Maybe it is the lack of any real rail interest in 2020, perhaps it's the self-quarantining of ourselves for weeks on end, or just an 'up ya jacksie' to all those haters who hate me doing anything whatsoever (hi Gordon).
However, last Sunday a group of us headed forth to Newcastle, primarily in search of, and it does embarrass me to say it, tram video and photos.
XPTs. May as well get them before they go.
As an ardent hater of anything that is modern, my growing interest in new light rail systems has, quite understandably, got me quite concerned.
Maybe it is the disinterest shown by the rail hobby ferals that makes them all that more appealing? Afterall, the railfan police can hardly report tram track trespass to ARTC.
Anyway, twice now I have driven into Newcastle in search of tram (light rail if you insist) footage. Both times, due to the road shamozzle, and very enthusiastic revenue raisers, I had minimal success.
Following the later of the two visits, I resigned myself to the idea that it was best done with no car, and that a train into Newcastle (well, the Newcastle Interchange) would be the best way to go about it.
Newcastle Interchange....
Why?
As I say, I am quite interested in light rail. But I really do not understand the government decision to replace the railway with a light rail system that only extends about three minutes walk beyond the already existing Newcastle station.
It does feel utterly pointless.
I mean, I'm an old buggar at 51, but I still easily walked the entire line.
Hopefully they will extend it and make it something far more useful. The old Adamstown to Belmont line being an obvious contender for conversion.
Bet that will excite the rail trail brigade.
Anyway, enough of this bollocks.
Finally I got motivated to organise a day up in Newcastle with a group of 'Semi-Retired Foamer' mates.
The plan was to all meet on an early Sydney to Newcastle service, meet up with some local fans, and then hit the light rail system, followed by a visit to the two former Sydney ferries currently sitting on the rudely named Throsby Creek in Carrington.
Former Newcastle terminus, now used as a public area (when it is actually available for such).
Not all goes to plan, as with any group arrangement, but I did drag my unmotivated body out of bed at 5.30am, Jason (my partner in crime) turned up at 5.45 as planned, and soon enough we were on the 6.02 from Mascot to Central.
While walking from Central through to Sydney Terminal, I was given a stark reminder as to why I do not do frequent these places anymore. Maybe it was the guy sleeping in station corner, or perhaps the one trying to prop himself up using the handrails down from the platform. No, I am pretty sure it was the guy walking around screaming about killing people with weapons.
Former Newcastle signalbox, now a rather pricey cafe.
Eventually, we made it to Sydney Terminal alive, partook in the lavs and found out our train as to leave platform 5.
Three XPT, and one Exploder, photos later, we were on our Oscar H5 and headed to the former Steel City.
Apart from a few ALCos, and a derelict 14 class, in Cardiff Workshops, the trip was fairly uneventful. Soon we found ourselves in the visually disturbing Newcastle Interchange station.
Former Sydney tram 1892, now used by 'Harry's Cafe de Wheels'.
This company started as a Sydney icon, but has expended. I believe they also operate in the Philippines under the name 'Harry's'.
This company started as a Sydney icon, but has expended. I believe they also operate in the Philippines under the name 'Harry's'.
A significant bit of miscommunication saw Jason catch the first available tram, while I set about going to view the depot (an almost impossible feat in a car).
If anyone reading this is thinking of doing the same, a sunny winters morning is far from the best time to try to get shots of the depot. An overcast day would certainly be your best, semi-legal, option should you feel the strange desire to do so.
The unusual charging points are obvious here at the Crown Street stop.
Each stop has one and it leads to extended stops for charging.
Each stop has one and it leads to extended stops for charging.
From here, I walked on to the Honeysuckle stop to meet Jason, then together we continued on to the Civic stop, where a tram was finally caught to Newcastle Beach, which is significantly far from Newcastle Beach. It is actually located about two minutes walk past the former Newcastle railway station that it replaced.
The following hour was spent photographing the eastern tram terminus, and dealing with a local, and very vocal, drunk.
Mr Drunk suggested to m that Sydney should get light rail also. Hmmm
Twas getting late, and we were getting close to our arranged time to meet Kevin Medley, John Auer and George at the former Newcastle station.
The short walk from the tram terminus found us at the fenced off worksite that is Newcastle station. The lack of access being the first disappointment for the day.
We ended up meeting up with the others at the former signalbox and, given we could not access the station, decided to be rebels and hit the Stockton ferry for a quick trip on SHORTLAND.
On arrival back in Newcastle, we were met by Bradly 'Cooties' Coulter and Tony Cooper.
Our next destination was the Newcastle Museum in the former Honeysuckle Workshops. I have had great reports of this museum, particularly the locomotive, tram and BHP displays.
The decision was made to walk the light rail line to the Civic stop so as to take advantage of any photographic opportunities. Luckily, there were a couple.
At Civic, we took a look at the former station building (now a tourist information centre I think), development over the former train track and then walked over to the Newcastle Museum for the second disappointment.
Seems the museum is confused as to it's own opening times.
Where the street running joins the former railway right of way.
Being unable to enter the place, we walked around the perimeter to see what could be seen through the windows.
Not very much to be honest, so we again racked off forth, along the light rail line back towards the Newcastle Interchange.
At the Honeysuckle stop, we gave up (old age) and caught a tram the last part of the way.
Pantograph of 2151 at Newcastle Interchange.
Here Kevin, John and Mr George, quickly ran away, catching the next train to Sydney.
Bye guys, see ya next time.
Tony Cooper then buggared off and left us with Cooties, who generously drove us around Carrington and on to Broadmeadow station, via Mayfield KFC.
Thanks Cooties!!!!
The return trip, again in a dreary H set, was even less eventful, given it was all in darkness and one of them quiet carriages that people seem to never really be quiet in.
Well that's about it really. I hope it was as good for you as it was for us.
Though I acknowledge that it is unlikely.
Our train on arrival back in Sydney.
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