Let's Go Sliding!

EL56 (DORIEMUS) was not far from entering service when captured here (courtesy of the Sunnyside Tavern's garbage bin) near the entrance (exit in her case) to the Goninan factory in Broadmeadow.

At the time, none of us could have imagined the interesting life they would go on to have. They have done just about all type of duty possible.

Built for passenger trains and fast freight, the idea that one day they would be hauling coal trains on the South Maitland Railways, well, would have seems quite ludicrous. Interestingly, these runs bringing them back very close too where they were built.

2017 S*M*U*T XMAS BBQ

It has been a big, and often none too pleasant, year for our S*M*U*T family.
We did have a number of gatherings, plus our successful day down at the Crookwell museum, where did much more than just hold the banner.
Sadly, a good portion of the year was marred by the failure of locomotive 3237, which was to be used on a tour to Boree Creek. While our group is limited to the seat allocations, souveniers and ticket sending, the large portion of the railfan community that do not have much talent for thought did their usual spraying of incorrect bollocks all over the net, both in 'supposedly' secret groups and more public forums, without doing themselves the favour of finding out facts before appearing to be stupid.
However, I am told that 3237 is about ready to go for her trials and I suspect S*M*U*T's small art in the whole thing will again be fully utilized for what promises to be a great tour.
  During 2017 we have farewelled a couple of family members, one in truly spectacular fashion, but welcomed quite a few more. All these do so much to make us the wonderfully varied group we are.

At the end of each year, we have our annual members Xmas party.
This year it was held lineside (legally for all you trespass nazis) at Sandgate and organised by Bradly Coulter, with help from his family.

BIG THANKS FOR YOUR GREAT WORK 

BRAD & FAMILY!

There were a number of interesting movements during the day, the winner being the recently purchased 42103 which was on it's way to Rothbury. Not sure how they ever plan to clear out of there if stuff keeps arriving.

Anyway, I've little more to add, other than to say that I look forward to all we get up to in 2018. Let's continue to ignore the troublemakers who seek to stop us, and forward the hobby even further.

Make it so.

Timing can not be any better.
Parked the van, walked up the stairs and this appears in the distance..

It all got a bit too much for the younguns.

"Yes we are more than 12 metres from the railhead"

A few FORD fans stand in amazement at the sight of an operational car.

8140 gives us a bit of a break from all the coal.

42103 on a Secialk :-) to Rothbury.

Aurizon push/pull coalie.

This is certainly the life.
Tezza enjoys the view.