarkable recovery. However, it has left him with a serious vision impairment which has contributed to him reluctantly making the decision to retire from the positions he held within the Society. I would also like to pay tribute to his lovely wife Anna who throughout all of the trauma was a tower of strength to both Geoff and their family – truly one very strong lady.
I met Geoff and his family in the early 70s through our mutual hobby of model trains, there was a small group of us who used to meet every month taking turns at each other’s home. We would run trains, have supper and talk, sometimes well into the early hours of the morning.
On the night of our foundation in 1983 I was given membership No.2 and Geoff was No.3. I just happened to be sitting next to Eric Gibbons who started the membership ledger, he was No.1 but resigned not long after the Society was established.
In the weeks following the formation, Geoff began negotiating with other heritage groups, persuading them to purchase rail motors on our behalf. He also negotiated with the railway to purchase the rail motors, and spent many hours trying to choose a site for the newly acquired collection.
Geoff initiated and managed two CEP (Commonwealath Employment Programs), one in 1986 for $53,000 and another in 1987 for $36,000. Steve Davies was site manager on both programs.
Not resting on his laurels, when the Secretary resigned, Geoff picked up the reigns in February 1988 until I came on board. At this time he also assumed the role of Public Officer, a position he held for 28 years. Geoff has also held the positions of Jnr Vice President and Assistant Treasurer/Secretary at various times throughout his 34 years with the Society. When he was not in an executive position he was a committee member until just a few years ago.
From the formation of the Society until now, Geoff has been the Editor of The Tin Hare Gazette and Paterson Points since their inception; a thankless job, but one that he excelled at, enjoying the challenge. He was also our Public Officer from day one, sorting out our problems with the bureaucrats. He also enjoyed giving talks on the Society at groups that were interested in our Society such as Probus, Lions, and various car and RSL clubs.
In the early years Geoff was very much a hands-on person, painting and helping Alwyn Williams with the body work on the motors, working in all kinds of weather conditions. He was also a keen crewing member. I remember when we used to do the Wybong wine tours to Denman, Geoff would be there trying to get the very inebriated passengers onto the bus to take them back to the platform.
He has been a quiet achiever over the years, working in the background with very little praise and not expecting any. The Society owes this truly remarkable man a great debt which it cannot possibly repay. Without his commitment, drive, fortitude and hard work we would not be in the position we are today.
The Society wishes Geoff a happy retirement for many years to come.
Geoff with fellow life members (from left) Bryan Hicks, Bev Redman and Bruce Agland.
February 2017 PAGE 5
SOCIETY NEWS
New MembersThe Society welcomes new members John Donohoe, Chester Hill; Richard and Deborah Wardell, Wagga Wagga; Bernice Davey, Thornton; and James Lambkin, Stockton.
Off the RoadBeverley Redman continues to receive treatment and the Society extends its best wishes to her. Rod Short is recovering well after his recent surgery, great to see him at the depot on Wednesday (1st March).
Membership RenewalsMembers are advised that subscriptions for 2016 are now overdue.
Volunteer Cabin Crew/Car AttendantsMembers are requested to indicate their availability for trips by placing their name on the whiteboard in the Station Master’s Cottage. If you are unable to do so please phone Bev Walsh on 4958 3894 this will enable Bev to finalise rosters.
Work Days Regular work days are usually held each Wednesday, volunteers are always welcome. If you are not a regular volunteer at the depot and would like to participate, contact the Secretary for further information (see directory page 4).
DonationsThe Society wishes to acknowledge and thank those members who have recently made generous donations towards various projects. Please remember that the ATO has approved the Society issuing receipts for gifts/donations (not testamentary), donations of $2 and over are tax deductible.
Paterson Community Thanks Barrie KingsfordThe efforts of long-term Society member Barrie Kingsford at Paterson were recently recognised by the local community with a feature detailing his profile and gardening activities in the December “Paterson Psst” newsletter.
Editor Alison Pitkin listed highlights of Barrie’s railway career and thanked Barrie on behalf of the community for continuing to attend to the station and rail corridor boundary plants, a task he has been doing for over 30 years.
Well done Barrie, the Society also thanks you for your great work and representation of our group.
Visitor Numbers UpFollowing the implementation of our social media site on Facebook late in 2015, the Society’s rollingstock collection and museum have attracted a growing number of visitors. 2015 numbers were a total of 31 on our 11 Open Days with an additional 57 on group or pre-arranged visits. 2016 Open Days have seen a total 125 Open Day visitors with the busiest day being April 16 with 36 visitors. Additional group and pre arranged visits resulted in a total of 186 visitors during the year.
Thanks must go to our resident tour guide, Bruce Gehrig, who armed with David Cooke’s “Rail Motors and XPTs” book, is generally on hand to escort visitors around the site and give them a very informative tour. Other members like Trish Short and Mark Oxford also lend their support from time to time during busy periods.
Visitors come from many places and in November, we were happy to host Mark Cohen and his carer Kristen Grisdale. Mark and Kristen were on a “road trip” from his residential accommodation in Sydney, visiting Port Macquarie and Richmond Vale as part of their journey. On this occasion, Operations Manager, Bruce Agland, did the escorting honours. Mark showed great interest in all of our rollingstock items and our museum exhibits.
Other visitors to the depot in recent times have included car clubs, the Maitland Railway Museum and touring bus enthusiasts.
Mark Cohen with Operations Manager, Bruce Agland in front of NTC 729. (Photo: Kristen Grisdale)
A group of 22 bus enthusiasts visited the depot on Saturday 5th November as part of their outing touring northern districts. (Photo: B. Gehrig)
Members of the Maitland Railway Museum enjoyed a relaxing visit to the Society’s depot which included an open air lunch. (Photo: Bruce Gehrig)
PAGE 6 Paterson Points
SOCIETY NEWS
Engineering Report – Stafford Payne, Rollingstock Manager
At the closing of 2016 we were still having some mechanical problems with our fleet.
621/721 had a mishap returning from its trip to Seymour resulting in a very badly damaged cow catcher on 721 end. A complete cow catcher was fabricated from parts sourced from a 600 class rail motor (stock). This was a very good effort performed by the Mechanical Crew, ably assisted by the Infrastructure boys who stripped the required bits from the 600. Thanks to all those who participated, a terrific example of everyone putting in to get the job done. We also had a damaged brake adjustment rod replaced, sourced from spare parts from Heritage Broadmeadow.
The radiator on #1 engine sprung a leak on one of its flanges. We are keeping it going with radiator additives until arrangements can be made to carry out repairs after it finishes its January commitments.
CPH 1, 3 and 7 had problems before it left the depot on its last trip when it would not select direct drive and later on the ICE radio failed due to a problem with #3 alternator power and had to run on battery power only, but they made it back to the depot.
On the 621/721 trip to Gulgong the brakes on 721 kept staying on. Thanks to the efforts of our Operational Crew on board and their combined knowledge and expertise they came up with a solution so we could proceed home. The slide valve feed valve on 721 was replaced and the braking problem appears to be resolved at present.
402 is operating very well on its consignment of radio testing at present and is handling it well.
As seen above, repairs to 721 required removal of the whole cowcatcher for straightening and rebuilding of the unit. In the scene below Rod Short watches Mick Walsh lining up the new sections. (Photos: Bruce Agland)
Operations Report – Bruce Agland, Operations Manager
Completed Operations since last report
26-28 November Metro DTRS Testing, TfNSW; 402
27 November Gordon, TRMS; 620
1 December North DTRS Testing, TfNSW; 402
3-5 December West DTRS Testing, TfNSW; 402
10 December Illawarra DTRS Testing, TfNSW; 402
21 December Metro DTRS Testing, TfNSW; 402
31 December NYE Mystery Tour, TRMS; 620
16/17 January Metro DTRS Testing, TfNSW; 402
Operations for 2017
28 January Tamworth, Rotary; 620
3 March Metro, TfNSW; CPH
4 March Murrurundi, Steve Preston; 620
21 March Stroud Road, It’s Easy Tours; CPH
8-9 April Steamfest, TRMS; CPH & 620
16-19 April Seymour, Cruise Express; 620
20-22 April Orange, ARHS; CPH
21 April Hawkesbury, Peter King, TRMS; 620
26 April-1 May South, Insights; 620
5 May Denman, Kalverla; 620
5 May Stroud Road, Jones ; CPH
9-15 June Broken Hill/Peterborough, ARHS; 620
8-9 September Wauchope-Kempsey, Cheetham; 3 x CPH
1-4 October Brisbane, Cruise Express; 620
Infrastructure Report– Eric Larkins, Infrastructure Manager
Well another year is here I hope you and your family had an enjoyable Christmas and a happy new year.
Due to the very hot weather not much has been getting done around the depot. The weed nearly got away over the Christmas break, but we are back on top of it now. Mark and Jan Oxford went to the depot before everyone returned, whilst there weren’t too many cars in the car park, to mow the lawn and I followed up the next day to spray the weeds.
The Infrastructure branch of the Society has been busy carrying out a lot of work, cleaning out the KB and then cleaning up an area on the Maitland end of the goods shed before, as part of the shed extension, the KB will be moved to that area for it to be used for a storage area. This will allow a clear area for the shed extensions to house the mechanical workshop. Thanks go to those who have helped so far.
All of our fire equipment has been checked out with some of the fire extinguishers being replaced.
Trailer car No.51 is starting to look good, we have extra members working on the car now; it will be some time before it will be running, but for safety we can’t rush these things. The members working on this project should be commended for their efforts.
February 2017 PAGE 7
OPERATIONS DIARY
25 October 2016 Stroud Road
Twenty three members of the Austin-Healey Owners Club NSW Inc, came to the depot to travel on the CPHs.
On arrival, the visitors had time to visit the museum in the cottage, before boarding CPH1 to travel to Stroud Road. On arrival back at back at Dungog, there was a two hour lunch break, before returning to the depot, in just under five hours from departure. Both CPH1 and CPH7 were used, but due to the small numbers, the passengers were able to travel in the leading CPH each way, for most of their journey. The passengers were mainly from Sydney, and the Central Coast, with only a few local Newcastle residents.
The photo above of club members on Dungog platform was captured by Bruce Gehrig.
1 November 2016 Melbourne Cup Day – An each way bet.
To support Melbourne Cup Day celebrations the Society operated two trains in different directions – 621/721 travelled to the Muswellbrook Races and the CPHs to Woy Woy for Maitland Rotary.
The Muswellbrook trip was organized by Trish Short as a fund raiser for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter which benefited from a donation of $1,995 raised on the day.
Departing Maitland Station at 10.10 with some passengers boarding the train at Lochinvar and Branxton, 88 race goers were ultimately aboard the train, all dressed up, winners picked and ready for a great day out.
The weather was perfect and with a winner in every race some won and some lost. On our return journey the crew served hot dogs to everyone and a great day was had by all.
The line-up of Austin-Healey cars at the depot. (Photo: Bruce Gehrig)
High fashion was the order of the day for race-going passengers. (Photo: Bruce Gehrig)
PAGE 8 Paterson Points
This afternoon photo shows the crew gathered at Muswellbrook awaiting the return of the punters for the last race home. (Photo: Bruce Gehrig)
Busy times at Maitland with the Society’s two Melbourne Cup Day trains briefly together. (Photo: Bruce Gehrig)
February 2017 PAGE 9
15 November Seymour
Although not its first venture into Victoria, the Society’s operation to Seymour to collect a train full of passengers for Cruise Express was a new opportunity for the Society.
Travelling down empty with an overnight stay at Albury 621/721 continued to Seymour to pick up 85 passengers which had cruised from Sydney to Melbourne by ship and then travelled from Melbourne to Seymour on a broad gauge Spirit of Progress consist.
With the passengers and their luggage on board safely we departed Seymour at 8.00am stopping at Junee for lunch and also refueling of the train. With all nourished the journey continued north with the passengers returned to Sydney at 8.30pm and the empty set finally arriving back at the depot early the next morning.
This was a great trip enjoyed by everyone being very well organised and catered for with food and beverages provided by Cruise express and served by our crew.
Digital Train Radio Testing (TfNSW)
Radio system testing works for Transport for NSW continue with 402 performing audit testing throughout the Sydney Trains network and interface areas. Several runs have been conducted with more scheduled to finalise the testing works.
Powering through Avenel 621/721 forms service 7R02 The Rail Cruise Express. (Photo: James Brook)
Awaiting departure from Hamilton whilst on radio testing duties 402 is passed by two-car diesel set 2802/2852. (Photo: Brock Emmett).
Scooting around the North Strathfield triangle 402 is headed for another radio testing duty. (Photo: Warren Mills)
OPERATIONS DIARY
PAGE 10 Paterson Points
19 November 2016 ARHS Port Kembla Tour
Another ARHS CPH outing took its travellers firstly into the Southern Highlands for a BBQ lunch at Roberston before descending down the escarpment to explore some non-passenger railways of the Illawarra. While some industrial activity was observed whilst traversing local lines unfortunately access to some of the advertised areas wasn’t possible but an entertaining run with tour notes was enjoyed by the passengers.
27 November Gordon
On Sunday 27th November we took the 621/721 rail motors to Gordon in Sydney for the Eryldene House Open Garden and Christmas Fair. In conjunction with The Friends of Grossman House (Maitland) we had great group of people and large number of them were first-timers travelling on our trains. We had very positive feedback from our passengers and lots of them are looking forward to travelling again very soon. They all wanted to be on our mailing list so they don’t miss out in the future. Some said morning and afternoon tea was a bonus that made their day more enjoyable and complimented the crew for the way we conducted ourselves and the attention we provide during the journey.
“Thanks for a wonderful hospitable day out on Sunday to Eryldene. First time ever I have been on a rail motor train! Well, not that I can remember one before! Loved the real feel of the train ride and the extras of morning and afternoon tea were a bonus treat. I’m hooked and would love to hear more about future trips and of course, that New Year’s Eve mystery tour.
“Thanks again to you and the Society and all the many helpers who made the day such a unique, wonderful experience.” — Josephine Butcher
The scene pictured at right shows passengers enjoying the Christmas Fair amongst the beautiful gardens of Eryldene House. (Photo: Trish Short)Terminating at Gordon, 621/721 was a rare visitor to this normally electric train only North Shore line. (Photo: Bruce Gehrig)
New Year’s Eve Mystery Tour
This tour was organised by the Society and the interest was overwhelming to say the least. With a full train of excited passengers we departed Maitland Station at 4.00pm and still no idea of our destination. After approximately two hours of travelling up the Hunter Valley line still lots of guessing and not until we took the branch line to Denman then the secret was out.
During our journey shortly after leaving Maitland we served a glass of bubbles and they enjoyed some contents of their party bags. Further along on our journey our crew served all 93 passengers an entrée of prawn cocktail or chicken caesar salad. We arrived in Denman for dinner at 6.45pm (a littler later that timetabled due to a coal train breakdown). We had 60 passengers have their dinner at the Royal Hotel and 40 passengers and train crew at the RSL club.
This was following by a wonderful display of fireworks on the grounds of the RSL at 9.00pm and continued for 25 minutes.
All aboard the train again 10.00pm where we went to Scone and during this time our crew again served dessert.
Our train arrived back in Maitland at 1.30am a bit weary but had all had a very enjoyable night.
Keep a eye out for next year’s mystery...
Having enjoyed their on-board dessert, the platform at Scone provided the second mystery venue for the New Year’s party crew. Back on board the passengers partied into the New Year. (Photos: Bruce Gehrig)
OPERATIONS DIARY
February 2017 PAGE 11
FROM THE ARCHIVES
Unanderra 1948 Inspection ~ Noel ReedThis months feature comes from the camera of former signalling engineer and well known photographer Noel Reed. During Noels 41 year railway career he had many opportunities to observe and record the system he served and his extensive archive and excellent camera work continues now spanning seven decades. His efforts have provided many enthusiasts and historians with an opportunity to observe long gone scenes that would otherwise have been missed and continues through his association with ARHS and The Sydney Tramway Museum.
The scene captured by Noel above was recorded on October 10 1948 the occasion being a very early ARHS NSW division tour outing which he travelled on. Having just descended the 1 in 30 grade from Summit Tank CPH 20 and CTH trailer have stopped at the very neat Unanderra station to reverse and continue their run down the South Coast line. Like a recent TRMS outing this tour travelled into the highlands from Sydney to Moss Vale via the Southern Mainline then travelled cross country to Unanderra and on to Kiama before returning to Sydney. Operations on the cross country line are challenging in both directions due to the steep grade between Unanderra and Summit Tank and a CPH operating with a trailer was not a common event and only possible in the Up direction (down hill). Noel notes that when photographed CPH 20 had not long been converted from Petrol to Diesel operation which is supported by its well presented appearance in Tuscan Red and Russet livery.
On the platform tour patrons can be seen stretching their legs to inspect the signal box (with its curved corners) which was
commissioned with war time resignalling and track works completed in 1941. Within the box new apparatus was provided to control the points and locks via a mechanical frame while the new colour light signals were controlled via a miniature electric frame. Works also included the lengthening of the platform and its provision as an “island” configuration. The “busy” pole route high above the station shows the number of circuits required to support operations, at this time electric train staff (large) working and magneto telephone circuit lines were in use in all three directions to Coniston, Dapto and Summit Tank.
While a single ‘S’ truck in the goods siding suggests otherwise the opening of the line to Moss Vale in 1932 transformed Unanderra into a busy junction with operations increasing significantly due to the frequent loads and bank engine movements to and from “the mountain”. As indicated by the supplementary station sign which reads “Change here for Moss Vale line” a timetabled passenger service also traversed the route using loco hauled, Rail Motor and Diesel Trains at various times until 1995 when it was replaced by the Cockatoo Run operated by 3801 Limited. While the south coast main line is now a busy electrified commuter railway with some freight traffic the Unanderra platform only supports Moss Vale line passengers travelling on infrequent Heritage services.
Today the scene at Unanderra has changed considerably due to the introduction of electric traction and station upgrades and while the goods shed has gone the siding remains. Sadly CPH 20 no longer exists having been condemned in 1980 and although the number of the CTH trailer is not known it could be preserved in a heritage collection at Dorrigo, Paterson or Cooma. Despite all this change the 1948 scene at Unanderra is still clear and able to be enjoyed by us all thanks to Noels efforts.
www.railmotorsociety.org.au
Performing testing duties for the new Digital Train Radio System Brock Emmett captured HPC 402 departing Hamilton platform. (Photo: Brock Emmett)
At sunset on the last day of operations for 2016 621/721 is seen stabled at Denman while the New Years revelers took dinner in the nearby town. (Photo: Bruce Gehrig)
