69843

If it was made here, it's a ute not a pick-up.

Something slightly different-today was 3801ltd's 200th Cockatoo Run since the re-launch in 2008, and it did turn up somethng slightly unusual: 4464 was attached to the front of the run, and was apparently out on a trial run after having some work done. So it gave us the wonderful sight of two locomotives on 3 cars, quite a good ratio indeed! The train took a short pick-up break at Sutherland, before departing for Thirroul, Woolongong, Unenderra, Robertson and Moss Vale It then stormed out of the station, giving off a good amount of ALCo trademark clag.

Can't buy me love - The Beetles

Just played the two at the same strech of track simutaniously-6A most certainly has a more defined 'bark', as well as sounding much more sure footed when climbing. It is also interesting to note the much clearer exhaust compared to 8A.

Rock 'n' Roll Ain't Noise Pollution - AC/DC

I do like the 'Super R' class engines-in a way, it's a pity one of them wasn't retained in this condition. A good descriptive link to the modifications undertaken, and some of the reasons why: http://www.martynbane.co.uk/modernsteam/pg/westcoast/anatomy.htm

TTTE in Sydney yesterday

1803 in the evening at Central, with 44211 and VHO 1816 providing power and support.

To be strictly correct, 1803 has been like this since 2009, when the first 'Day Out With Thomas' events were held. I know I will be hated for this, but it is nice to see it like this, as it at least means that it is looked after a bit more than the rusty engine 1803 previously was, and it attracts the younger generation towards the RTM. I am actually off to get some shots later this evening, and may also be able to get a shot of it being transfered back down. Good thing it is restricted to 40kp/h.

which the engine

'Oh look, Bill and Ben!' In all reality, those are some wonderful shots Will. The shot of 78019 has a nice feel about it, and the fence in the foreground gives it a nice bit of perspective. The DMU also looks like it's heading away? I'm looking at modelling the Port of Par pair later this year. Plans are proving interesting to find in Oz...

Whoops-my bad. I was on a phone when that was posted, and failed to see that it had a 2-8-0 and not a 2-6-2 configuration. I'll just exit quietly now...

"Right lads, who parked the prairie on the beach huts?"

Here is some further NSW locomotives J&A Brown #5 The Major, ex-Mersy 0-6-4T down at Thirlmere ('scuse the smudge on the camera!) NSW Long Boiler E18, B/N 1542 of 1866. It is interesting to note this is seven years older than '1001' 1275 in the NRM. NSWGR 3137 and 3001TS. The tender 30 class (30T) were rebuilt from redundant 30 class tanks, hence the same numbering. It is possible to see the similarities between the two types in the side by side shot. NSWGR 4461, owned by QUBE rail. It is interesting that between the two photos (November 11th and March 3rd), the locomotive was repainted from original Red Terror livery into new paint. 1920s built NSWGR Bradfield Electric car C3045. This was a Hornsby maintained set, designated by the H on the 'Target Plate'. The H set is now used for OSCARs. NSWGR Standard Goods D55 class 5595. This class were built with Southern Valvegear, which was rather unusual. NSWGR D59 class 5910. Another one of the class (5917) is due to be back on the mainline later this year hopefully. And the following are from a few freinds albums NSWGR Silver City Comet power car No. 104, slowly being worked on at the RTM. Australian Iron and Steel D1 class leader D1 on the new turntable. NSWGR CPH 'Tin Hare' railcar No. 18 in 1920s wooden finish condition.

AD60 6040 at Thirlmere last November, with F351 Class (X10 Class) 1033 in front.

I actually think that it doesn't look that bad... Yep. 1943 built W/N 2890 as a matter of fact.

I would have loved to have grabbed the sound of an ALCo 244 motor ticking over, however I was quite busy and didn't have anything apart from the camera with me. A friend did go out to film the train, and hopefully it has some ALCo sound with it. I'll pop it here once it goes up.

Some shots of yesterdays Southern Highlander, which was the first time over the line for me. The train engines were 3642 pulling, with 44211 and 4306 on the rear assisting up the escarpment. Working the trip meant shooting opportunities were limited... 4306 sits at Robertson, idling away with a nice chugging of the ALCo engine in the wonderful GE body (being unique as the only surviving GE-ALCo in Australia). Sadly, the vehicle shed couldn't be moved. 44211 (with 4306 behind) sits on the rear of the train 3642 at Central, with the crowds mobbing it And the wonderful, warm cab (not the best shot...). Swinging the shovel a couple of times was good fun!