After a challenging year, the anticipation for this year's annual Railfan Christmas party was higher than ever.
To make it easier for me to attend, Bradly Coulter, who usually organizes these events, thoughtfully chose Sydney as the venue.
For several years, we’d toyed with the idea of hosting the party along Sydney’s premier goods line to Port Botany. Initially, the Banksia Street bridge at Pagewood seemed like the ideal spot. However, a visit to the recently cleared Mascot Crossing site revealed it to be a much more fitting location.
The choice proved to be a hit, resulting in our best turnout since the memorable 2022 Wingello party.
If you have an interest in aviation and other guff, check out my
With persistent rumors about the impending withdrawal of the 14 class, capturing these locomotives was a top priority for most partygoers. However, the excitement over spotting so many Helgas was slightly eclipsed by an unexpected highlight—a surprise combo on the Southern Shorthaul from Kelso! 🙂
A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who joined us for the day.
Looking ahead, we’re planning something special for next year: a gathering in the Hunter to honor the memory of our friend, Brian Leedham.
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1428 passes the site of the former Mascot level crossing with containers destined for Moorebank.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Busy day for 1928 with her now being seen headed towards Port Botany.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Brad Coulter, Lindsay Lucas, and Steve Henry enjoying the annual Christmas function.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Cale Seamer (Mr Railway Coins) and the legendary Scott Mitchell.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Bradly Coulter, Brad Coulter, Nathan Chapple, Steve Henry, Wayne Eade.
Photo: Brad Peadon
The 14 class were out in force for the party.
1435 on another shuttle to Port Botany.
Photo: Brad Peadon
While overcast, for the most part, it was dry.
Most importantly, while the trains were going by.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Mr Lindsay Lucas.
Photo: Brad Peadon
The 412 in all it's famed glory.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Another of these rather unpretty beasts comes out of port.
Photo: Brad Peadon
A rather spotless 8130 was next through.
It ain't no candy livery, but it does look pretty good when new.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Nathan grabbing some bogie detail shots.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Who hasn't heard of the legendary Scott Mitchell?.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Definitely, one of the nicest blokes in the hobby.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Above and below.
Suddenly we were greeted with this year's Christmas miracle.
C506 B61 4532 GM27 C504 with containers from Kelso to Port Botany.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Mr Steven Henry, a member of my era. :-)
Photo: Brad Peadon
G516 G534 on a Swift shuttle headed to Port Botany.
Some remains of the former level crossing can be seen to the left.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Without a doubt one of the best rail photographers in Australia today.
Mr Wayne Eade prepares for the approach of another train.
Photo: Brad Peadon
PHC001 and PHC002 led the Crawfords Train (Sandgate to Port Botany) past us with what was the last train we would see at this year's event.
Photo: Brad Peadon
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Following is a selection of old shots taken while the level crossing was still in place.
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Nathan Chapple, Brad Coulter, Bradly Coulter, Wayne Eade, Steve Henry, Lindsay Lucas, Scott Mitchell, and Cale Seamer.
And my driver on the day Ms Ana.
Check our new Linktree site above for piles of dreary transport entertainment.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------I would have liked to have been an Astronaut.
Seeing as I am not a top gun pilot, have excellent health or degrees coming out of my ears, not liking sci-fi as it is ridiculous and far fetched, or remotely interested in Uranus..
I have been quoted by peers as being a Space cadet on occasion though.
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