As is the yearly custom, early December saw the annual lineside Christmas gathering of the 'Strange Modelers of Universal Trains' and 'Semi-Retired Foamer'.
After a number of years around the Sandgate area of Newcastle, this year it was decided to return to the ever-popular locale of Wingello in the beautiful Southern Highlands.
Self-appointed railfan safety controllers please note that no yellow lines were violated during the course of this monumental event.
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The first stopover on the way down to Wingello was the lovely little station of Exeter, where time was spent photographing the station, and some passing trains.
This will be covered in another entry, sometime during 2023 when I can be remotely bothered.
GL107 GL111 GL108 passed through Exeter station on a light engine movement from Port Botany to Goulburn. Photo: Brad Peadon
Two days were spent down in the town of Wingello.
This was my first visit since the massive bushfires that severely damaged the town, and I was unsure as to what I would find.
Such is nature that much of it had already come back, although signs of the destruction were to be seen, and the 'Wingello Village Store' has a good selection of photos on the wall. Photo: Brad Peadon
Talking of the village store, great food, great people, and located right across from Wingello railway station.
I had the bacon and egg roll, but have partaken in the equally awesome burgers on earlier visits.
More than enough to solve any foamer hunger.
Oh, don't be surprised if you bump into a famous Timelord there.
Photo: Brad Peadon
NR64 AN4 NR102 races through Wingello with 4BM4 from Brisbane to Melbourne.
Photo: Brad Peadon
The visually unappealing QBX004 and QBX002 on southbound 1311 containers.
Photo: Brad Peadon
8141 8134 passes through on one of the many limestone trains seen on an average weekday.
Photo: Brad Peadon
The day of the Christmas party started out very moist, something we thought was going to be the story for the whole day.
8105 8138 climb up toward Wingello station in the rain.
Photo: Brad Peadon
An overcast, but slightly drier, Wingello railway station.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Wingello local 'Boofhead' knew where he was going to get a feed. He joined the celebrations for the day.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Another Wingello local is on the prowl.
Photo: Brad Peadon
8168 8165 up grain enters Wingello station.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Anthony Snedden, Stephen 'Gecko' Karas, Rodney 'Rodders' Smith, Josh Russell, and Brad Coulter partake in the day's mildly exciting activities.
Photo: Brad Peadon
8245 8252 on a southbound empty limestone.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Check him out, he has some great content.
Photo: Brad Peadon
8253 8223 southbound empty grain.
Photo: Brad Peadon
8252 8245 on an up loaded limestone.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Bradly 'Dr Cooties' Coulter, Aiden Smith, and Stephen 'Gecko' Karas'.
Photo: Brad Peadon
The excitement was a little too much for the younguns.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Always got to keep watch on that competition.
Despite being just a Bulldog, this train was the highlight of the day.
CLF2 BRM001 head south through Wingello on an empty grain.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Exploder from Canberra.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Rodney, our official BBQ cookerer.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Stephen Karas played the part of Santa Claus during the day.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Roddy is disgusted at the amount of graffiti.
Photo: Brad Peadon
How did this shot get in again?
Photo: Brad Peadon
Now an Exploder destined for Canberra.
Caught me by surprise obviously.
Photo: Brad Peadon
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All the Wingello party excitement - But in video form.
Just like the photos here, but moving.
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At day's end, and with the sun finally out, we stopped at Bundanoon station.
This will also be covered next year.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Moss Vale station with an Endeavour awaiting access to the mainline and station.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Robertson station.
Lovely day, but a track possession meant no trains.
Photo: Brad Peadon
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A big thank you to everyone who attended this year's event.
Boofhead, Feathered Boofhead, Brad Coulter Snr, Bradly 'Dr Cooties' Coulter, Stephen 'Gecko' Karas', Kevin 'K-Med' Medley, Chris Miller, Josh Russell, Aiden Smith, Mick Smith, Rodney Smith, Anthony Snedden, and one very grumpy old train travelling local.
Cameo: Jamie Fisher
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However, if you feel compelled to report people having fun:
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