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, December 15, 2025

ALBUMS: INFRASTRUCTURE NSW PT2




 New South Wales was home to a vast and diverse rail network, with railway stations and yards, that tell stories of Australia’s past, present, and future. From bustling city hubs to quiet rural stops, each station has its unique character, reflecting the region it serves. In this photo series, we’ll take a visual journey through some of the most intriguing and picturesque railway stations both here and interstate.

  This series highlights the essence of NSW's rail heritage, from iconic architectural designs to the functional infrastructure that keeps the railways running. You’ll see platforms bathed in morning light, signal boxes that have stood the test of time, bridges that connect both towns and generations and infrastructure that has since been eradicated from the face of the planet. Each photograph captures a moment in the life of these stations, offering a glimpse into the everyday operations and history that intertwines with the people who pass (or in many cases passed) through them.

  Join me as we explore the beauty and charm of these places, where every track, platform, and signal has a story to tell. Whether you’re a railway enthusiast, hater, or simply appreciate the quiet elegance of infrastructure in motion, this series offers a look at locations visited over my decades of travelling around.

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NSW Railways Past and Present.
The Internet's premier group covering the incredible heritage of our railways.
All of the history - None of the hate. 
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Track diagram in the Cootamundra West signalbox.
Photo: Brad Peadon


Above and two below.
The former station of Batlow, terminus of the branch from Gilmore on the Tumut line. For a brief time the line extended on to Kunama.
The station has sadly since been obliterated.
Named after a pastoral holding from when the area was first surveyed.
Photos: Brad Peadon





The impressive Temora station, junction for lines to Griffith and Lake Cargelligo.
A museum now exists here.
Photo: Brad Peadon


Colo Vale on the Picton to Mittagong loop line.
After many many years of disuse, the railway museum at Thirlmere is currently working to reintroduce special trains to here.
Colo is apparently an Indigenous Australian term for Koala or native bear.
Photo: Brad Peadon

 

Above and two below.
A few views of the Gelco sidings at East Botany during now completed duplication works.
Photos: Brad Peadon




Former Yass Town Fettlers Shed.
This former terminus is now the Yass Railway Museum.
Photo: Brad Peadon


A safe notice for the former Rozelle goods line in Sydney.
Scan: Brad Peadon Collection


BHP Port Kembla trackage over the Allan's Creek bridge at Spring Hill.
Torpedo ladle transfers go across here if needing to be dumped, although it isn't something I've seen for some time. 
Photo: Brad Peadon


3642 and 3137 sitting around Thirlmere station.
The station itself is looking a little sad with its awning having taken a trip over the roof and onto East Parade during a Willi-willy.
The damage to the southern chimney damage also evident.
There name comes from a lake near Penrith in the United Kingdom.
Photo: Brad Peadon


The Rock station in the Deep South of NSW, with the geographical feature where it got it's name appearing in the distance.
Photo: Brad Peadon


The beautiful Tenterfield Station.
Named after a family estate in Scotland.
Photo: Brad Peadon


Above and below.
The former Rockdale signalbox in Sydney.
Sadly now all boarded up and derelict after the railways threw out the model railway club that were looking after it.
Photos: Brad Peadon




Above and below
Tumut railway station at the end of the branch line from Cootamundra. The line had closed earlier in the decade and it was looking rather sad at this time.
Tumut is an Indigenous Australian term for 'by the river'.
Photos: Brad Peadon



 Above and two below.
The former Caltex fuel sidings at Banksmeadow during removal.
Photos: Brad Peadon




Southern Highlands station of Wingello 'drink'.
Photo: Brad Peadon


Brewongle brick pile some time after it's 1988 demolition.
Brewongle is an Indigenous Australian term for 'camping place'.
Photo: Brad Peadon




Above and two below.
The lovely 'Robertson Heritage Railway Station' on the Unanderra to Moss Vale cross country line.
Photo: Brad Peadon




Heritage inspection of Newbridge Station on the western line.
Supposedly named after a 'then' newly opened nearby bridge. No, I ain't making that up.
Photo: Brad Peadon



Windsor station on the Richmond branch line in Sydney.
Back in the lovely pre-electrification days.
It has changed somewhat today.
Named Windsor after the place of the same name near London in the United Kingdom.
Photo: Brad Peadon
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Lindsay Lucas, Kevin Medley, Ronnie Smithston
Australian Locomotive Rosters
Smithston Design & Graphics
Wikipedia
 






Check our new Linktree site above for piles of dreary transport entertainment.
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#semiretiredfoamer








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