COOTAMUNDRA STATION - 9-4-2021

 

Cootamundra Railway Station

Opened: 1st November 1877

If ever there was a town that would class as my second home, that town would be Coota.

I first ventured there in 1986, but it was a car breakdown, at Bethungra, in 1989, that lead to a weeks stay in the Wattle Tree Hotel, and an association that continues to this day.

Back in the 90s we would venture there every few weeks, often camping in the warmth of a signalbox between the trains. Nowadays, the visits are far less frequent, but the feeling of rolling into that wonderful town is just the same.

Cootamundra comes from the Aboriginal word meaning 'Low lying place'.

It is interesting to note that the post office opened as Coramundra in 1864, later changing to Cootamundra in 1877.

Cootamundra South Signalbox

Hope you like wheat hoppers.
I didn't get to many still shots of the station, however there will be a video coming shortly.

Cootamundra station is served by two Sydney/Melbourne XPT services, in each direction, each day.

It also is served twice a week by the Griffith Explorer service (To Griffith Wed & Sat, From Griffith Thur/Sun)

We were in the area for the inaugural meeting of the Stock Station Preservation Group. 

However, and purely by coincidence, the inexplicably popular 3801 was operating a number of shuttles from Junee.

I thought I would take the opportunity of seeing the last arrival of the day.

While far from a steam locomotive fan myself, you cannot help but be impressed by the love the public holds for 3801, and the crowds that it attracts.
Only a few minutes earlier, save for a couple of fans, two station staff, and a local whino, the whole place was devoid of any humanity.

The loco must be a great benefit to many a community it visits.

** The Incident! **

Some time after the arrival of the train, people started mentioning a large plume of smoke emanating from further down the train.

Humans, being naturally curious creatures,  started walking down for a look.

Interestingly:

 Despite two on board staff saying it was a fire.

Despite a third running along the train, shouting for people to get out due to a carriage fire.

Despite a station staff member evacuating the station "due to a fire".

I was violently abused online for suggesting it was a fire.

Anyway, not too much of a surprise given the people concerned, but the language was a pretty bad look for transport heritage. 

Some older shots of the Cootamundra area.

Level crossing at Cootamundra West, this being Parker Street at the northern entrance into town.

Green light for an approaching train.

Long since scrapped 4424 sitting at the old Cootamundra loco depot.

That tower, used for sand, has since moved to a private business on the other side of the level crossing that would be behind me here.

Class leader 44100, along with 4474, departing Cootamundra and headed north.

With Covid 'hopefully' now staying at low levels, we are happy to be able to again look at helping the families of kids with cancer.
Many different events, including train & bus tours, are now being discussed.

To keep informed, please like our 'Trains For Kids With Cancer' Facebook page, or visit our website.