Paterson Points NEWSLETTER of the RAIL MOTOR SOCIETY INCORPORATED JUNE 2016 PRINT POST APPROVED PP100003904 PP100003904 APPROVED POST PRINT

www.railmotorsociety.org.au AC Peter Sinclair Admiral Patron: Rear Paterson Points NEWSLETTER OF THE RAIL MOTOR SOCIETY INCORPORATED JUNE 2016 PRINT POST APPROVED PP100003904 PP100003904 APPROVED POST PRINT

RAIL MOTOR SOCIETY PATERSON RAIL TOURS

TRMS RAIL TOURS All aboard! ≥ 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 Rail Motor Society In conjunction with the historic features of the main street. We depart 3.30pm, pick- South Maitland Railway Museum up and set down at Strathfield, Parramatta, Blacktown and Penrith, returning to Central by 9.15pm. Tour notes will be available on TAKE A STEP BACK IN TIME ON THE departure from Sydney. “RED RATTLER” TO CESSNOCK Tickets: Including morning and afternoon tea and lunch Saturday 9th July 2016 Members and guests $165* Departs Maitland Station at 9.55am and returns 3.45pm Non-Members $175* Tickets $60 ( includes lunch at Neath Hotel) Including morning and afternoon tea only Members and guests $145 For bookings and more information: Non-Members $155 • Trish Short 0413 672 408 or 4932 6967 For bookings and more information: • Bookings at ARHS NSW Bookshop ≥ ARHS NSW Division • ARHS NSW Tours Infoline 02 8394 9019 or 0428 333 443 A LOOK AT THE LIFE & TIMES ALONG THE SOUTH • Booking form also available in the May 2016 ARHS NSW MAITLAND RAILWAY & AND ITS ASSOCIATED COALFIELDS Members Newsletter, page 6. — WITH HISTORIAN ED TONKS — ≥ The Rail Motor Society Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th August 2016 The Rail Motor Society invites you to join us On Saturday catch the 7.15am Intercity Service from Sydney — CORBETT GARDENS — arriving at Broadmeadow 9.52am to join our tour bus to Maitland. Pack your walking shoes, some areas only accessible on foot. View Saturday 17th September 2016 the many abandoned sites and where the associated branch lines The train departs Maitland at 6.30am arriving in Bowral at 11am, and and sidings were once prominent along the line to Cessnock. Learn departs Bowral at 3.05pm arriving in Maitland at 7.50pm. There will of the pubs and their architects, owners and licensees, and local be pick-ups along the way upon request. involvement in the Great Wars and their monuments. The weekend Tickets: $80 (Incl. entry to the Gardens, morning tea and supper) includes oldstyle accommodation (no ensuites) at the Coalfields For bookings and more information: Heritage Neath Hotel Saturday night, a three course dinner and • Contact Trish Short on 02 4932 6967 or 0413 672 408 full breakfast Sunday morning. Ed will present a short slide show following dinner on Saturday night. Lunch on Saturday and Sunday ≥ The Rail Motor Society will be at your expense at local pubs in the coalfields. Return to MURRURUNDI MODEL TRAIN FESTIVAL Sydney on Sunday on the 4.15pm Intercity Service from Morisset. — RAIL CAR 621 AND CPH — Tickets: Weekend Package Twin Share Accommodation Saturday 22nd to Sunday 23rd October 2016 Members and guests $205 Non-Members $225 Come by vintage rail motor or come by car, but come and enjoy the weekend in the beautiful Upper Hunter Valley. Attractions include Single Supplement $30 (limited availability) – model railway layouts, live steam train rides, helicopter joy flights, For bookings and more information: vintage motor car display, stalls, and lots more! • Bookings at ARHS NSW Bookshop Sponsored by Murrurundi Rotary Club Inc. • ARHS NSW Tours Infoline 02 8394 9019 or 0428 333 443 For bookings and more information: • Booking form also available in the May 2016 ARHS NSW • Colin Stanford 0438 078 563 or Robin Stanford 02 6546 6482 Members Newsletter, page 5 • Email: [email protected]

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.

PAGE 2 Paterson Points SOCIETY NEWS

Annual General Meeting Public Officer – Geoffrey Murray The 2016 Annual Meeting was held in the Station Master’s Residence Public Relations Officer – Trish Short on Saturday 14th May to receive the Annual Report and Financial Publicity Officer – Geoffrey Murray Statement for the year ended 31st December 2015 and also elect five Tours & Liaison Officer – Spencer Ross Board members for a period of two years. Train Crewing Manager – Eric Larkins Twenty five members were present, 13 proxies submitted and On Board Crewing Manager – Beverley Redman approved, apologies were received from a further 13 members who On Board Crewing Rosters – Beverly Walsh were unable to attend. Catering Officer – Cheryl Davies The Annual Report and Financial Statement were both adopted Safety Officer – Rodney Short unanimously as was the Notice of Motion to confer Life Membership Train Presentation Officer – Margaret Pantlin 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 Shortly after the Annual General Meeting closed the new committee Line Managers: Operations Manager – Bruce Agland gathered in the depot grounds for a group photo. Left to right are (rear) Assistant Operations Manager – Arthur Burgess Stafford Payne, Arthur Burgess, Michael Walsh, Bruce Agland, John Engineering Manager (Infrastructure) – Eric Larkins Redman and Spencer Ross; (front) Bryan Hicks, Eric Larkins, Cheryl Engineering Manager (Rolling Stock) – Stafford Payne Davies and Rodney Short.

President Arthur Burgess and Public Officer Geoff Murray, to initiate Society Secretary Resigns the appointment of a new auditor who was qualified to meet the Bryan Hicks tendered his resignation from the position of Hon. requirements of NSW Fair Trading. Secretary at the Board meeting held immediately following the Annual General Meeting. Bryan has held the position since 27th March 1999, klm Accountants from Charlestown were recommended and a period of 17 years. appointed by the Board Executive to carry out the audit of the 2015 accounts in time for the Annual General Meeting. 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 Off the Road small band of experienced rail motor fitters that keeps the Society’s rail Unfortunately a number of the Society’s workers are currently experiencing ailments and treatment to get them back on track. Best motors on the tracks. wishes to Bev Redman, Ron Pirie and Bruce Gehrig for full recoveries. 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 Vale John Walton Sotiriou through existing channels. The 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. New Auditor Appointed John joined our volunteer crew panel in May 2013 and crewed Walker and Company were appointed in February, 2013 as the many of the Society’s metropolitan tours in the intervening Society’s auditors. The sudden passing of Mr Ray Walker in 2015 period. Our condolences are extended to John’s wife Gail, and subsequent uncertainty of the future structure of Walker and daughter Marguerita, his family and friends. Company prompted the Treasurer John Redman, in consultation with

June 2016 PAGE 3 Membership Renewals Operations Report Members are advised that subscriptions for 2016 are now overdue. – Bruce Agland, Operations Manager

Completed Operations 2016 Members’ Details Audit 28 February Cessnock Line Orientation, CPH x 2; TRMS A request for information form is included with this newsletter for the purpose of updating the Society’s membership register, your co- 5 March Goods Lines Centenary, 620; ARHS operation is sought to complete this task as soon as possible. 9-10 April Steamfest – Paterson Shuttles, CPH x 2; Mt. Thorley Line, 620 New Members 17-24 April Various lines, RailTek Ballast Inspection; 402 Stephen Harper, Louise Brown, Stockton; Peter David Lee of Bohena 23 April Hawkesbury River, Peter & Lois King; 620 Creek; Ian Russell, Mount Dee; Neil Watson, Charlestown. 4-12 May Grand Circle, Insights Tours; 620 Donations 13 May Scone Cup, TRMS; 620 13 May Sydney, ARTC; CPH x 2 The Society wishes to acknowledge and thank those members who have recently made generous donations towards various projects. 21 May Cessnock, ARHS; CPH x 3 Please remember that the ATO has approved the Society issuing 10-14 June Coonamble/Cobar, ARHS; 620 receipts for gifts/donations (not testamentary) which will be allowable Operations for 2016 deductions for income tax purposes. 2 July Aberdeen Highland Games, Paterson Rotary; CPH Work Days 22-25 July North West, ARHS 402 Club; 402 Regular work days are usually held each Wednesday, volunteers are 23 July Gloucester Chill-Out, TRMS; CPH *FULLY BOOKED always welcome. If you are not a regular volunteer at the depot and 1-4 August Dubbo-Mid Coast Shuttle; TBC would like to participate, contact the Secretary for further information 7 August Berry, Lodge Wyong-Tuggerah Lakes, Private (see directory below). Charter; CPH 10 September Rylstone, ARHS; 620 Volunteer Cabin Crew/Car Attendants 24-25 September Blue Mountains, Private Charter; CPH Members are requested to indicate their availability for trips by placing 22-23 October Murrurundi, Stanford; TBC; 620 & CPH 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 25 October Stroud Road, Austin Healey Club; CPH enable Bev to finalise rosters. 28-31 October Metropolitan Area, AMRA; TBC 1 November Hawkesbury River, Rotary;620 19-20 November Gulgong/Merrygoen, Peter & Lois King; 620

DIRECTORY The Rail Motor Society Incorporated Secretary Editor (Publications) Depot & Museum Michael (Mick) Walsh Geoff Murray Webbers Creek Road, Phone/Fax: 02 4954 4904 1/10 Seaspray Close Paterson NSW 2421 Email: [email protected] Caves Beach NSW 2281 Caretaker: 02 4938 5411 Phone: 02 4971 4114 Treasurer Email: [email protected] President John Redman Arthur Burgess Phone: 02 4948 8769 Assistant Editor Phone: 02 4959 6409 Email: [email protected] Stephen Preston Email: [email protected] Phone: 0407 016 133 Operations Manager Email: [email protected] Vice President Bruce Agland Rodney Short Phone/Fax: 02 4996 4666 Contributions of articles and/or photographs Phone: 02 4932 6967 Mobile: 0416 224 531 for future editions of Paterson Points and The Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Tin Hare Gazette are most welcome and may be forwarded directly to the Editor. Engineering Manager (Infrastructure) Engineering Manager and Train Crewing Manager (Rolling Stock) Correspondence to be addressed to: Eric Larkins Stafford Payne The Secretary Phone: 02 4966 1549 Phone: 02 4948 8521 PO Box 445 Email: [email protected] Charlestown NSW 2290

PAGE 4 Paterson Points SOCIETY NEWS

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)

Junction and Gulgong on Tuesday 19th April, before returning to HPC 402 finds a new role Muswellbrook to stable overnight. – Bruce Agland, Operations Manager On Wednesday, the line between Muswellbrook and Narrabri was During April, HPC 402 was fitted out for its latest role to carry out a surveyed, while on Thursday, the Up Main from Muswellbrook to survey of the ballast condition on ARTC’s Hunter Valley coal network. Singleton was the targeted route. After stabling overnight in Singleton, The work was carried out for Railtek Pty Ltd as the local agent for 402 headed back to Mount Owen to survey the Up Relief roads Zenica PLC of the UK. Frames, equipped with various items ground between Nundah and Farley. After a final reverse at Farley and a brisk penetrating radar, lasers and cameras were fitted to both ends of the run back to Whittingham, the final section, being the Up Main, was vehicle. The objective of the GPR Project is to measure the depth and surveyed to Farley. quality of the ballast in place and identify any anomalies in the track bed Due to heavy rain on the first day, the local runs between Islington such as mud holes. Junction and Farley had to be repeated on Sunday 24th April. An The various items of the survey equipment were shipped from the equipment failure midday meant a quick return to Paterson to collect United Kingdom by Zenica to be fitted to 402. The supporting frames, a new piece of kit after which the survey continued through to one for each end, were locally manufactured at Kurri Kurri to Zenica completion. specifications. Installation of the frames was carried out by members Many thanks must go to the ARTC Network Controllers who facilitated Bruce Kingsford and Bryan Hicks, with assistance from other volunteers the operation of the survey amidst a fairly heavy coal program and at Paterson under the close supervision of Zenica staff. The installation to the ARTC Programmers, headed by Chris Banks, for their first- and cabling of the survey equipment was undertaken by Zenica rate liaison with Operations Manager, Bruce Agland, to prepare the employees, Ryan and Peter. necessary train paths. Sunday 17th April, saw a comprehensive test plan being undertaken Train crews for the project were Arthur Burgess, Rodney Short, Bryan covering all tracks between Islington Junction and Farley and both Hicks and Bruce Agland. In conclusion, it is interesting to note that by Kooragang North and South Forks and a portion of the Kooragang using 402, the work was completed in half the time and half the cost of Branch from the junction as far as 101/102 Points. Following a day off work undertaken previously carried out in Queensland using a hi-rail. due to planned track possessions, HPC 402 headed for Saxonvale

June 2016 PAGE 5 SOCIETY NEWS

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)

Installation of the framework on the No.1 end was of a different design to the other. Bruce Kingsford has the main frame mounted in place to allow the rack extension Seen here works have reached the trial fitting to be fitted by the Zenica crew. The vertical rack unit supported the mounting of of equipment with the radar units in place. the laser scanner and camera equipment. (Photo: Bryan Hicks) (Photo: Bryan Hicks)

GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND Paterson 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.

PAGE 6 Paterson Points 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)

June 2016 PAGE 7 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)

PAGE 8 Paterson Points OPERATIONS DIARY

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

March 5 Goods Line Centenary 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, To celebrate 100 years of Sydney Metropolitan Goods line operations Alan Rankins” 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 April 8 & 9 Maitland Steamfest goods related lines and where possible on former sections now used for other purposes. Readers interested in learning more about this The Society again supported the Maitland Steamfest in 2016 which outing are referred to the article and photos published in the May was celebrating its 30th anniversary. Shuttle services run by the CPHs edition of Railway Digest. between Maitland and Paterson and for the first time trips to Saxonvale Junction on the Mt Thorley line were also operated by 621/721. March 19 620/720 operations return to SMR April 16 Paterson Depot open day – Bruce Gehrig

On March 19 621/721 became the first 620/720 class diesel trains Saturday 16th April saw 35 visitors come to the depot for our monthly to operate on the South Maitland Railways (SMR) for over 40 years. open day, and nine tours of CPH1 were held. Due to working being Organised as a fund raiser trip for charity by Rod and Trish Short, the carried out on 402, only CPH 1 was available for inspection. Most rail cars carried a capacity crowd along the coal fields line to the limit visitors were from the Hunter Region, but others from places such as of SMR management near Bellbird Junction. On the return a stop for Lane Cove, Campbelltown, West Wyalong and Windsor also came lunch was made at the Neath Hotel before completing the trip back to along. The first three hours were constant with our visitors, and the Maitland. Thanks are due to the SMR management and staff for again last arrived just after 1.30pm. There were also some locals from Brandy making Society operations over the line possible. Hill, Vacy and Duns Creek. When asked how the visitors knew that the depot was open, most March 20 Alan’s Birthday Run replied that it was from the Society’s Facebook page or Steamfest and just a few had previously travelled on our tours. Three people Terrific feedback from the birthday boy — expressed an interest in joining the Society and spent $50 purchasing “I just wanted to tell you what a wonderful experience the Society gave old Tin Hare Gazette books. Total gold coin donation entry fees were me, my family and friends on Sunday! I was completely kept in the dark $52 and souvenir and book sales were $100. 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...

June 2016 PAGE 9 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)

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

PAGE 10 Paterson Points 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)

June 2016 PAGE 11 OPERATIONS DIARY

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 April 23 Hawkesbury River 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. Peter and Lois King again engaged the Society to provide another popular tour outing, this time to Hawkesbury River. In addition to the A big thank you to the crew who served us with a lovely home made train trip their passengers also enjoyed a journey up the Hawkesbury morning tea and in real racing style, provided hot dogs on the River and lunch before retracing their route northwards. homeward journey.

PAGE 12 Paterson Points TOUR REPORT

Central NSW Insight Tours, May 2016 – Margaret Pantlin

621/721 waiting at Tarana platform while its passengers enjoyed lunch at the local hotel. Alighting at Burren Junction on the portable stairs with all the bells and whistles including the red carpet.

The Insight Tours operation to the North Western plains created the rare event of a passenger train stabling at Quirindi. Steve Davies Three intrepid young travellers waving captured the scene of the two-car set above whilst the train was to their grandfather on their wheat farm as we passed. sitting in the Down yard sidings. Insight Tours again this year chose the Society to provide a rail Friday 6th May motor service to facilitate travel through regional NSW for their tour Bruce Matthews took over as driver with Stephen Davies as Guard for customers. The following notes are a diary record of the rail portion of the next leg. The group enjoyed a morning visiting Dobell House at what was an amazing and enjoyable week away for both the passengers Wangi Wangi before rejoining the train at Fassifern travelling to Maitland and crew alike covering many miles of travel through country NSW. where they alighted again to join the coach visiting Grossman House Wednesday 4th May 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. 621/721 departed Paterson empty with only our crew aboard. Mick Baczynskyj (Driver), Bruce Matthews (Guard), Mick Walsh (Fitter), and Saturday 7th May Cheryl and Stephen Davies (On Board crew). The train travelled to The train departed Scone travelling up the Liverpool Ranges and Wollongong where it was stabled for the night ready for a fresh start at through the Ardglen Tunnel to Quirindi where the passengers Thirroul the following morning to head north. alighted here to visit the farmers markets and the craft shops. This Thursday 5th May is where another crew change occurred with Stephen, Cheryl and John Tuckerman from Insight Tours and his very happy group boarded Bruce returning home and changing over with Rod and Trish Short, the train to proceed to Sydney for another passenger pick up. Morning Margaret and Grahame Pantlin and Arthur Burgess. Thanks to Eric tea was served on the train as they travelled to Hawkesbury River where Larkin for driving the bus up and back to Quirindi. Leaving Quirindi the they alighted for the river cruise and luncheon. Rejoining the train in passengers were served and enjoyed a lunch on board on their way the afternoon they proceeded to Fassifern where they departed and to Narrabri. Our on board helper Mick Walsh was a stand out waiter joined their coach to Toronto. The train went back to Paterson where it serving passengers with his lovely white lacy apron. Great service stabled for the night. Mick Baczynskyj finished his leg of the trip here. Mick and the passengers loved you!

June 2016 PAGE 13 OPERATIONS DIARY

(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.

(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)

Sunday 8th May On A Train which they all loved. Joining us after the show we served An early morning start for the tour group on their coach heading to their dinner on board on the way to Orange. A thank you is due to Ray, Lightning Ridge for the day. The crew had a morning’s break before Maurie and Ken from the Parkes Pacific National Depot for crewing the taking a full train load of passengers on the Mother’s Day trip from train from Dubbo to Parkes and Orange. Narrabri to Burren Junction also picking up at Wee Waa enjoying Wednesday 11th May morning tea as we travelled along. What a fantastic group of people Today we travelled the Central Tablelands via Blayney and Bathurst, we had on board as so many of them were locals with many of the stopping at the quaint village of Tarana for lunch at the hotel before children having never been on a train before. We passed properties continuing onto Lithgow where the group left us for that evening. After owned by a few of them with grandparents out waving to the children. refuelling we continued on to Central where we were stabled for the night. 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 Thursday 12th May and locals to return on the coach. Again the train stabled at Narrabri. Today Arthur Burgess returned home and Eric Larkins joined the crew for our last day of travel. We set off from Sydney to Richmond where Monday 9th May our passengers once again joined us and had their last on board lunch Today the passengers travelled by their coach out through the together travelling to Sydney where some finished their trip with the Pilliga Forest, visited the Sandstone Caves and then moved on to remaining passengers being taken back to Thirroul to complete what Coonabarabran for the evening. Our train went from Narrabri to they all claimed as a wonderful nine days had by all. We then set off on Werris Creek where Mick Walsh left us and Stafford Payne joined as our return to Paterson. Fitter. We then continued to Binnaway where we stabled for the night. This was an amazing trip with the organisers of Insight Tours, the Tuesday 10th May passengers and our staff all enjoying this brilliant trip together. We departed Binnaway to collect our passengers at Mendoran where Wonderful feedback from passenger Frances Cattelll — our portable stairs were used again. Travelling now through Dubbo, “I recently returned from Central NSW Insights with Insight Tours on Narromine to Peak Hill where they alighted to visit The Dish. After lunch your rail motors. I was most impressed by the wonderful dedicated the group again went by coach to Manildra to visit the old Art Deco people on the train who looked after us all the way and hope to travel Amusu Theatre where they saw the Alfred Hitchcock movie Murder with your trains again. All the best in your continuing work.”

PAGE 14 Paterson Points FROM THE ARCHIVES

Neath Revisited ~ S.G. Preston & I.K. Winney

The 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. Photo: S.G. Preston 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 While the infrastructure and frequency of operations on the SMR are diesel trains arrival and departure. Soon he’ll announce both events a far cry from what they were the line is a remarkable survivor and to his counterparts in the adjacent signal boxes via the Tyers block example of the key role that rail still plays in the movement of “King instruments provided to manage the railways safe working at this time. Coal”. Although the future of the SMR operation looks bright and further outings are planned by the Society readers are recommended In the lower photo Stephen Preston has recorded 621/721 standing not to pass up any opportunities to experience a trip back to the at Neath while operating the special charity fund raising trip on March traditional “coal fields” or refreshment at the Neath pub. 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 Thanks to Bill Phippen Manager ARHS Railway Resource Centre for the management of the South Maitland Railways. supply of IKW’s photo.

June 2016 PAGE 15 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.