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, April 23, 2018

Canberra Model Railway Exhibition
Kaleen 2018

Semi Retired Foamer Video.

Part 1


Part 2


Sunday, April 15, 2018




ROCKDALE SIGNALBOX

A fundraising BBQ at the Rockdale signalbox way back in the 90s.
This is what we did back in the days before the advent of the railfan Nazi.



The legend that is Roy Howarth.


David Xuereb and James '42101' Gray


Paul Vonweiller and David Kirkland



Daven Walters, David Xuereb and Keiren Ryan



Danny Webb and Keiran Ryan





Stuart Ellis, Daven Walters and David Xuereb

And to finish off.
A friend visiting from New York. Monty timed his visit right when the World Trade Centre was hit by the planes. :-(


Monday, April 9, 2018


RETURN TO RICHMOND VALE


A must watch for any fan of Australian railways.
Marking the closure of Australia's last commercial steam operated railway in 1987.
A look at the line today, and a moment in time when a group of employees took off with locomotive 25 for an extended protest. Legends, the lives of whom were based more on principle than money.











Thursday, April 5, 2018







  If you support historic railway preservation anywhere, please take a few seconds to sign our petition to save this historic sugar railway one across the Maroochy River (Queensland).
  We have fast growing support, but need to show that people wish to see such things reserved for the future. Please sign and show them that such things matter.

LINK TO PETITION

More details can be found at:

Maroochy River Lift Bridge (Facebook)
or via the email address above.