Back in March we headed to Canberra for a wedding anniversary. Instead of doing the ol Federal Highway in both directions, we set off down the Barton Highway to Yass.
The main reason for this choice was to finally carry out a long-held plan to visit some great friends in Yass and, while there, take the opportunity to check out one of those museums that have long been a favourite.
My first ever road trip, back in the mid-80s, took in Yass Town amongst many other locations.
As luck would have it, we had only just missed a 48 there shunting the Caltex depot. Thus depriving me of ever seeing a train operate along there.
However, that did not end a very long fascination in the line, one that continues to this day. This is the reason why this museum remains so important to me.
If you find yourself in Yass on a Sunday (10am - 4pm), I can thoroughly recommend a visit to this fantastic museum.
Besides the outside exhibits seen here, you can explore the wonderful collection inside the station itself. Lots of photographic history, memorabilia, a large model railway, and a souvenier shop is all waiting for you inside.
Location: 8 Crago Street, Yass
The entrance fees are extremely good for 2022.
Adults: $6
Children under 12: $4
Family (2 adults + 3 children): $12
Concession: $4
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The exploring fun need not end there, with much of the branch, including the street section down Dutton Street, and the impressive Yass River bridge, which can be followed by road.
Once you get back to the junction, there is the stunning Yass Junction station to check out.
Really is a great day out for the family.
Yass Town station building.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Kettle 1307 was built by Beyer Peacock & Co of Manchester.
1637 of 1877.
Photo: Brad Peadon
The view from 1307 looking towards the very end of the line. After curving as seen in the photo, the line crossed the street into the local Caltex depot, then a short way beyond into a mill.
A short section of track still exists in the unloading area of the mill.
Photo: Brad Peadon
End platform carriage 1259, built in Australia back in 1908.
The goods shed is behind.
It was retired in 1975.
Photo: Brad Peadon
530 built by 'Vulcan Foundry' In Lancashire.
Originally #128, a member of the P127 class, a type that would be seen along the Yass Town branch from 1892 till 1910. It became 530 in 1897.
Following use on the tramway, it was sold to the Commonwealth Government for Jervis Bay breakwater construction, then later still sold to Kalingo Colliery (South Maitland coalfields).
It spent many years shunting the colliery, before being set aside. It would sit around for years before being rescued for preservation by the 'Richmond Vale Railway'.
It would later return home to Yass.
Photo: Brad Peadon
156 - Covered trike.
Photo: Brad Peadon
ABV 13856 - 'Arnott's Biscuit Van'.
Built in 1908 as a CV (covered van), it would later be internally lined in 1963 and recoded to ABV for delivering Arnott's biscuits around the state (including Yass Town).
Photo: Brad Peadon
HG 10834 was built in 1900 and is of a type that operated to Yass Town until the late 1960s.
Photo: Brad Peadon
The base of another HG van.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Unidentified fuel tanker of a type that once served the four fuel terminals that once provided so much traffic to the line.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Photo: Brad Peadon
Yass Town lays claim to having the shortest platform in New South Wales.
Photo: Brad Peadon
I've always been fascinated by the track layout at Yass Town. It would make a great model railway.
To the right are the two loading banks.
Photo: Brad Peadon
The sign is obviously from the other end of the line.
Photo: Brad Peadon
X203 is a shunting tractor built at the 'N.S.W Railways Water Supply Workshops' at Chullora (Sydney).
While X203 was never used on the line, its sister X202 was the sole motive power from 1964 till 1972. Sadly, it went on to be scrapped in 1989.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Photo: Brad Peadon
Viewing looking back towards the junction, taken from the platform of the goods shed.
The goods loading crane would have seen much use once upon a time.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Dutton Street in Yass has a rare, for New South Wales anyway, section of street railway. It runs down a number of blocks to the trees visible in the distance, immediately beyond which is the impressive Yass River bridge.
There was a recent move to have this section lifted, but it was greeted with much opposition.
Photo: Brad Peadon
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The bulk of information in this post comes from the 'Yass Railway Museum Visitors Guide' which is supplied to everyone visiting.
There is much more information contained in the publication, while the volunteers would be more than happy to discuss any other questions you may have.
Thank You
Yass Railway Museum
Alf & Vicki Atkin
Nhing
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