New South Wales Steam?

[Stonesourscotty]

I was on a Waratah Service to Homebush before from Central at Approx 2:05 and when we left Platform 19 i noticed a Steam train with a Freight loco painted in the same livery on the rear. The train appeared to be coming from one of the Lower level platforms at Central and appeared to follow the Intercity lines to Newcastle/Blue Mountains any idea where it was off to?? it was made up of First and Second class Carriages and even had a Buffet car in the centre of the set.

 

[LesS]

OK. Last Sunday and Monday were the beginning of "Rail Safety Week". On both days Sydney Trains had arranged shuttles between Central and Rhodes using a train hired from Transport Heritage NSW (NSWRTM). The locomotive used on both days was 4-6-0 3642. Travel was free but using pre-issued reserved seats. I was a car conductor on Monday and can assure that operationally it was very successful.

Today was much more exciting. Two heritage operators (Transport Heritage & Lachlan Valley Railway) each provided a steam hauled train and ran these north to Hawkesbury River & Gosford (50 miles). Over multi track sections parallel running was engaged in with multiple overtaking (leapfrogging) at other points in both directions. Homeward bound tonight the last 11 miles from Strathfield were a parallel run with the most exciting experience. Plenty of whistles, passing and re-passing. Passengers waiting on platforms were gobsmacked. Both trains were fully booked (6 cars each) and all passengers were thrilled to bits.

 

[theageofthetra]

Shades of the long lamented proper Steam on the Met events with parallel running. What is the best social media source for NSW and other Aus heritage rail events like this? Had a brilliant spring trip to pay respects at the Sir Donald Bradman Oval in Bowral as part of the NSW 150 event last year.

 

[LesS]

For NSW look at www.heritageexpress.info

This website name might change early in the new year

 

[Stonesourscotty]

Latest strange workings in Sydney where a Double Tangara on the Homebush line on Grand Final Day (Sunday before Last) and there was a Pacific National Freight on the fast line (to Newcastle that then cut across all lines into the Oscar Maintenance Yard and Finally there was a 5 Car XPT (Hst but with better seating) in the Oscar yard at Macdonaldtown on Tuesday Afternoon.

 

[LesS]

It is difficult to make much sense of this posting. I presume that you are referring to the freight line near Flemington depot. It is usual practice for carsets to shunt from the carsheds onto the freight line and back again. The freightline at this point is double track so to have a freight on the second track would be normal practice.
The "Oscar Maintenance Centre" is at Eveleigh near Redfern, some 10kms or more away. Spare XPT cars are normally stored on one of the storage roads when not required. These are always economy class cars. There are normally between 5 and 7 cars stored at times of quiet traffic. There are no circumstances when a freight train would be anywhere near this area. On Grand Final Sunday there was very heavy suburban traffic from Central in particular to Olympic Park where the final was played. Freight would be kept well clear of these services and strictly kept to the freight lines.
If you can provide more detailed information I may be able to provide better information.

 

[Stonesourscotty]

Sorry i was exhausted when i posted the original post

Right... So there was a Double Tangara Set on the Homebush line on The Nrl Final Sunday (didn't id either as i was on the Express service to Anz Stadium)

I Noted a Freight Loco leave the "Fasts" eg the Blue Mountains line and cut straight across the semi fast line eg the penrith/epping line and then cut across the leppington/homebush line onto The Oscar Maintenance centre at Redfern/Macdonaldtown (This was the 11th October)

Also on the 10th October a 5 Car Xpt was stabled on the Oscar Site at 3pm which is quite unusual for a full rake to be stabled there??

There is currently a Xplorer in pieces on the Oscar site (noted by myself 19th October)

 

[LesS]

From time to time an odd locomotive may be seen around where you speak of. It is not usual but not uncommon. It is not possible to access the Oscar Maintenance Centre area from the lines around Newtown.
The Xplorer/Endeavour Maintenance Centre is also near the Oscar facility. You probably saw a car under heavy maintenance. There is a shortage of this class of rolling stock so cars would not be out of service for any longer than absolutely necessary.

During off-peak times the XPT sets operate with a reduced number of cars and many of the spare cars are stored at the Oscar Maintenance Centre. It would be these cars which you saw.