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.
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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).
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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
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**** LOCOMOTIVE/ PUBLICATIONS ****
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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 !



Wednesday, March 13, 2024

MOUNT KEMBLA RAIL TRAIL - PART 1 - EAST




A short rail trail along the old BHP coal line to Nebo in Mount Kembla.
We parked in the small car park on Stones Road and first headed east down to where the line meets Cordeaux Road.
The second part will see us head westward to the location of the former loader.


Stones Road crossing looking towards the former Nebo terminus. That section will be covered in part 2.
Photo: Brad Peadon.


Signage at the Stones Road car park.
Photos: Brad Peadon.





Memorial at the Stones Road car park.
Photos: Brad Peadon.


The beginning of the walk eastwards.
The tarred path is the formation back towards the steelworks, while the gated fence is where the original connection to Kemira ran.
Photos: Brad Peadon.



How it looked way back in the 90s.
Photo: Brad Peadon.


The original connection to Kemira via Bushell's Hill Tunnel.
Photo: Brad Peadon.


Back when the aforementioned connection still had rail, and access for that matter.
This section around too the tunnel seems to be patrolled by security guards.
Photo: Brad Peadon.


A short length of sleepers was left along the formation as a reminder of the former use.
Photos: Brad Peadon.




8204 descends through Mt Kembla with a load of coal from the Dendrobium Mine.
It is worth noting that the section of line it is on was a replacement for trains to Kemira (later Dendrobium). 
Both lines never existed together, with Kemira having to be accessed via reversing at Nebo, and using a curved section that led to Bushell's Hill tunnel and the loader.
Photo: Brad Peadon.


At the far east end of the rail train is this unusual-looking railway. It is situated behind a lovely private residence as you enter Mt Kembla.
It appears to have operated in a large circuit around their yard.
I've been told the owners used to use it when they had visitors over, but that it may not have been used for a while.
Photos: Brad Peadon.




8203 climbs up towards the mine with a rake of empty coal hoppers.
Recent reports have suggested that the mine, and thus the line, may only have a few years to go 
Photo: Brad Peadon.



Bridge over American Creek.
Photos: Brad Peadon.



Partners in crime.
Terry with the old SMUT hat, and Kevin with the historic Gilligan one.
Photo: Brad Peadon.



A wagon relic on display at the Stones Road car park..
Photo: Brad Peadon.

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Further Reading:




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Thanks To:

Terry Cassidy & Kevin (K-Med) Medley



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While railfans destroyed our work, they still need your help.



Friday, March 1, 2024

RANELAGH HOUSE STATION - 3/12/2022

 


1932 -Opened as Ranelagh

1948 - Renamed St Anthonys

1970 - Closed

???? - Reopened as Ranelagh House

I am unable to find any information on a subsequent closure, however, the platform looks very disused and somewhat of a safety issue.


The station is named after the nearby hotel located on the north side of the line. 

The hotel, built in 1924, is currently named 'The Robertson Hotel', but has previously been known at 'Ranelagh House', and 'Fountaindale Grand Manor'.

According to the book 'How & Why Of Station Names' it was used as a RAAF training base in the 1940's. Later it was run by the Franciscan Friary as a novitiate


The subject of this post.
Photo: Brad Peadon


Not hugely impressive is it? :-)
Photo: Brad Peadon


Mr Beetle tells me he has been waiting for a train at Ranelegh House station for 5 months.
Photo: Brad Peadon


The architecturally outstanding Ranelagh station.
Photo: Brad Peadon


Fountaindale Road crossing looking northwards towrds the Illawarra Highway.
Photo: Brad Peadon


The rear of Ranelagh House station.
Photo: Brad Peadon


What would have once been the station access from Ranelagh House.
Photo: Brad Peadon



Fountaindale Road crossing looking towards Moss Vale.
Photo: Brad Peadon


Ranelagh House station.
Photo: Brad Peadon


Ranelagh House station and Fountaindale Road crossing.
Photo: Brad Peadon


Looking towards Unanderra from Fountaindale Road.
Photo: Brad Peadon


Fountaindale Road level crossing.
Photo: Brad Peadon




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Thanks 

Brad Coulter Snr & Bradly Coulter Jnr

How and Why of Station Names - SRA of NSW

nswrail.net
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Photo Source Unknown: Floating Around Facebook.