Rails across Australia http://railart.fotopic.net/ 15 rows en-gb 60 Sandgate NSW 28 Dec 2006 http://railart.fotopic.net/c1174677.html A new flyover has been recently opened at Sandgate, in suburban Newcastle, NSW, Australia. The flyover takes the main lines over the 'coal road', thus allowing coal trains unimpeded access to and from Kooragang Island. Wednesday 3 January 2007: A new flyover has been recently opened at Sandgate, in suburban Newcastle, NSW, Australia. The flyover takes the main lines over the 'coal road', thus allowing coal trains unimpeded access to and from Kooragang Island.

Another load of empty wagons heads out to one of the many Hunter Valley collieries. A train from Port Waratah makes its way over the new flyover at Sandgate. The line from Kooragang Island is visible on the far right. 631/731 crest the new flyover at Sandgate. Veteran units 631/731 are only weeks away from retirement but they are still providing stirling service on the local trains in the Newcastle area. Surrounded by coal trains, the train is arriving at Sandgate station. Coal trains to Pelton have recently started running again, this time with PL units in the lead. PL3 and PL2 sandwich two of their former 48 class brethren as they approach Sandgate. An Up Coal train is bound for Port Waratah and the loader at Carrington, the smaller of the two loaders at Newcastle.

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]]> Wed Jan 3 2007 South 2006 http://railart.fotopic.net/c1095976.html A selection of scenes from the 'Main South', the New South Wales portion of the main line linking Sydney with Melbourne. Sunday 10 September 2006: A selection of scenes from the 'Main South', the New South Wales portion of the main line linking Sydney with Melbourne.

NR13 rolls along at the head of 1WP2 near Junee on Sunday 10 September 2006. NR61/15/116 blast through The Rock with 7BM2 on Sunday 10 September 2006. The signal gantry near Junee North signal box on 10 September 2006. ST24 is about to commence its dash across the Breadalbane plain on 21 September 2006. NR40 and NR20 lead 5NY3 Steel train through Breadalbane on 21 September 2006.

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]]> Sun Sep 10 2006 Sydney in 2006 http://railart.fotopic.net/c1048849.html Sydney is Australia's largest city and features an extensive urban rail network, including a small network of freight-only lines. The main lines carry a mixture of suburban and intercity double deck electric passenger trains, long distance passenger trains (both the loco hauled Indian-Pacific and XPT and Xplorer services) as well as freight trains worked by diesel-electric locomotives of widely varying models, ages and colour schemes. These photos depict a cross-section of train working around the Sydney metropolitan area in 2006. Friday 11 August 2006: Sydney is Australia's largest city and features an extensive urban rail network, including a small network of freight-only lines. The main lines carry a mixture of suburban and intercity double deck electric passenger trains, long distance passenger trains (both the loco hauled Indian-Pacific and XPT and Xplorer services) as well as freight trains worked by diesel-electric locomotives of widely varying models, ages and colour schemes. These photos depict a cross-section of train working around the Sydney metropolitan area in 2006.

They started life as CL class units but were rebuilt by Morrison-Knudsen in the early 1990s into CLP class units for use on Australian National's passenger trains. Over a decade later, the locos have been sold more than once and are now in the hands of their latest owner, QR National. The two units are working train No. 5982 through Marrickville en route to Bomaderry, site of the Manildra plant on the south coast. Veteran 'bulldog' unit GM27 leads Alco 4471 at the head of local freight service T176 on the Goods Line at Hurlstone Park on 17 May 2006.

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]]> Fri Aug 11 2006 Yass Junction http://railart.fotopic.net/c1040128.html Yass Junction is located on the main Southern line that links Sydney with Melbourne. It was formerly the location from which the short branch line to Yass Town diverged. The branch closed in 1988 and today the station is unattended, but the daily XPTs that run between Sydney and Melbourne still call at Yass Junction. Sunday 2 April 2006: Yass Junction is located on the main Southern line that links Sydney with Melbourne. It was formerly the location from which the short branch line to Yass Town diverged. The branch closed in 1988 and today the station is unattended, but the daily XPTs that run between Sydney and Melbourne still call at Yass Junction.

The railway station at Yass Junction opened in July 1876. The main building on what is now the Down platform reflected the importance of the location. The upper floor was once available as accommodation for passing travellers. The signal box at Yass Junction closed in 1992 with the commissioning of a new system of remote control from Goulburn. New crossovers were brought into use and these allow trains to be refuged on either line to allow overtaking movements on the other line. Also, all passenger trains now use the Down platform. The Up platform was added with duplication in the 1920s but is no longer in regular use. A view of the Down platform from the southern end of the Up platform. The footbridge was closed for some years but it has been restored to service. A view of Yass Junction from the Up platform, which is no longer in regular use. Since a resignalling scheme was commissioned in 1992, all passenger trains run via the Down line.

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]]> Sun Apr 2 2006 Infrastructure around NSW in 2006 http://railart.fotopic.net/c1040100.html Although many of the structures that once graced the rail network of NSW have been demolished, there are still some fine examples of 19th century railway infrastructure in existence, even on the main lines. Some of the old stations are still in active service. Monday 24 April 2006: Although many of the structures that once graced the rail network of NSW have been demolished, there are still some fine examples of 19th century railway infrastructure in existence, even on the main lines. Some of the old stations are still in active service.

The sun is setting at Raglan, near Bathurst, on 24 April 2006. The station was last attended on a regular basis in 1988, but the closure of the signal box saw the removal of the remaining personnel. Now surrounded by a security fence and facing an uncertain future, the station still stands.

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]]> Mon Apr 24 2006 NSW North Coast railway line 2006 http://railart.fotopic.net/c1040085.html The lower reaches of the North Coast line are characterised by many curves and picturesque scenery. Single track, with crossing loops 10 - 15 km apart, and a steady supply of an assortment of trains ensure a variety of action for the trackside observer. Tuesday 14 March 2006: The lower reaches of the North Coast line are characterised by many curves and picturesque scenery. Single track, with crossing loops 10 - 15 km apart, and a steady supply of an assortment of trains ensure a variety of action for the trackside observer.

Veteran units 631/731 are working V787 to Dungog as they pause at the small station of Martins Creek on 15 March 2006. 8233 and 8215 power upgrade through Hilldale with SF531 to Stratford on 15 March 2006. Coal traffic is relatively new to the North Coast line but the sight of double 82s hauling rakes to and from the loader at Stratford is now a common sight. 8244 and 8245 power empty service SF533 through Kilbride on 15 March 2006. QR loco 2819 is third unit behind EL60 and EL58 at the head of QR National's 3BM7 at Dungog on 15 March 2006. 2819 was on its first trip to Sydney for crew training. NR112 and NR55 (the latter in the TrailerRail colour scheme) approach Gloucester with 3BM2 on 14 March 2006. Stroud Road on 14 March 2006: 3BM2 is making its way through the rolling hills. A deserted farmhouse stands silent witness as NR112 and NR55 roll 3BM2 through Wards River on 14 March 2006. NR70 is in charge of a lightly loaded 3SB7 at Wards River on 14 March 2006. 3BM2 rolls through the remote settlement of Bundook on 14 March 2006. NT32 XPT from Brisbane rolls through the farmland at Wards River on 14 March 2006.

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]]> Tue Mar 14 2006 NSW railway infrastructure 1986 - 1989 http://railart.fotopic.net/c1031993.html The latter half of the 1980s was mostly an era of stagnation in the world of NSW railway infrastructure. Although many buildings had been demolished in the first half of the 1980s, the pace later slowed, and very little in the way of new structures were erected. Towards the end of the decade, a review by consultants Booz-Allen & Hamilton foreshadowed a considerable rationalisation of the network, thus hastening the task of recording what was still in existence. Wednesday 1 January 1986: The latter half of the 1980s was mostly an era of stagnation in the world of NSW railway infrastructure. Although many buildings had been demolished in the first half of the 1980s, the pace later slowed, and very little in the way of new structures were erected. Towards the end of the decade, a review by consultants Booz-Allen & Hamilton foreshadowed a considerable rationalisation of the network, thus hastening the task of recording what was still in existence.

The station at the Upper Hunter locale of Greta on 9 November 1987. This station remains in use, although some minor modifications have been made, and the upper quadrant signal in the distance has been superseded by a colour light model. Opened in 1878, Lithgow Yard signal box is the oldest signal box still in use in NSW. It has even survived the electrification of the line from Sydney to Lithgow. Lithgow Coal Stage signal box oversees the eastern end of the yard complex at Lithgow. The coal stage itself has long since disappeared but the location lives on as a busy network hub. Rydal railway station in October 1986. Twenty years later the structure still stands, although the line through here is now single track. In 2006, the station is a B&B. Walllerawang East signal box controlled movements at the eastern end of the once extensive yard at Wallerawang, although by the 1980s, the status of the location had reduced by a considerable margin. The impressive and imposing station at Wallerawang, junction between the Main Western line and the branch to Mudgee and onwards to Gwabegar. By 1986, it had been out of use for some time, but its sandstone station building is a stark reminder of earlier glories. Over three years have elapsed since CTC signalling was commissioned on the Main North but the former frame at Parkville is still extant on 9 November 1987. The remains of the former signal box at St Heliers, near Muswellbrook, on 9 November 1987, a few weeks after the box was destroyed by a runaway coal train. St Heliers was once the junction for a short branch to a nearby mine (far track in this photo).

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]]> Wed Jan 1 1986 Scenes around Sydney - the early 1980s http://railart.fotopic.net/c1030982.html By the mid 1980s, Sydney's suburban railway system had been extensively colonised by double deck rolling stock. However, the venerable single decker units continued to operate in vast numbers, some remaining in the abortive 'PTC blue' colour scheme of the 1970s. Loco hauled trains could be seen daily under the command of the 46 class electric units while many interurban services were worked by the so-called 'U-Boats', the beautifully designed single decker silver sets that sped between Sydney and the Blue Mountains and the Central Coast. These trains represented the ultimate in 1950s sophistication and their elegant and stylish simplicity has never been bettered. Wednesday 9 July 1980: By the mid 1980s, Sydney's suburban railway system had been extensively colonised by double deck rolling stock. However, the venerable single decker units continued to operate in vast numbers, some remaining in the abortive 'PTC blue' colour scheme of the 1970s. Loco hauled trains could be seen daily under the command of the 46 class electric units while many interurban services were worked by the so-called 'U-Boats', the beautifully designed single decker silver sets that sped between Sydney and the Blue Mountains and the Central Coast. These trains represented the ultimate in 1950s sophistication and their elegant and stylish simplicity has never been bettered.

4422 waits to depart Sydney with the South Mail to Albury on 11 July 1980. The steady drone of 4601 and 4607 rings out across Illawarra Junction as they storm out of town with the Indian Pacific at the beginning of the long journey to Perth on 9 July 1980. 4615 waits to depart Sydney with the Mudgee Mail on 11 July 1980. 4631 leads a Down passenger train through Summer Hill on 9 July 1980. 4635 stands waiting to depart Sydney Terminal with the Western Mail to Dubbo and Parkes on 9 July 1980. Note the van on the siding to the left and the U-Boat waiting for departure on the far right. Set M6, a combination of single deck power cars and double deck trailers, rolls through Stanmore on 9 July 1980. Above the ESR platforms at Central lie the unknown and unused platforms 26 and 27, built at the same time as the Eastern Suburbs Railway in anticipation of another route to the south eastern suburbs that has never been built. Platform 27 at Central, built as part of the ESR project but never used. A single decker set crosses the Sydney Harbour bridge on 9 July 1980. During 2005, additional security fences were installed along the bridge footways, thus removing these sort of photogrpahic opportunities. A single decker set pauses at Macdonaldtown station on 9 July 1980. A single decker set races through the suburban station of Summer Hill on the Another single deck set at Summer Hill, 9 July 1980. A single decker interurban set, known as a Another U-Boat awaits departure from Sydney terminal on the night of 11 July 1980.

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]]> Wed Jul 9 1980 Demondrille North signal box August 1985 http://railart.fotopic.net/c1025362.html Demondrille North Signal Box, located near the twin towns of Harden/Murrumburrah in the South West of New South Wales (Australia), works the junction between the main Southern line (linking Sydney and Melbourne) and the line to Cowra and Blayney. In August 1985 it was attended throughout the week, althought the signal box was relegated to 'attended as required' status in June 1992. Sunday 4 August 1985: Demondrille North Signal Box, located near the twin towns of Harden/Murrumburrah in the South West of New South Wales (Australia), works the junction between the main Southern line (linking Sydney and Melbourne) and the line to Cowra and Blayney. In August 1985 it was attended throughout the week, althought the signal box was relegated to 'attended as required' status in June 1992.

The exterior of the signal box. The NSW Standard Block Telegraph instruments. One instrument works the section to Harden South while the other superintends the section to Wallendbeen. The lever frame. The red levers are for signals, the blue levers for point locks, the blac,k levers for points and the white levers are unused ('spare'). The telephones in the signal box and the desk with the train registers.

Published in Rails across Australia

]]> Sun Aug 4 1985 Hunter Valley in 1984 http://railart.fotopic.net/c1025328.html Some scenes of trains and stations in the Hunter Valley of New South Wales (Australia) taken in 1984. The Hunter Valley is the source of significant coal traffic, but the lines also see passenger trains. Much of the infrastructure has changed over the years - some of the buildings in these photos no longer exist. Friday 10 August 1984: Some scenes of trains and stations in the Hunter Valley of New South Wales (Australia) taken in 1984. The Hunter Valley is the source of significant coal traffic, but the lines also see passenger trains. Much of the infrastructure has changed over the years - some of the buildings in these photos no longer exist.

The signal box at Civic, the smallest signal box on the system. Although it is no longer in use, the building stills stands. In 2006, East Maitland station still stands and not much has changed since 1984, apart from the trains that rumble by. The station at Lochinvar is still open, although this structure has been demolished and replaced by a much simpler version. The section of the building nearest the camera was the signal box - note the 'gap' in the platform face for the wires and point rodding. The derelict and vandalised building on the Down platform at Tarro in August 1984 no longer stands. Today's passengers must make do with a 'bus shelter' style of building. Note the gap in the platform face that indicates the relative location of the former signal box.

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]]> Fri Aug 10 1984 NSW railway infrastructure in the early 1980s http://railart.fotopic.net/c1024166.html Some views of infrastructure around the NSW rail system from the early to mid 1980s. Branch line services were still operating on a number of lines and many stations that have since been demolished, in whole or in part, were still standing. Sidings could be seen with wagons occupying them - it was a different railway in the early 1980s, although the system was by then in decline. Train services were being cut, stations that had been closed were demolished and the reminders of the steam age were starting to rapidly disappear. In retrospect, the 1980s can be seen as the decade in which the rail system shook off the cloak of its considerable steam heritage, but in so doing, it lost much of what had made it such an interesting experience for travellers and enthusiasts alike. By the end of the decade, considerable change was in store, but these images depict a time that was rapidly closing. Thursday 1 January 1981: Some views of infrastructure around the NSW rail system from the early to mid 1980s. Branch line services were still operating on a number of lines and many stations that have since been demolished, in whole or in part, were still standing. Sidings could be seen with wagons occupying them - it was a different railway in the early 1980s, although the system was by then in decline. Train services were being cut, stations that had been closed were demolished and the reminders of the steam age were starting to rapidly disappear. In retrospect, the 1980s can be seen as the decade in which the rail system shook off the cloak of its considerable steam heritage, but in so doing, it lost much of what had made it such an interesting experience for travellers and enthusiasts alike. By the end of the decade, considerable change was in store, but these images depict a time that was rapidly closing.

Boggabilla was the end of the line north of Moree and the terminus was located across the border from the Queensland town of Goondiwindi. The line has long since been truncated to North Star and this station has been demolished. Corowa marked the end of the line from Culcairn and the line was still open when this photo was taken in February 1981, although by the end of the decade trains had ceased to run this far. Dombarton signal box, on the line between Moss Vale and Unanderra and depicted here on 16 February 1985, controlled an elaborate set of crossing sidings. Johns River station on the North Coast line between Taree and Wauchope. The southern highlands station of Marulan is still in use in 2006, although its signal box has been closed since 1992. The upper quadrant signal visible in this view has been removed. There is still a station at Menangle Park, on Sydney's southern outskirts, but this model has been demolished. Millthorpe station still stands although it is no longer serviced by trains. In fact, the track has been slewed away from the platform and the other platform, to the right of the camera, has been removed. The former signal box at Mindaribba, the first crossing loop north of Telarah on the North Coast line, some years after it closed as a result of the CTC signalling project. The platform and box have long since been demolished and a small platform is now available on the loop. Molong station in September 1981, when its yard was still intact. Today, most of the track has been removed, the main line has been slewed away from the platform and the former line to Dubbo (behind camera) is now a refuge. The station at Narromine, junction for the lines to Parkes and Cobar (formerly also Bourke). The station at Perthville, located a few km west of Bathurst, no longer stands. The station at Raglan on 11 September 1981. Note the 49 class loco in the distance. This unit was the 'bank engine' for the day and was on its way back to Bathurst after pushing a train up the hill. The former signal box at Sandgate, on the line between Broadmeadow and Maitland. This building has since been demolished and only 'bus stop' style shelters are provided at this station. Tarana station, located between Lithgow and Bathurst, still stands, but the yard has been rationalised. The line from Wallerawang is now single track, although double track remains from here to Kelso. The signals that are visible in this view have been removed. A crowd waits on the station at Trangie, in far western NSW, for a tour train to arrive on 12 September 1981. The former station at Wallarobba. The middle building is the former signal box. Since this photo was taken (on 1 March 1985), a new crossing loop has been opened about 1 km further up the line. The loop in this scene has been taken up, the station demolished and a new short platform built on the opposite side of the line. Wimbledon station was located between Bathurst and Blayney. A one time crossing loop that divided the section between Tumulla and Gresham, it had recently ceased to function as such by the time of this view in September 1981 and was later demolished. Note the loose signal wire against the platform face, the now redundant levers on the platform and the small 'cage' for the SM to stand in while exchanging the Staff. Today, no trace of this station remains. The station at Yeoval, on the cross-country line between Dubbo and Molong, on 13 September 1981, at which time the line was still open. It finally closed in 1987. The rail motor to Moree waits at Inverell station for departure. The closed signal box at Snowy Junction, a few km north of Cooma, was still standing many years after it had ceased to operate. The Wagga Wagga to Tumbarumba branch was truncated to Ladysmith in 1975 but 8 years later the derelict station at the terminus was still standing. It has long since been demolished. Deep in the lower New England area of NSW, the station at Walcha Road, between Tamworth and Armidale on the Main Northern line.

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]]> Thu Jan 1 1981 Branxton 19 February 2006 http://railart.fotopic.net/c1023309.html Some views taken at the NSW Hunter Valley station of Branxton, about 30 km west of Maitland, on one afternoon: Sunday 19 February 2006. Frequent coal trains roll through Branxton but the station is no longer attended and only local trains continue to stop at what is now only a minor station in the Hunter Valley network. Sunday 19 February 2006: Some views taken at the NSW Hunter Valley station of Branxton, about 30 km west of Maitland, on one afternoon: Sunday 19 February 2006. Frequent coal trains roll through Branxton but the station is no longer attended and only local trains continue to stop at what is now only a minor station in the Hunter Valley network.

Local service V603 arrives at Branxton on its way to Muswellbrook. Empty cotton containers are heading for Narrabri behind aging Alco units on 19 February 2006. An empty coal train rolls through on its way to the mines further up the Hunter Valley. A rebuilt 'Jumbo' leads a former branchliner through Branxton en route to the north west. A rainbow lights the sky behind signal number BN106D. The railway station at Branxton is only served by local trains. Part of the platform has been raised to match the floor height of modern rolling stock. The signal box (nearest camera) is no longer used on a regular basis and the station is permanently unattended. The pole lines are fast disappearing from the railway corridors but this impressive collection of wires can still be seen at Branxton.

Published in Rails across Australia

]]> Sun Feb 19 2006 Queanbeyan signal box http://railart.fotopic.net/c1018945.html Queanbeyan is the junction for the railway line to Canberra, Australia's capital city, and the line that formerly ran to Bombala. Truncated to Cooma in 1987 and again to Michelago in 1989, the former Bombala line is now a 'branch line' with trains only operating as far as Royalla. The line to Canberra is now the 'main line'. CountryLink operates Xplorer services between Sydney and Canberra each day and Pacific National runs fuel trains to Canberra three times per week. This is now the only freight that is carried by rail to the nation's capital. Queanbeyan signal box contains a small lever frame, two miniature electric staff instruments (the sections are to Canberra and Bungendore) and an Ordinary Train Staff and Ticket box for the section to Royalla. 'Tourist' services are now the only trains that run to Royalla, with the line being operated by the Australian Railway Historical Society ACT Division. The ARHS also runs Queanbeyan station. Saturday 29 April 2006: Queanbeyan is the junction for the railway line to Canberra, Australia's capital city, and the line that formerly ran to Bombala. Truncated to Cooma in 1987 and again to Michelago in 1989, the former Bombala line is now a 'branch line' with trains only operating as far as Royalla. The line to Canberra is now the 'main line'. CountryLink operates Xplorer services between Sydney and Canberra each day and Pacific National runs fuel trains to Canberra three times per week. This is now the only freight that is carried by rail to the nation's capital. Queanbeyan signal box contains a small lever frame, two miniature electric staff instruments (the sections are to Canberra and Bungendore) and an Ordinary Train Staff and Ticket box for the section to Royalla. 'Tourist' services are now the only trains that run to Royalla, with the line being operated by the Australian Railway Historical Society ACT Division. The ARHS also runs Queanbeyan station.

The lever frame. The red levers are for signals, the blue levers are for point locks ( The Ordinary Train Staff and Ticket box The second miniature electric staff instrument One of the miniature electric staff instruments The track and signal diagram, showing a number of modifications that have been made over the years Red and green flags and the point clips, complete with SL Locks The train working telephone, train control phone and train register Another view of the frame, note the signal repeaters on the shelf above the levers

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]]> Sat Apr 29 2006 Melbourne trams and trains http://railart.fotopic.net/c1018806.html Some views of trams and trains operating in the Melbourne (Australia) CBD. Melbourne boasts one of the world's largest street tram networks as well as a suburban electrified railway network. Trams operate on standard gauge tracks (1435mm or 4'8 1/2") but the trains run on the 'Irish' broad gauge (1600mm or 5'3"). Broad gauge tracks can also be found in neighbouring South Australia but besides Ireland, the only other place in the world that claims this gauge is Brazil. Melbourne is the only city in Australia with a significant tram network, although small systems exist in Adelaide and Sydney, as well as a tourist-oriented system in the regional Victorian city of Bendigo. The railway viaduct that runs between Flinders and Spencer St stations (the latter now known as Southern Cross) features six tracks, four of which are bi-directional. The direction of operation changes at about midday. Tuesday 11 July 2006: Some views of trams and trains operating in the Melbourne (Australia) CBD. Melbourne boasts one of the world's largest street tram networks as well as a suburban electrified railway network. Trams operate on standard gauge tracks (1435mm or 4'8 1/2") but the trains run on the 'Irish' broad gauge (1600mm or 5'3"). Broad gauge tracks can also be found in neighbouring South Australia but besides Ireland, the only other place in the world that claims this gauge is Brazil. Melbourne is the only city in Australia with a significant tram network, although small systems exist in Adelaide and Sydney, as well as a tourist-oriented system in the regional Victorian city of Bendigo. The railway viaduct that runs between Flinders and Spencer St stations (the latter now known as Southern Cross) features six tracks, four of which are bi-directional. The direction of operation changes at about midday.

The searchlight signals on the viaduct between Flinders and Spencer St await their next customer during the evening peak. A tram waits for the traffic lights to change at the corner of Spencer and Latrobe Sts in Melbourne. The intersection of Latrobe and Spencer Sts is a busy junction and sees constant tram movements throughout the day. A W class tram painted in Christmas colours rolls along Flinders St A City Cirlce tram, a free service that operates around the edge of the CBD, in Flinders St A Comeng set on the viaduct beside Flinders St Running downhill towards Flinders St, this tram will pass under the railway viaduct Another view of the viaduct Yet another train on the viaduct The intersection between two famous streets: Flinders and Spencer, trams below and trains above.

Published in Rails across Australia

]]> Tue Jul 11 2006 July 2005 http://railart.fotopic.net/c962504.html Some early photos taken with a Nikon Coolpix digital camera. Saturday 23 July 2005: Some early photos taken with a Nikon Coolpix digital camera.

Published in Rails across Australia

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