Trains In The Snow.

Today we were privileged to be sent a good selection of photos of trains, and stations, covered in snow.  This late winter event courtesy of a major weather event that has moved it's way across 'New South Wales' from the south.
While it has not been ideal for any local brass monkeys, it has been great for those sporting a camera.

Thankfully, railway infrastructure historian, Andrew Tailby, went out into the field and returned with these great images.
Thanks Andrew.

ALLORA BRANCHLINE

QUEENSLAND

The Allora line branched off the Main Southern line at Hendon (north of Warwick).
It opened in April 1987 and, from 1912 until 1961, extended beyond Allora to Goomburra. During this period, Allora was actually a short spur line needing to be back shunted by trains to and from the terminus.

Services on the line were suspended in 1995 and I believe the local 'South Downs Steam Railway'  now has ownership.
  While the section to Allora still appears to be pretty much intact, a flood caused washaways both end of a bridge along the line (see photos below). While not a massive issue, it would add significantly to any future desires to reopen it as a tourist railway.
I was quite taken by this little town and would dearly like to be able to ride a train there one day. Fingers remained crossed.

Trestle bridge outside of Allora, showing some of the embankment damage cause by a local flood. Identical damage exists at both ends of the bridge.

A local history museum exists nearby the station. Not sure if they have any involvement in the upkeep of the station itself.

They do have a great selection of old tractors for the Traczels amongst us.

Some links of interest:

Goomburra Railway Line

Allora Township

Allora (Aussie Towns)

Allora Street Map

TENTERFIELD STATION MUSEUM

Thank you to all the people at the 'Tenterfield  Railway Station Museum'  who work so hard and made me feel welcome during my visit.
If travelling somewhere via the New England Highway, you would be doing yourself a great injustice if you did not stop by and look at what these guys have achieved.

Website

Facebook Page

Wikipedia

I shall aim to put up more shots from the visit shortly.

SAVE THE GLENREAGH RAILWAY STATION PRECINCT

One of New South Wale's leading preservationists, Brian Leedham, is spearheading a new campaign to save the historic station, and associated structures, in the north coast town of Glenreagh.

In more recent years, the area has been under the control of the 'Glenreagh Mountain Railway' ( a spin-off of the larger Dorrigo group), however, a lack of interested volunteers has seen the place deteriorate to the sad state it is today.
Brian, who has been travelling widely covering the railway heritage in a number of states, and who was instrumental in getting the 'Merriwa Railway Society' up and going, has now decided to use his talents to try and save this important part of history.

Not happy with the initial dismissive attitude of the 'Australian Rail Track Corporation' (ARTC), Brian has since gained the attention of the media, council and other bodies. He has also set up a group on Facebook that is approaching 400 members and growing constantly.

CLICK HERE: To freely join the group and support this effort.

While Brian works wonders in preservation, he can only do it with the help of all of us. It is a big task, made no easier by the constant attacks on his character, however he wants to give back to the hobby and deserves all the help he can get.
As railfans, I have to believe that none of us wishes to see even more railway history be destroyed. This is why the 'Semi-Retired Foamer', as well as the preservation supporting 'Strange Modelers of Universal Trains', support this great project.

Are you willing to do something for preservation also?

Join in!

Above photos were taken by the photographic legend that is Wayne Eade, and used with permission.

Sign the petition at Change.org.