Local Government 100 year anniversary Train.
I was recently sent 4 pictures, of the NSW Heritage train, in the Wagga area, that I thought I would like to share.
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| The Heritage Train at Bomen. Double headed Z12, and a C36. The Z12 has an unusual cow-catcher, and old time headlight, and this reminded me of the modifications that occured with the Z12 for the Mick Jagger 1969 film "Ned Kelly", that was filmed on the Captain's Flat line. There is a RUB set on the mainline. |
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| A picture from the cab of the C36, of the train arriving at Wagga. The people lined up on platform and the footbridge is most impressive. |
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| Judging from the school uniforms, it must have been a school-day. The signs are of extra interest to me. I have not modelled the "WAY OUT" sign underneath my HO Wagga station platform awning, and I might have to fix that ommission |
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| Ready for departure. The Z12 has been turned on Wagga's 60' turntable, but the C36 was too big, and simply repositioned, and will run tender first for the return journey back to (I assume) Junee |
More details on the train
I showed these images to Pete Neve (OAM), and Pete checked his extensive railway archive, and discovered what the train was. The below notes are from the March 1970 digest.
Vintage Train Movements
176, alas 1243, was noticed outshopped at the Carriage Works Yard at Redfern, on Monday 2/3, following a complete repainting. In full public view, the locomotive in its apple green livery, attracted much curious and favourable comment from the passing public; next morning, the engine with a full head of steam was noted at Eveleigh, awaiting its return to Enfield.
In connection with the Local Government Celebrations, the Vintage Train ran to Wagga Wagga on Monday afternoon 16/3. Working for the special train was - Early on Friday morning 13/3, engine 176 (1243) proceeded l.e. from Enfield to Hornsby and after turning and taking on water, collected the Vintage Train of NCL set 88 (CBC CBC HX), AC.1. (old State Car) and SWT 12 (water jinty), and proceeded to North Strathfield, where 3616 was attached to the lead. After stops for water at Moss Vale, Yass Junction, and Cootamundra, and reconditioning at Goulburn, the train was scheduled to arrive at Junee a little before 6pm.
On Monday afternoon, the Vintage Train, with 176 leading 3616, AC and NCL set, left Junee conveying passengers from Junee and Bomen, arrived at Wagga Wagga at 3:30pm. After a stay of a little over 3 hours, the train returned to Junee. Next morning, with water gin attached, and 3616 leading, the return trip to Hornsby was made; stops for watering at Yass Junction and Moss Vale, and at Goulburn for servicing. 176 was detached at Clyde Sidings and returned to Enfield, leaving 3616 to return the cars to Hornsby carriage sidings.
Thank you Pete.
Other details
Looking at the pictures, there is much to be gained. The tracks for the old dock at Bomen were visible. The design of the lamps at Bomen and Wagga. The old station nameboard, with the "Change here for Tumbarumba line" lettering below the main "WAGGA WAGGA" name. And the RUB set is probably the Down Intercapital Daylight - that would have overtaken the Heritage train, and arrived at Wagga leaving for Melbourne around 3pm. (I dimly remember 3:12pm from the "Train Times" published daily in the Daily Advertiser) The Hertitage train thus would have been stopped at Bomen for some time to allow the Daylight train to pass.
And throwing in a special train working card for an operating session will add some spice.
Conclusion
My blog was not originally set up for being a historical record, but placing the layout within an historical context adds authenticity. Hopefully this excursion back to history has not been dull for my readers, and you might be able to operate a similar special train on your layout.
I am still continuing with the fast tracks turnout construction, and this is not fast enough for me, as I am constantly being distracted. And we have found homes for the Kittens - one is going to Canberra, and the other is staying in Junee.
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| "Ginger" |
Until next time
