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.
.
_
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).
_
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
_
**** LOCOMOTIVE/ PUBLICATIONS ****
-
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, December 11, 2023

MALABAR HEADLAND - BATTERY TRAMWAY - 10-12-2023

 

The light railway that served the Malabar Headland Battery (built 1943) is one of those lesser-known lines around Sydney. Despite being a local, it has only been in the last few years that I learned of its existence.

Last weekend opportunity finally arose to have a bit of a squiz at a significant piece of local World War Two history for myself.

The weather was horrid, but that did not deter either myself, or my heritage photography counterpart Virls, from setting out to see what remained of the line.

There was far more to be seen than I had been expecting. It would be a worthwhile adventure for any fan of light railways, parking is quite convenient, and the walk is not all that hard.

A: Where the rail track actually starts nowadays.
 According to an article in 'Light Railways' magazine, it did extend further to the main dirt track leading to Fishermans Road.

Photo: Brad Peadon


While doing some initial research to have something seemingly intelligent to say, I found several photos showing the track mostly covered in dirt, even inside the tunnel at the end. 
It is assumed there was a project to clean it all up at some stage.

Photo: Brad Peadon



Until this visit, I really had little idea of the length of the surviving track that still existed. I had only seen a couple of images, neither giving any idea of the size. 
Photo: Brad Peadon



The track was of 22 inch (560mm) gauge, and was utilized for conveying 6" projectile munitions. 
Photo: Brad Peadon




B: These heavily vandalised structures remain a little over halfway along the track. 
Being ignorant of things military, I really have no idea what these rooms were used for. However, just beyond was a tunnel, with a tall four-story observation post for seeing possible approaching enemies.
Photo: Brad Peadon





The aforementioned tunnel and structure on top. 
Photo: Brad Peadon


Virls enjoying a bit of Aussie rail adventure. 
Photo: Brad Peadon



The only good glimpse inside these structures is the southern most room. 
Photo: Brad Peadon


The approach to the tunnels at the end of the line.
That deck across the track is for stairs taking you on another track (walking, not rail) all the way to Maroubra Beach. 
Photo: Brad Peadon


C: The very end of the line sees it go underground with a point (see below) leading it off in two directions.
The line to the left is believed to go to the northernmost gun emplacement.
 The light at the end of the right track is believed to be under the southernmost gun emplacement, the location of which is under the next photo. 
The tunnel is believed to be 94 metres long, servicing both of the '6-inch Mark XII' guns used at the site.
Photo: Brad Peadon



Location of the southernmost gun emplacement. 
In the middle rear that reddish cage protects a hole. It is believed that drops down to the track, where more ammunition would be sourced.
  There is a second located a short way to the north. Something I didn't know on the day, and now on the list for the next visit.
Photo: Brad Peadon

------------------------------------------------------------------

Time to head back to the main walking track.



There were two of these along the rail track cutting. Obviously there must be an issue with snakes falling in and not being able to escape.
As both 'Snake Ladders' were on the east side, it must be hugely annoying for any westward bound reptiles.
Photo: Brad Peadon


While checking out the 'Snake Ladder' Virl mentioned the very well known game of a similar name.
I remember playing that with my late nan many, many, years ago.
Despite the many cultural differences, it is nice to see some things that were common to both countries.
Photo source.


Very unimpressed with all that grafitti.
Photo: Brad Peadon

Just like that we were back at the start of the line.
Photo: Brad Peadon

--------------------------------------------------------

Huge thanks to the wonderful Virls for accompanying me, and ensuring I didn't stray off any unseen cliffs. :-)

Light Railway Research Society of Australia

--------------------------------------------------------

We have plans to return in cooler months, on an actual sunny day. This will no doubt be covered on the site later on.

We braved the rapidly declining weather to continue walking the track towards Maroubra Beach.
If you are interested in such, you are hereby invited to our 'travel blog site' where that will soon appear.

--------------------------------------------------------


Video: Coming in March, Virls and I take you for a walk along the whole line.

Subscribe to our channel so as not to miss out.

--------------------------------------------------------







No comments: