NEWSLETTER OF THE RAIL MOTOR SOCIETY INCORPORATED JUNE 2016

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PAGE 2 Paterson Points

All aboard! TRMS RAIL TOURS

≥ The Rail Motor Society In conjunction with South Maitland Railway Museum

TAKE A STEP BACK IN TIME ON THE “RED RATTLER” TO CESSNOCK

Saturday 9th July 2016

Departs Maitland Station at 9.55am and returns 3.45pmTickets $60 ( includes lunch at Neath Hotel)

For bookings and more information:

• Trish Short 0413 672 408 or 4932 6967

≥ ARHS NSW Division

A LOOK AT THE LIFE & TIMES ALONG THE SOUTH MAITLAND RAILWAY & AND ITS ASSOCIATED COALFIELDS

— WITH HISTORIAN ED TONKS —

Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th August 2016

On Saturday catch the 7.15am Intercity Service from Sydney arriving at Broadmeadow 9.52am to join our tour bus to Maitland. Pack your walking shoes, some areas only accessible on foot. View the many abandoned sites and where the associated branch lines and sidings were once prominent along the line to Cessnock. Learn of the pubs and their architects, owners and licensees, and local involvement in the Great Wars and their monuments. The weekend includes oldstyle accommodation (no ensuites) at the Coalfields Heritage Neath Hotel Saturday night, a three course dinner and full breakfast Sunday morning. Ed will present a short slide show following dinner on Saturday night. Lunch on Saturday and Sunday will be at your expense at local pubs in the coalfields. Return to Sydney on Sunday on the 4.15pm Intercity Service from Morisset.

Tickets: Weekend Package Twin Share Accommodation Members and guests $205 Non-Members $225

Single Supplement $30 (limited availability)

For bookings and more information:

• Bookings at ARHS NSW Bookshop

• ARHS NSW Tours Infoline 02 8394 9019 or 0428 333 443

• Booking form also available in the May 2016 ARHS NSW Members Newsletter, page 5

RAIL TOURS

FRONT COVER: Equipped with ground penetrating radar and camera equipment, 402 found itself in another infrastructure role conducting formation surveys for ARTC. Photographed by Bruce Gehrig approaching Maitland on Sunday 17th April, the equipment mounted on 402 is like nothing seen previously on a Society vehicle.

≥ ARHS Nsw Division and The Rail Motor Society

A PASSENGER TRAIN TO RYLESTONE — RAIL CARS 621/721 —

Saturday 10th September 2016

Join us for this nostalgic trip on the truncated Mudgee line, experiencing the type of passenger service this line provided when it was operational. Departing Central 7.40am, the train crosses the Great Dividing Range through the Blue Mountains. At Wallerawang we take the branch line through Piper’s Flat, Portland, Cullen Bullen, Ben Bullen and the magnificent Capertee Valley (photo stop requested at Brogans Creek), continuing on through Clandulla, Charbon and Kandos to Rylstone, arriving 1.00pm. A short walk to the local hotel where a country pub-style two course lunch will be provided (shuttle bus transfer available). Bring your own lunch or visit one of cafés in town. On your return walk make time to explore the historic features of the main street. We depart 3.30pm, pick-up and set down at Strathfield, Parramatta, Blacktown and Penrith, returning to Central by 9.15pm. Tour notes will be available on departure from Sydney.Tickets: Including morning and afternoon tea and lunch Members and guests $165* Non-Members $175* Including morning and afternoon tea only Members and guests $145 Non-Members $155For bookings and more information:• Bookings at ARHS NSW Bookshop• ARHS NSW Tours Infoline 02 8394 9019 or 0428 333 443 • Booking form also available in the May 2016 ARHS NSW

Members Newsletter, page 6.

≥ The Rail Motor Society

The Rail Motor Society invites you to join us — CORBETT GARDENS —

Saturday 17th September 2016

The train departs Maitland at 6.30am arriving in Bowral at 11am, and departs Bowral at 3.05pm arriving in Maitland at 7.50pm. There will be pick-ups along the way upon request.Tickets: $80 (Incl. entry to the Gardens, morning tea and supper)For bookings and more information:• Contact Trish Short on 02 4932 6967 or 0413 672 408

≥ The Rail Motor Society

MURRURUNDI MODEL TRAIN FESTIVAL — RAIL CAR 621 AND CPH —

Saturday 22nd to Sunday 23rd October 2016

Come by vintage rail motor or come by car, but come and enjoy the weekend in the beautiful Upper Hunter Valley. Attractions include – model railway layouts, live steam train rides, helicopter joy flights, vintage motor car display, stalls, and lots more!Sponsored by Murrurundi Rotary Club Inc.For bookings and more information:• Colin Stanford 0438 078 563 or Robin Stanford 02 6546 6482• Email: colinstanford8@gmail.com

June 2016 PAGE 3

SOCIETY NEWS

Society Secretary ResignsBryan Hicks tendered his resignation from the position of Hon. Secretary at the Board meeting held immediately following the Annual General Meeting. Bryan has held the position since 27th March 1999, a period of 17 years.

Bryan is one of the Society’s foundation members and has been heavily involved in the mechanical section since the Society’s inception, as well as acting as travelling fitter on numerous tours. He is one of the small band of experienced rail motor fitters that keeps the Society’s rail motors on the tracks.

Michael (Mick) Walsh was appointed as Bryan’s replacement. There will be a handover period where both will be involved in the Secretary’s duties. Any contact or correspondence should be made through existing channels.

New Auditor AppointedWalker and Company were appointed in February, 2013 as the Society’s auditors. The sudden passing of Mr Ray Walker in 2015 and subsequent uncertainty of the future structure of Walker and Company prompted the Treasurer John Redman, in consultation with

Shortly after the Annual General Meeting closed the new committee gathered in the depot grounds for a group photo. Left to right are (rear) Stafford Payne, Arthur Burgess, Michael Walsh, Bruce Agland, John Redman and Spencer Ross; (front) Bryan Hicks, Eric Larkins, Cheryl Davies and Rodney Short.

President Arthur Burgess and Public Officer Geoff Murray, to initiate the appointment of a new auditor who was qualified to meet the requirements of NSW Fair Trading.

klm Accountants from Charlestown were recommended and appointed by the Board Executive to carry out the audit of the 2015 accounts in time for the Annual General Meeting.

Off the RoadUnfortunately a number of the Society’s workers are currently experiencing ailments and treatment to get them back on track. Best wishes to Bev Redman, Ron Pirie and Bruce Gehrig for full recoveries.

Vale John Walton SotiriouThe Society is saddened to report the untimely passing of Sydney member and Driver, John Walton Sotiriou. John passed away suddenly while out walking on Sunday 24th April, aged 54 years. John joined our volunteer crew panel in May 2013 and crewed many of the Society’s metropolitan tours in the intervening period. Our condolences are extended to John’s wife Gail, daughter Marguerita, his family and friends.

Annual General MeetingThe 2016 Annual Meeting was held in the Station Master’s Residence on Saturday 14th May to receive the Annual Report and Financial Statement for the year ended 31st December 2015 and also elect five Board members for a period of two years.

Twenty five members were present, 13 proxies submitted and approved, apologies were received from a further 13 members who were unable to attend.

The Annual Report and Financial Statement were both adopted unanimously as was the Notice of Motion to confer Life Membership on Beverley Redman in recognition of her long-standing work and loyalty for the Society.

In accordance with the Constitution five Board members retired in rotation and were eligible to nominate for re-election. Nominations were received from eight members and a ballot conducted which resulted in Cheryl Davies, Eric Larkins, Rodney Short, Spencer Ross and Michael Walsh being elected for two years. A copy of the annual report will be included with the next newsletter for those members who could not attend.

The Board met immediately after Annual General Meeting to elect Office Bearers and make other appointments for 2016-17 the results being:

President – Arthur Burgess

Vice President – Rodney Short

Secretary* – Michael Walsh (*see news item)

Treasurer – John Redman

Assistant Secretary/Treasurer – Cheryl Davies

Board Members: Bruce Agland, Bryan Hicks, Eric Larkins, Beverley Redman, Spencer Ross

Line Managers: Operations Manager – Bruce Agland Assistant Operations Manager – Arthur Burgess Engineering Manager (Infrastructure) – Eric Larkins Engineering Manager (Rolling Stock) – Stafford Payne

Public Officer – Geoffrey Murray

Public Relations Officer – Trish Short

Publicity Officer – Geoffrey Murray

Tours & Liaison Officer – Spencer Ross

Train Crewing Manager – Eric Larkins

On Board Crewing Manager – Beverley Redman

On Board Crewing Rosters – Beverly Walsh

Catering Officer – Cheryl Davies

Safety Officer – Rodney Short

Train Presentation Officer – Margaret Pantlin

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: burgessaj@bigpond.com

Vice PresidentRodney Short Phone: 02 4932 6967 Email: short_rodney@hotmail.com

Engineering Manager (Infrastructure)and Train Crewing ManagerEric Larkins Phone: 02 4966 1549 Email: eric.larkins1@bigpond.com

SecretaryMichael (Mick) Walsh Phone/Fax: 02 4954 4904 Email: trmssec@bigpond.com

TreasurerJohn Redman Phone: 02 4948 8769 Email: trmstres@bigpond.com

Operations ManagerBruce Agland Phone/Fax: 02 4996 4666 Mobile: 0416 224 531 Email: aglandb@bigpond.com

Engineering Manager (Rolling Stock)Stafford Payne Phone: 02 4948 8521

Editor (Publications)Geoff Murray 1/10 Seaspray Close Caves Beach NSW 2281 Phone: 02 4971 4114 Email: geoffanna64@hotmail.com

Assistant EditorStephen Preston Phone: 0407 016 133 Email: sgp33@bigpond.net.au

Contributions of articles and/or photographs for future editions of Paterson Points and The Tin Hare Gazette are most welcome and may be forwarded directly to the Editor.

Correspondence to be addressed to: The Secretary PO Box 445 Charlestown NSW 2290

Membership RenewalsMembers are advised that subscriptions for 2016 are now overdue.

Members’ Details Audit A request for information form is included with this newsletter for the purpose of updating the Society’s membership register, your co-operation is sought to complete this task as soon as possible.

New MembersStephen Harper, Louise Brown, Stockton; Peter David Lee of Bohena Creek; Ian Russell, Mount Dee; Neil Watson, Charlestown.

Donations The 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) which will be allowable deductions for income tax purposes.

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 below).

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.

Operations Report – Bruce Agland, Operations Manager

Completed Operations 2016

28 February Cessnock Line Orientation, CPH x 2; TRMS

5 March Goods Lines Centenary, 620; ARHS

9-10 April Steamfest – Paterson Shuttles, CPH x 2; Mt. Thorley Line, 620

17-24 April Various lines, RailTek Ballast Inspection; 402

23 April Hawkesbury River, Peter & Lois King; 620

4-12 May Grand Circle, Insights Tours; 620

13 May Scone Cup, TRMS; 620

13 May Sydney, ARTC; CPH x 2

21 May Cessnock, ARHS; CPH x 3

10-14 June Coonamble/Cobar, ARHS; 620

Operations for 2016

2 July Aberdeen Highland Games, Paterson Rotary; CPH

22-25 July North West, ARHS 402 Club; 402

23 July Gloucester Chill-Out, TRMS; CPH *FULLY BOOKED

1-4 August Dubbo-Mid Coast Shuttle; TBC

7 August Berry, Lodge Wyong-Tuggerah Lakes, Private Charter; CPH

10 September Rylstone, ARHS; 620

24-25 September Blue Mountains, Private Charter; CPH

22-23 October Murrurundi, Stanford; TBC; 620 & CPH

25 October Stroud Road, Austin Healey Club; CPH

28-31 October Metropolitan Area, AMRA; TBC

1 November Hawkesbury River, Rotary;620

19-20 November Gulgong/Merrygoen, Peter & Lois King; 620

June 2016 PAGE 5

HPC 402 finds a new role– Bruce Agland, Operations Manager

During April, HPC 402 was fitted out for its latest role to carry out a survey of the ballast condition on ARTC’s Hunter Valley coal network. The work was carried out for Railtek Pty Ltd as the local agent for Zenica PLC of the UK. Frames, equipped with various items ground penetrating radar, lasers and cameras were fitted to both ends of the vehicle. The objective of the GPR Project is to measure the depth and quality of the ballast in place and identify any anomalies in the track bed such as mud holes.

The various items of the survey equipment were shipped from the United Kingdom by Zenica to be fitted to 402. The supporting frames, one for each end, were locally manufactured at Kurri Kurri to Zenica specifications. Installation of the frames was carried out by members Bruce Kingsford and Bryan Hicks, with assistance from other volunteers at Paterson under the close supervision of Zenica staff. The installation and cabling of the survey equipment was undertaken by Zenica employees, Ryan and Peter.

Sunday 17th April, saw a comprehensive test plan being undertaken covering all tracks between Islington Junction and Farley and both Kooragang North and South Forks and a portion of the Kooragang Branch from the junction as far as 101/102 Points. Following a day off due to planned track possessions, HPC 402 headed for Saxonvale

SOCIETY NEWS

Junction and Gulgong on Tuesday 19th April, before returning to Muswellbrook to stable overnight.

On Wednesday, the line between Muswellbrook and Narrabri was surveyed, while on Thursday, the Up Main from Muswellbrook to Singleton was the targeted route. After stabling overnight in Singleton, 402 headed back to Mount Owen to survey the Up Relief roads between Nundah and Farley. After a final reverse at Farley and a brisk run back to Whittingham, the final section, being the Up Main, was surveyed to Farley.

Due to heavy rain on the first day, the local runs between Islington Junction and Farley had to be repeated on Sunday 24th April. An equipment failure midday meant a quick return to Paterson to collect a new piece of kit after which the survey continued through to completion.

Many thanks must go to the ARTC Network Controllers who facilitated the operation of the survey amidst a fairly heavy coal program and to the ARTC Programmers, headed by Chris Banks, for their first-rate liaison with Operations Manager, Bruce Agland, to prepare the necessary train paths.

Train crews for the project were Arthur Burgess, Rodney Short, Bryan Hicks and Bruce Agland. In conclusion, it is interesting to note that by using 402, the work was completed in half the time and half the cost of work undertaken previously carried out in Queensland using a hi-rail.

Fully equipped for a day of track formation survey work 402 has joined the main northern line at Farley and heads north. Top to bottom the equipment mounted on the end of 402 includes laser scanning equipment, a centrally mounted video camera and the lower mounted ground penetrating radar units plus an additional low level camera. (Photo: Bruce Gehrig)

PAGE 6 Paterson Points

The survey workstation equipment was as usual positioned in 402’s passenger saloon area with additional space provided via the removal of seats. Zenica testing officers Ryan (left) and Peter are seen seated in the saloon with the survey in progress. (Photo: Bruce Agland)

Preparations for the installation of the ballast testing equipment required fabrication of framework and then attachment to 402. Society volunteer (and former Engineering Manager) Bruce Kingsford is seen on 13th April about to make another weld to progress the equipment frame mounting. (Photo: Bryan Hicks)

Bruce Kingsford has the main frame mounted in place to allow the rack extension to be fitted by the Zenica crew. The vertical rack unit supported the mounting of the laser scanner and camera equipment. (Photo: Bryan Hicks)

Installation of the framework on the No.1 end was of a different design to the other. Seen here works have reached the trial fitting of equipment with the radar units in place. (Photo: Bryan Hicks)

GOING ABOVE AND BEYONDPaterson Points Assistant Editor, and regular contributor, Stephen Preston made an appearance on social media recently in this post by Ed Tonks. So here’s a photo of Stephen, taking this photo. The interwebs, amazing.

SOCIETY NEWS

June 2016 PAGE 7

OPERATIONS DIARY

Descending Neath bank in what was originally double track territory, 621 and 721 will soon halt at Neath where their full load of passengers will partake of lunch and refreshments at the nearby Neath Hotel. (Photo: S.G. Preston)

Only a few miles into its journey along the SMR 721/621 skirts the low lying water on the approach to East Greta. (Photo: S.G. Preston)

PAGE 8 Paterson Points

With passengers safely detrained and dispatched to the Neath Hotel (above) the train crew pause under the station sign for a quick photo before stabling 621/721 and also enjoying the Neath surrounds. Pictured from left are – Bruce Mathews, Lorainne Corcoran, Bruce Gehrig, Maree Hicks, Stafford Payne, Trish Short and Rod Short. (Photo: S.G. Preston)

June 2016 PAGE 9

OPERATIONS DIARY

none of us can stop talking about it. I plan to do a LinkedIn review. A very memorable 60th, thanks to you and your organising! — Regards, Alan Rankins”

April 8 & 9 Maitland Steamfest

The Society again supported the Maitland Steamfest in 2016 which was celebrating its 30th anniversary. Shuttle services run by the CPHs between Maitland and Paterson and for the first time trips to Saxonvale Junction on the Mt Thorley line were also operated by 621/721.

April 16 Paterson Depot open day – Bruce Gehrig

Saturday 16th April saw 35 visitors come to the depot for our monthly open day, and nine tours of CPH1 were held. Due to working being carried out on 402, only CPH 1 was available for inspection. Most visitors were from the Hunter Region, but others from places such as Lane Cove, Campbelltown, West Wyalong and Windsor also came along. The first three hours were constant with our visitors, and the last arrived just after 1.30pm. There were also some locals from Brandy Hill, Vacy and Duns Creek.

When asked how the visitors knew that the depot was open, most replied that it was from the Society’s Facebook page or Steamfest and just a few had previously travelled on our tours. Three people expressed an interest in joining the Society and spent $50 purchasing old Tin Hare Gazette books. Total gold coin donation entry fees were $52 and souvenir and book sales were $100.

March 5 Goods Line Centenary

To celebrate 100 years of Sydney Metropolitan Goods line operations ARHS NSW hired CPH 1 and 7 and operate a day adventure traversing what remains of this important network as well as travelling to other goods related lines and where possible on former sections now used for other purposes. Readers interested in learning more about this outing are referred to the article and photos published in the May edition of Railway Digest.

March 19 620/720 operations return to SMR

On March 19 621/721 became the first 620/720 class diesel trains to operate on the South Maitland Railways (SMR) for over 40 years. Organised as a fund raiser trip for charity by Rod and Trish Short, the rail cars carried a capacity crowd along the coal fields line to the limit of SMR management near Bellbird Junction. On the return a stop for lunch was made at the Neath Hotel before completing the trip back to Maitland. Thanks are due to the SMR management and staff for again making Society operations over the line possible.

March 20 Alan’s Birthday Run

Terrific feedback from the birthday boy —

“I just wanted to tell you what a wonderful experience the Society gave me, my family and friends on Sunday! I was completely kept in the dark so it all became a voyage of discovery. Please pass to all concerned how magnificent I felt the staff were and how much fun we all had...

For Alan’s birthday run the CPHs carried a special banner to signify the event. (Photo: Bruce Gehrig)

PAGE 10 Paterson Points

The Society’s Saturday Steamfest CPH team gathered on Maitland platform for a group photo with the Town Crier. Photo courtesy of Maitland Council official Steamfest photographer, Stephanie Owen stephanieowenphotography

The CPHs continued their Maitland to Paterson shuttle duties on Sunday April 9 and were photographed standing at Paterson platform while Transport Heritage NSW steam loco 3642 and train passed via the loop. (Photo: Bruce Gehrig)

June 2016 PAGE 11

OPERATIONS DIARY

At Hawkesbury River the 92 passengers detrained to enjoy a trip on the waterway while 621/721 was shunted into the former loco sidings (now storage) to await their return. (Photo: Bruce Gehrig)

The end of a long day and the final passengers leave their train and head for the lift at Maitland station. (Photo: Brock Emmett)

PAGE 12 Paterson Points

OPERATIONS DIARY

April 23 Hawkesbury River

Peter and Lois King again engaged the Society to provide another popular tour outing, this time to Hawkesbury River. In addition to the train trip their passengers also enjoyed a journey up the Hawkesbury River and lunch before retracing their route northwards.

With the road cleared for 2751’s departure north, 621/721 will soon also stand in Maitland platform 4 and follow north with its passengers to the Scone Cup race day. (Photo: Bruce Gehrig)

May 13 Scone Cup Race Day – Trish Short

Another great day at the Scone Cup, everyone enjoyed the day and the weather was on our side – not a cloud in the sky.

Not everyone backed a winner on the day but the Society received high-fives from all the passengers that travelled with us and said they would like to do this again next year. There were even people at Scone Station wanting to know how they could get on it next year.

A big thank you to the crew who served us with a lovely home made morning tea and in real racing style, provided hot dogs on the homeward journey.

June 2016 PAGE 13

TOUR REPORT

Central NSW Insight Tours, May 2016 – Margaret Pantlin

Insight Tours again this year chose the Society to provide a rail motor service to facilitate travel through regional NSW for their tour customers. The following notes are a diary record of the rail portion of what was an amazing and enjoyable week away for both the passengers and crew alike covering many miles of travel through country NSW.

Wednesday 4th May621/721 departed Paterson empty with only our crew aboard. Mick Baczynskyj (Driver), Bruce Matthews (Guard), Mick Walsh (Fitter), and Cheryl and Stephen Davies (On Board crew). The train travelled to Wollongong where it was stabled for the night ready for a fresh start at Thirroul the following morning to head north.

Thursday 5th MayJohn Tuckerman from Insight Tours and his very happy group boarded the train to proceed to Sydney for another passenger pick up. Morning tea was served on the train as they travelled to Hawkesbury River where they alighted for the river cruise and luncheon. Rejoining the train in the afternoon they proceeded to Fassifern where they departed and joined their coach to Toronto. The train went back to Paterson where it stabled for the night. Mick Baczynskyj finished his leg of the trip here.

Friday 6th MayBruce Matthews took over as driver with Stephen Davies as Guard for the next leg. The group enjoyed a morning visiting Dobell House at Wangi Wangi before rejoining the train at Fassifern travelling to Maitland where they alighted again to join the coach visiting Grossman House and lunching at Brough House. The group were back on the train in the afternoon for their trip north to Scone were 621/721 stabled overnight.

Saturday 7th MayThe train departed Scone travelling up the Liverpool Ranges and through the Ardglen Tunnel to Quirindi where the passengers alighted here to visit the farmers markets and the craft shops. This is where another crew change occurred with Stephen, Cheryl and Bruce returning home and changing over with Rod and Trish Short, Margaret and Grahame Pantlin and Arthur Burgess. Thanks to Eric Larkin for driving the bus up and back to Quirindi. Leaving Quirindi the passengers were served and enjoyed a lunch on board on their way to Narrabri. Our on board helper Mick Walsh was a stand out waiter serving passengers with his lovely white lacy apron. Great service Mick and the passengers loved you!

Alighting at Burren Junction on the portable stairs with all the bells and whistles including the red carpet.

621/721 waiting at Tarana platform while its passengers enjoyed lunch at the local hotel.

The Insight Tours operation to the North Western plains created the rare event of a passenger train stabling at Quirindi. Steve Davies captured the scene of the two-car set above whilst the train was sitting in the Down yard sidings.

Three intrepid young travellers waving to their grandfather on their wheat farm as we passed.

PAGE 14 Paterson Points

(Above) While not the first time Society crew members have been seen donning an apron, Mick Walsh’s appearance in a lacey version certainly had an effect on the passengers. (Right) It’s doubtful that passengers previously detraining or embarking on journeys at Burren Junction have ever received the ‘red carpet’ treatment but that’s what was provided by the Society’s train crew who are seen gathered ready for service. (Photos: Margaret Pantlin)

(Left) A feature of the Insights itinerary was the opportunity for Narrabri locals to travel on the otherwise empty car movement to Burren Junction. This scene at Narrabri station sees excited children boarded ready for their train trip west, a first time experience for many of them.

Sunday 8th MayAn early morning start for the tour group on their coach heading to Lightning Ridge for the day. The crew had a morning’s break before taking a full train load of passengers on the Mother’s Day trip from Narrabri to Burren Junction also picking up at Wee Waa enjoying morning tea as we travelled along. What a fantastic group of people we had on board as so many of them were locals with many of the children having never been on a train before. We passed properties owned by a few of them with grandparents out waving to the children. To finish their trip the ‘red carpet’ and the portable stairs were put out for them to alight and our normal group to reboard for the return trip and locals to return on the coach. Again the train stabled at Narrabri.

Monday 9th MayToday the passengers travelled by their coach out through the Pilliga Forest, visited the Sandstone Caves and then moved on to Coonabarabran for the evening. Our train went from Narrabri to Werris Creek where Mick Walsh left us and Stafford Payne joined as Fitter. We then continued to Binnaway where we stabled for the night.

Tuesday 10th MayWe departed Binnaway to collect our passengers at Mendoran where our portable stairs were used again. Travelling now through Dubbo, Narromine to Peak Hill where they alighted to visit The Dish. After lunch the group again went by coach to Manildra to visit the old Art Deco Amusu Theatre where they saw the Alfred Hitchcock movie Murder

On A Train which they all loved. Joining us after the show we served their dinner on board on the way to Orange. A thank you is due to Ray, Maurie and Ken from the Parkes Pacific National Depot for crewing the train from Dubbo to Parkes and Orange.

Wednesday 11th MayToday we travelled the Central Tablelands via Blayney and Bathurst, stopping at the quaint village of Tarana for lunch at the hotel before continuing onto Lithgow where the group left us for that evening. After refuelling we continued on to Central where we were stabled for the night.

Thursday 12th MayToday Arthur Burgess returned home and Eric Larkins joined the crew for our last day of travel. We set off from Sydney to Richmond where our passengers once again joined us and had their last on board lunch together travelling to Sydney where some finished their trip with the remaining passengers being taken back to Thirroul to complete what they all claimed as a wonderful nine days had by all. We then set off on our return to Paterson.

This was an amazing trip with the organisers of Insight Tours, the passengers and our staff all enjoying this brilliant trip together.

Wonderful feedback from passenger Frances Cattelll — “I recently returned from Central NSW Insights with Insight Tours on your rail motors. I was most impressed by the wonderful dedicated people on the train who looked after us all the way and hope to travel with your trains again. All the best in your continuing work.”

OPERATIONS DIARY

June 2016 PAGE 15

Neath Revisited ~ S.G. Preston & I.K. WinneyThe residents of Neath have seen more than a few train movements and schooners of black poured in the time between these two images being captured, but despite the passing of nearly 50 years many landmarks remain to confirm that both were taken at Neath Station on the South Maitland Railways.

Certainly the lifting of the former Down main, removal of those lovely McKensie & Holland signals, the growth of the foliage and the changes to the signal box have altered the locations aesthetics but the platforms, the signal box, the all important local hotel and especially the line itself are still in place today. The top scene captured by the late Ivor Kenneth Winney in 1967 (IKW) records Government unit 626/726 rolling to a stop at Neath on a bleak looking morning.

Those with a keen eye will note the Neath signalman who has moved from the warmth of his box standing at the door to witness the diesel trains arrival and departure. Soon he’ll announce both events to his counterparts in the adjacent signal boxes via the Tyers block instruments provided to manage the railways safe working at this time.

In the lower photo Stephen Preston has recorded 621/721 standing at Neath while operating the special charity fund raising trip on March 19, 2016. This was the first return of a 620/720 set to the SMR in over four decades and was made possible due to the support of the management of the South Maitland Railways.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

While the infrastructure and frequency of operations on the SMR are a far cry from what they were the line is a remarkable survivor and example of the key role that rail still plays in the movement of “King Coal”. Although the future of the SMR operation looks bright and further outings are planned by the Society readers are recommended not to pass up any opportunities to experience a trip back to the traditional “coal fields” or refreshment at the Neath pub.

Thanks to Bill Phippen Manager ARHS Railway Resource Centre for the supply of IKW’s photo.

Photo: S.G. Preston

Returning to the SMR after many years away well dressed Caledonia locals witness 621 passing the unused platform, signal box and distinctive water tank, all reminders of the railways busier years. (Photo: S.G. Preston)

Headed to Paterson on another Steamfest shuttle, Bruce Gehrig has captured the scene of three generations of rail motors gathered at Telarah, the XPT set stabled after working a special Steamfest service and the Hunter set waiting to return to Newcastle on a regular suburban run.

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