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).
_
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
_
**** LOCOMOTIVE/ PUBLICATIONS ****
-
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 !



Wednesday, July 22, 2026

RANDOM BUS GUFF - PART 19



Well... yes, I'm afraid to report that you've somehow stumbled into yet another collection of completely random Australian bus photos that I've accumulated over several decades while standing beside roads looking suspiciously like someone with far too much free time and far too little common sense.

As usual, there's absolutely no rhyme or reason to any of it. It's the traditional grab bag of old buses, new buses, buses that have long since disappeared, buses that probably wish they had, and the occasional oddball that made me think, "Well, I suppose I may as well waste another frame of film on that."

Normally I'd throw in the odd ticket, timetable, transfer slip or some other fascinating piece of transport paperwork to give everyone the illusion that there's a carefully thought-out theme. Sadly, this particular instalment is lacking all of that. Apparently I was far too busy loitering on street corners waiting for buses instead of collecting bits of cardboard to photograph.

So instead, what you get is a completely unscientific assortment of buses from various operators, various states, and various decades, all mashed together with the sort of organisation you'd expect from someone whose filing system consists largely of "I'll put that somewhere safe." Naturally, that safe place remains a complete mystery.

Anyway, it is what it is. There's no deep historical significance, no educational value worthy of a university thesis, and certainly no guarantee that you'll find your favourite bus lurking amongst the pages.

If you enjoy looking at old buses, hopefully you'll find something here to bring back a few memories.

If not... well... thanks for stopping by anyway. The exit is clearly marked, and I promise there'll probably be trains again before too long. Or at least that's the current rumour.
---------------------------------------------------------
Putting these sites together does take an immense amount of time and effort.
If you even find some moderate amount of enjoyment would you consider giving us even a little bit of 
support here?
Pretty please :-)
---------------------------------------------------------

 Any updates would be greatly appreciated.


Bedford M/O 5748 at Brooklyn (NSW)
It is believed it was shipped to Tonga around 1990.
No idea of it's current situation. But given it would be around 54 years old, it may have gone to god.
Photo: Brad Peadon


Above and below.
3398 in the Sydney Explorer livery at Randwick bus depot during 1991. Below is at Darling Harbour.
The Sydney Explorer buses are believed to have been withdrawn in 2010, this then being sold to Telfords.
It was last reported with Bluefit Fitness at Penshurst in 2019.
Photos: Brad Peadon



Mk5 Mercedes 3101 in the lovely Bicentennial livery about to depart Circular Quay (Sydney).
She has since been scrapped.
Photo: Brad Peadon


 1854 would go through numerous owners, starting with Crossley in Regents Park (Sydney), then working it's way to Cairns, with a Kempsey stopover.
Photo: Carl Millington
Brad Peadon Collection


Miss the ol Leyland Leopards, they were such a wonderful part of the Sydney.
1693 and 3823 were seen snoozing during a vist to North Sydney bus depot.
1693 would retired to beautiful Queensland, but is now scrapped.
3823 would have a few owners around Sydney, last noted as a deregistered motor home (2003) somewhere in New South Wales)
Photo: Brad Peadon


 Another Bicentennial bus in 3097, sitting next to the less impressive looking 2437 at Kingsgrove Depot in Sydney.
3097 would eventually end up with State Transit Newcastle Buses for parts, what was left sent to One Steel at Hexham for recycling.
2437 was last noted as a mobile workshop in the Narrabri area (2008), but has since been put up for a sale again. 
Photo: Brad Peadon


 3237 in the attractive 'Bondi & Bay Explorer' livery departing Circular Quay.
The bus would also see service as an Airport Express, but later sold to 'Kingsford Smith Transport', but now believed to be privately preserved.
Photo: Carl Millington
Brad Peadon Collection


2568 in the lovely livery variation in which they were delivered.
Would later be sold to  Hawkesfords, then Transit Scenic, before being sent to scrap in 2021.
Photo: Carl Millington
Brad Peadon Collection


Above and below.
Preserved 2294 during a visit to the former Rockdale signal box back when the 'Botany Railway Line MRC' had the lease.
It would later go through a few owners, but last reported as a shed at Londonderry .
Photos: Brad Peadon



Another two lovely Leyland Leopards, this time at the long since redeveloped Chullora Bus Workshops site.
1539
Both would go to Canterbury Bus Lines, but are now scrapped.
Photo: Brad Peadon


6994MO awaiting passengers at the railway station in Port Kembla (New South Wales).
Believed to still be in service with Premier Illawarra
Photo: Brad Peadon


AEC Regal IV 3197 seen at the former 'Historic Commercial Vehicle Association (now Sydney Bus Museum) museum at Tempe bus depot in Sydney.
Likely at the Leichardt depot museum now.
Photo: Brad Peadon


Mk4 Mercedes 2767 at Campsie (Sydney).
Sent for scrap in 2013.
Photo: Brad Peadon


3319 departing Circular Quay in 1990.
Sent for scrap from Randwick Depot in 2015.
Photo: Brad Peadon


3880 (MET845) and 3791 (MET837) when used in Melbourne.
Seen here at the Doncaster bus depot.
Both would go to Sita Buslines at Footscray, but never used. Now scrapped.
Photo: Brad Peadon


3434 takes on a van near the former railway crossing in Mascot (Sydney).
Bus would become part of Transit Systems when they took on the region 6 contract, then a private owner, before going to 'Kingsford Smith Transport' in 2019, and then another private owner in Castle Hill during 2021.
Photo: Brad Peadon


Leyland Atlantean 1003 outside the former 'Historic Commercial Vehicle Association' (Now Sydney Bus Museum) museum in Tempe.
Photo: Brad Peadon


Same bus noted during the 1989 Chullora Railway Workshops open day.
Photo: Brad Peadon



3203 on Elizabeth Street (Sydney) opposite St James station.
Now privately preserved.
Photo: Brad Peadon


2776 passing the Wansey Road light rail stop on Alison Road in Randwick.
Photo: Brad Peadon


Bendy 2574 waiting to depart from Wynyard on route 182 to Warringah Mall.
Current situation unknown.
Photo: Brad Peadon


Unidentified Mk1 Mercedes stored at Randwick bus depot.
Photo: Brad Peadon


Found this old school bus stop sign around Eastlakes (Sydney) a couple of years ago and reported it to the Sydney Bus Museum should they be interested in saving it.
Photo: Brad Peadon


That's all for the 19th dreary installment.
I've little doubt you will eventually be enduring the 20th.
-----------------------------------------------
Semi-Retired Foamer!
Follow our page to be kept updated on every ghastly
thing we inflict upon the internet.

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Friday, July 10, 2026

STREAMLINERS - FAREWELL BERNIE

 




 

Yep, I regret to inform you that there's yet another selection of photos ahead.

Following the recent and very sad news of the passing of railway legend Bernie Baker, I felt compelled to gather together all of the Bulldog locomotive photos I had waiting in the queue to appear on the site. It seemed only fitting that they should be shared now.

There is little doubt that Bernie will forever be associated with these magnificent classic locomotives. His two Streamliners events at Goulburn remain among the most memorable railway events I have experienced in more than four decades as a railfan. They were truly special occasions that brought together enthusiasts from far and wide to celebrate an iconic chapter of Australian railway history.

It would be difficult to find anyone in the railway preservation or enthusiast community who hadn't heard of Bernie. Many of us had the privilege of meeting him, and many more were fortunate enough to call him a friend. His passion, dedication and tireless work helped preserve an important part of our railway heritage for future generations, and his contribution will not be forgotten.

So, along with the tribute video I shared a few days ago, please accept this collection of Bulldog photographs as my own small tribute to a man whose legacy will continue to inspire railway enthusiasts for many years to come.

Rest easy, Bernie. You will always be remembered.

RIP Bernie Baker.

----------------------------------------------------
Putting these sites together does take an immense amount of time and effort.
If you even find some moderate amount of enjoyment would you consider giving us even a little bit of 
-----------------------------------------------


42107 on the rear of a coal train at Craven (NSW North Coast). 42302 and 42206 at the front.
Today it privately owned and painted in the reverse livery than only 42104 wore in regular service.
Photo: Brad Peadon

Above and three below.
GM27 at both Botany and Yennora in Sydney.
At time of putting this together she is sidelined due to Southern Shorthaul being suspended after a series of incidents.
But she is most normally seen in a new blue livery, operating the Yennora to Port Botany shuttle runs.
Photos: Brad Peadon





Above and three below.
GM22 in her former Great Northern, and later Southern Shorthaul, liveries seen out along the Botany freight line.
GM22 is also sidelined for the same reason outlined above.
Photos: Brad Peadon


The last few photos would have you believe it is always raining out Botany way :-)
GM38 and CLP14 prepare to depart from Botany New Yard.
GM38 is believed store, while CLP14 (ex CL4) in service with Aurizon.
Photo: Brad Peadon


Above and below.
GM34 and GM37 shunting past the former Cootamundra South Box in, not surprisingly, Cootamundra.
GM34 has since been scrapped (2014), however GM37 remains in operation.
Photos: Brad Peadon



CLP11 (ex CL14) is seen on another moist day, but this time up in the Blue Mountains town of Lithgow.
Believed to currently be in storage.
Photo: Brad Peadon


GM22 sitting at the Chullora Workshops in Sydney.
Photo: Brad Peadon


GM10, likewise sitting at Chullora.
GM10 is special in that it is now the oldest diesel locomotive still in commercial use here in Australia.
Well, it normally is, but it is also part of the Southern Shorthaul suspension.
Photo: Brad Peadon


B74 during a special anniversary event at the roundhouse in Junee.
She is reserved operational at the 'Seymour Railway Heritage Centre'.
Photo: Brad Peadon


Above and below.
42107 and 2208 (ex 42208, now DC2208).
Photos: Brad Peadon



Above and below.
42101 spent time in the dock at Goulburn before being moved to Goulburn Roundhouse for restoration.
It is owned by James Gray who has magnificently restored her to operation in her original Indian Red livery. 
Photos: Brad Peadon



42109 sitting at the depot in Casino and wearing the lovely Northern Rivers Railroad livery.
Sadly this one was later scrapped. 
Photo: Brad Peadon



8219 hauls GM3 to Bathurst, where she would be transferred to the Clyde plant at nearby Kelso.
GM3 had been magnificently restored at the Clyde plant, and had been on display at the Delec Locomotive Depot open day on the previous weekend.
Today GM3 is stored at Lithgow in a very sad condition, however 8219 is even worse off after a serious coal train collision that saw her upside and badly bent. The 82 has obviously been scrapped.
Photo: Brad Peadon


Above and three below. 
GM42 42210 2201 with 7340 dead attached.
We chased this train down south given the interesting site of the 73 on transfer to the Manildra plant at Narrandera. 
GM42: Believed stored.
42210: Operational 
2201 (ex 42205): Scrapped
Photos: Brad Peadon





CLP17 and CLP10 passing through Clarence (NSW Blue Mountains) with the westbound Indian Pacific.
CLP17 (ex CL8) remains operational, while CLP10 (CL17) is being restored back to her original look and number.  
Photo: Brad Peadon


A73 on an up passenger passing through Hoppers Crossing in Victoria.
Now scrapped.
Photo: Brad Peadon


A78 preparing to depart Spencer Street for Albury.
Now with the 'Seymour Railway Heritage Centre'.
Photo: Brad Peadon


A71 running around it's traain after arrival on a passenger service from Melbourne.
Now scrapped.
Photo: Brad Peadon


Above and below.
B75 arriving at Bacchus Marsh (Victoria) and then sitting in the yard.
Now with Southern Shorthaul.
Photos: Brad Peadon



B76 arriving at Spencer Street (Melbourne) on an up passenger service.
Believed stored with Southern Shorthaul.
Photo: Brad Peadon


Above and below.
S317 then and now. 
Above in her old V/Line livery, and below leaving Botany in this spectacular (IMHO) version of the Southern Shorthaul livery.
Today she is with Southern Shorthaul.
Photos: Brad Peadon



S312 and X42 bludging around Dynon loco depot back in the bicentennial year.
S312 is now with Rail Power in a black livery, while the X was scrapped back in 2019.
Photo: Brad Peadon


S304 is looking rather sickly while sitting here at the Dynon Locomotive Depot with T345 back in 1988.
S304 has not surprisingly been scrapped, while T345 has faired far better being operational with SCT.
Photo: Brad Peadon

----------------------------------------

B61 'BERNIE BAKER' Over The Years.

A selection of images showing B61 'Bernie Baker' over the years I've been lineside.
Thankfully, B61 remains in service. At least it will be when SSR is able to operate again.


The Streamliners livery she currently wears, seen here sitting around the Goulburn turntable during the first Streamliners event.
Photo: Brad Peadon


The West Coast Rail livery was an amazing colour scheme, and I think still my favourite to grace a B.
Here she passes Footscray station on a down passenger service.
Photo: Brad Peadon


B61 on a goods train travelling over the viaduct between Flinders and Spencer Street stations in Melbourne.
At the time I was waiting for some L class on the arvo freight off the Port Melbourne line.
Photo: Brad Peadon


B61 on another West Coast Rail service passing through somewhere that may or may not be Newport (Melbourne).
Photo: Brad Peadon


B61 getting some TLC in the West Coast Rail depot at Ballarat East.
Photo: Brad Peadon


A rather bodgy image of her on a passenger waiting to depart Spencer Street (Melbourne).
Photo: Brad Peadon


B61 at Ballarat East again, this time in her V/Line days.
Photo: Brad Peadon


Another particularly nice livery that she has worn over the years. 
Photo: Brad Peadon

Farewell Bernie.
Until We Meet Again.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------




-----------------------------------------------
Semi-Retired Foamer!
Follow our page to be kept updated on every ghastly
thing we inflict upon the internet.
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Bernie Baker and Bradly Coulter.
Wikipedia
 







Check our new Linktree site above for piles of dreary transport entertainment.
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Locomotive and tram status, details, and photography.



#semiretiredfoamer