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.
.
_
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 !



Tuesday, December 9, 2014



SMUT INAUGERAL TOUR


NARADHAN 2014

Part 1 of a photographic spectacular unlike any other as you follow me through what was a very historical trip to Naradhan (NSW).
Not only was it a first for the 'Strange Modelers of Universal Trains', it was also a first for any Alco World Series 44 class in Naradhan.
Equally special was that the Saturday coincided with the exact 20th anniversary of 4464 entering  preservation (Cardiff auction 1994).
A great tribute to an amazing locomotive class.
Over the next couple of weeks, a photographic feast will appear here - prepare to be excited, maybe even mildly tingly. 






A surprise text from Trevor at Roto saw as duck into Gunning after a quick brekkie stop at Goulburn (bakery opposite the servo with the big ram).
The servo itself has been a tradition of decades, but numerous changes have occurred over the years and now they just never seem open - at least not for breakfast trade.
The bakery does come highly recommended though. They have taken on the servos tradition of putting half a pigs worth on each roll. They are obviously not certified by the Halal Certification business.

Timing went well, with an XPT and PS6 passing through with not much time between them.


We were in no hurry to get to Cootamundra and found ourselves sidetracked by some interesting local Gunning history.








Baileys Garage in Gunning and its Holden tribute was amazing.
The things you miss when your the one usually driving.





A brief stop in Yass Town was had, the locals putting on a free sausage sizzle as part of a road safety campaign. Not the sort of thing a hungry Semi-Retired Foamer and pals would want to miss out on.
While leaving the town for Bowning and Galong, we were surprised to find an old friend from back home, now spending its time as a mobile op shop instead of carting around that which passes for Sydney society nowdays.







Galong Railway Station - Opened 1915 (2nd station)
Junction for the long since closed line to Boorowa.
Lots of Australian railway infrastructure photos and info can be found on our
Australasian Railway Infrastructure Group.








Finally, around one hour later than planned, we arrive in Cootamundra and catch up with some of the other group members and prepare for two and a half days of fun.



Stay tuned, more barely tolerable adventures on the Naradhan weekend will be coming up shortly.

No comments: