New South Wales 

600/620/660 Class Railcars

The fleet as of October 2019, including photos of  57 members of the classes, in most liveries worn by them.
These railcars once serviced the metropolitan areas of Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong, as well as many rural branchlines, however they are now retired from service with many now finding homes in preservation.

Where are they now?
Photos & Info On All Cars.

Railmotor Society Website

A Wealth Of Railcar Information.

SRF 600/620/660 Fleetlisting

RETURN TO RICHMOND VALE

A must watch for any fan of Australian railways.

Marking the closure of Australia's last commercial steam operated railway in 1987.

A look at the line today, and a moment in time when a group of employees took off with locomotive 25 for an extended protest. Legends, the lives of whom were based more on principle than money.

WATCH - Return To Richmond Vale.

RICHMOND VALE RAILWAY

1987

Part 1

The Semi-Retired Foamer visits the historic 'Richmond Vale Railway' in the final months of it's existence.
This railway carried the distinction of being Australia's last commercial steam operated railway and would be gone before the year was out.

Blue SMR22 was the locomotive in use on the day. We see her shunting at Hexham, before following her out to Stockrington Colliery and back. In between, we see a few views of passing coal and passenger traffic on the mainline.

WARNING FOR THE WHINGERS

This is a low-quality video, taken way back in 1987 on VHS and has deteriorated greatly. As a railfan, I do understand it is your duty to point out these flaws.
As I already know of the bad quality, it is probably pointless to do so, however, if it makes you happy, whinge on.

BRUCE COOK

This two-part series is dedicated to the late Bruce Cook (who makes brief appearances). Bruce was instrumental in growing the hobby for me and will long be remembered for the phenomenal tours he operated.
Bruce was an icon of my railfan era, an era without the internet and it's associated hate, an era when you gathered lineside, chatted and had fun.

Part 2 Available Soon

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.

Richmond Vale Railway - Hexham

Remains on November 4th 2012 during a visit of the SMR/RVR SIG.

 

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