If you can’t beat them, join them and all that guff. That, dear reader, is pretty much how this day came about. With the Sydney V sets currently receiving more coverage than a celebrity court case, we figured we may as well throw our hats — and cameras — into the ring. After all, when something is declared “endangered”, photographers appear in numbers normally reserved for rare birds, steam specials, and anything with a chance of being withdrawn “by the end of the year”.
So, armed with cameras, optimism, and a complete misunderstanding of mountain weather forecasts, Dr Cooties and I set off into the Blue Mountains last July — specifically the delightful locale that is Mt Victoria. It was one of those days that pretends to be brisk before revealing itself as properly freezing, thoroughly soaked, and generally unwelcoming. Naturally, this made it the ideal environment to photograph trains that have spent decades battling mountain winters without complaint.
For those not already neck-deep in interurban trivia, the V sets first entered service from 1970 onwards, built to move long-distance commuters in comfort between Sydney and places where jumpers are considered standard equipment. With stainless-steel bodies, reversible seating, and a ride that still embarrasses some newer stock, they became the undisputed kings of the mountains — and, depending who you ask, the last NSW interurban trains with any real personality.
The core cast for the day remained unchanged: myself and Dr Cooties, slowly losing circulation while repeatedly insisting that “just one more train” was a sensible plan. Chris Lithgow and The Colonel made brief cameo appearances, wisely choosing warmth and shelter over commitment, a decision we publicly mocked while privately questioning our own life choices.
Despite the weather throwing everything it had at us, the V sets did what they’ve always done — turned up, climbed the grades, and thundered through Mt Victoria like they owned the place. Rain streaked the windows, mist hugged the cuttings, and the stainless-steel sides somehow managed to look both tired and dignified, which, frankly, was also true of the photographers by mid-afternoon.
There’s a certain irony in all this. For years these trains were simply there, quietly getting on with the job. Now, as their days wind down, they’re suddenly treated with reverence, nostalgia, and enough camera gear to stock a small JB Hi-Fi. Maybe that’s only fair — after more than half a century of service, they’ve earned the attention, even if it comes with wet socks and borderline hypothermia.
So here we are, adding yet another instalment to the long dreary goodbye. You know the drill: cold, rain, stainless steel, and a stubborn refusal to leave until the light is completely gone. Scroll on for the evidence — because no endangered species ever survived without being photographed to death first.
-----------------------------------------------
Semi-Retired Foamer!
Follow our page to be kept updated on news, photography, and every ghastly
thing we inflict upon the internet.
---------------------------------------------------------
Above and two below.
A look around the comfortable inside of carriage DIT-9184 of set V29 during our station hop to Mt Victoria.
thing we inflict upon the internet.
Photos: Brad Peadon
V29 is believed to be withdrawn at time of compiling this, however V28 is still listed as operating.
Oh to have a view like this from my kitchen window :-)
Above and below
Carriage DKM-8145
Photos: Brad Peadon
Carriage DJM-8111 (V28) on arrival at Mt Victoria.
Our train was made up of set V28 and V29.
Our train was made up of set V28 and V29.
Photo: Brad Peadon
V 28: DJM 8114, DIT 9129, DIT 9183, DJM 8111.
V 29: DKM 8145, DKT 9191, DIT 9184, DJM 8125.
Carriage DIT-9183 (V28).
Photo: Brad Peadon
Carriage DIT-9129 (V28).
Photo: Brad Peadon
Lead carriage DJM-8114 (V28).
Photo: Brad Peadon
Set V3 arrives from Lithgow with another Sydney bound service.
Photo: Brad Peadon
V3 is believed to be withdrawn at time of compiling this.
V 3: DIM 8057, DIT 9124, DIT 9167, DIM 8084.
Carriage DIT-9167 (V3).
Photo: Brad Peadon
Carriage DIT-9124 (V3).
Photo: Brad Peadon
Above and below.
Trailing driving car DIM-8057 (V3).
Photos: Brad Peadon
Carriage DIT-9124 again (V3).
Photo: Brad Peadon
Carriage DIT-9167 also again (V3).
Photo: Brad Peadon
V3 prepares to rack off towards Sydney.
Photo: Brad Peadon
DIM-8084 (V3).
Photo: Brad Peadon
DJM-8106 (V37) arriving from Sydney.
Photo: Brad Peadon
V37 is believed to be withdrawn at time of compiling this.
V 37: DJM 8106, DIT 9141, DIT 9181, DJM 8101.
DIT-9141 (V37) arriving from Sydney.
Photo: Brad Peadon
DIT-9181 (V37).
Photo: Brad Peadon
DJM-8104 leading our set V32 back to Sydney.
Photo: Brad Peadon
V32 is believed to be withdrawn at time of compiling this
V 32: DJM 8103, DIT 9151, DIT 9156, DJM 8104.
DIT-9156 (V32) our carriage of choice for the visually splendid return home.
Photo: Brad Peadon
So, as of January 20th, the only one above believed to still be operation is V28.
All are supposed to finish up on January 30th, thus ending a long era of serving the people in New South Wales.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Bradly Coulter, Chris Lithgow, Mick McGinty & David Phillips.
NOTE: The video version of this day out will appear on the 'Semi-Retired Foamer' YouTube Channel shortly.
Check our new Linktree site above for piles of dreary transport entertainment.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
No comments:
Post a Comment