The Semi-Retired Foamer has been a railfan since he was around 5 years old, oh yes a very young age, an age when one really should avoid being involved with the gunzel community to any great extent. A few rather unsavoury people bringing that fact home.
After a few decades of train chasing, one decided to break with protocol and get married, thus leading to a severe cut in railfan activity.
Subsequent dealings with hate breeders, lunatics, mental defectives and self-appointed preservation overlords lead to an even greater decrease in my hobby participation.
However things have changed thanks to our small group of trusted mates, interest has returned, and now I have become a bit more involved yet again.
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Over the years I have tried my best to further both the hobby, as well as the friendships that it brings. I have done this by setting up proactive groups both here in Australia, as well as the Philippines. It is with huge honour that I am often considered the founding father of the railfan hobby in the Philippines (my second home).
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I don't take the hobby too seriously and I am a friend to anyone who is good and genuine. But never forgive those who have used their hate to destroy my hobby or hurt the friends within it.

Let's Make The Hobby Great Again!
I aim to share the era that I considered mine, the 80s and 90s. I also like to help promote, and even raise funds for, the various heritage societies that keep the era alive
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**** LOCOMOTIVE/ PUBLICATIONS ****
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We occasionally publish information on the locomotives, and rollingstock, from railways in Australia and the Philippines.
All are available for
FREE at our ALR WEBSITE.




Please email me should you wish to use anything from this site !



Monday, October 13, 2025

SPOTLIGHT ON 6040.

 

Builder: Beyer Peacock & Company (UK)

Class: AD60

Builders #: 7542

Year: 1946

Wheel Arrangement: 4-8-4 + 4-8-4

Statically preserved at the NSW Rail Museum in Thirlmere.

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Semi-Retired Foamer!
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 If you’ve ever thought, “I wish I could get right up in the face of a Beyer-Garratt,” well, you’re in luck — and possibly in need of help. This photographic feast brings you every bolt, pipe, and grime-encrusted corner of New South Wales Government Railways’ AD60 class No. 6040, captured during a particularly unproductive 'Brad N Virls' visit to Thirlmere last year.

  For those playing at home, 6040 is one of four surviving examples of Australia’s biggest steam locomotives — the mighty AD60 class, built by Beyer, Peacock & Co. in Manchester. Designed to conquer the steep grades and heavy loads of NSW, they did so with style, smoke, and a noise level that could put the fear of god in livestock two shires away. These days, 6040 enjoys a peaceful, if not horridly boring, existence at the NSW Rail Museum, where it mostly just poses for cameras and tolerates foamers.

  So, whether you’re a modeller seeking the all important rivet-level accuracy, or just someone who enjoys staring at complicated machinery that have become condos for arachnids, welcome to a collection that proves beauty really is in the details (even with kettles) — especially when the details are the size of your arm.


AD60 6040's builders plate.



6040 photos above taken by Virlyn Artocillo.
Rest of the photos below by Brad Peadon.







Getting a good close look at the running gear of these beasts is always amazing. Particular when in operation.
 Photo: Brad Peadon.





Garratt 6040 makes a pretty impressive impression the second you walk out of the hall.
Photo: Brad Peadon.














Hopefully that collection of photos has been of some marginal use to someone.
If not, maybe some modicum of interest will come forward in whatever I decide to inflict upon you next.
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Note: Coming up on our SRF YouTube channel is a visit to the 'Black Diamond Heritage Centre' at Bulli station. A good look around, with footage of the utmost lowest quality you have come to demand.
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Virls.
The NSW Rail Museum volunteers.

The 'Australian Steam' website for the amazing effort you put in.
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Heritage/Research, and Travel Sites..
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