FAREWELL LADY NORTHCOTT

AGAIN.

I think October 22nd was the fourth time I have been in to Sydney Harbour to farewell the two harbour icons, LADY HERRON and LADY NORTHCOTT. Each time you feel saddened that you will probably never get to ride these ferries that you grew up with.
Only a couple of months ago we were riding LADY HERRON on the Taronga Zoo run, before going out to Balmain to see a retired NORTHCOTT.
 This time it was the other way around, HERRON at Balmain for a couple of weeks and NORTHCOTT carrying large amounts of passengers to the zoo.
  Large amounts they were as well. With a capacity twice that of the new garbage infesting the harbour, they do not leave people behind at the zoo (as the new VICTOR CHANGE was noted to do).
While this was to be the last day of operation, she did a few runs on Monday and Tuesday before heading to Balmain to join her sister resting and thinking about their long and glorious career.
However, all may not be over. With the more modern ferries unlikely to cope with summer traffic, it is expected that at least one will see some use over this peak period.
  While there is a hugely popular plan to retain them and a petition launched to give to the government.

Join me below as I look back on a days worth of cruising the harbour on it's finest lady.

Wooohoooo, first time in the cab. Ahhhmmmm wheelhouse.

Nothing beats the beauty of Cremorne Point.
Thanks Taki.

The new ferry DAVID HAMLIN heads back to the QUAY from Double Bay.


Trust you enjoyed your Sydney Harbour adventure.

  I admit that this once beloved website has been very quiet in recent times.

  I'd like to give some well rehearsed excuse, a reason that may make you feel sorry for my absence, a reason that has you emailing to say "hey don't push yourself".

  But the reality is that I just couldn't be knatted to do anything.

  But I am back a bit more now, so your life will become a little brighter, your reason for rising in the morning a little more clear.

Please, don't thank me - it's what I do.

~~ FORESTVILLE 2012 ~~

G'day one and all.

Am trying to get through some older shots so I can clear them from the computer.

Amongst these are those of this years SMUT Modelling Group visit to Forestville, the first major exhibition of the 2012 year.

Years ago Forestville was the traditional start of our model foaming year and it is a tradition that may have recommenced with this years visit with fellow SMUTters MrX and Tezza.

Not much to say about this lot as time is limited today, however please enjoy all the shots from the day, starting from lovely downtown Narwee station.

Forestville Exhibition

The Mungo layout above was one of those impressive ones that you recognise the second you view it. Construction is progressing.

How does the truck turn around at the bottom?

~~ NORTH STRATHFIELD - 24-0-2012 ~~

A One Day Adventure With The Trumpet

Howdee, as always, it has been a long time between osts as I find my work life interfering with the more important duties of being a railfan.
I do understand how important my rambling on is to the fabric of the very hobby, I know that you must sit there, day in and day out, checking each hour in the futile hope that maybe, just maybe, I have again shared a bit of my extremely limited knowledge.
But sometimes I am unable to do so and, I must say, it causes me deep pain to know that, not only have I let you down, but also that you must have a very boring life to do as such.

Which in no way really leads us to the topic of North Strathfield, situated in the less than amazing northern area above Strathfield.
With the rude female station assistant of yesteryear now seemingly a distant memory, North Strathfield again seems to be a popular location for the average dribbler, indeed one recent ex-pat New South Welshmen, now living in Victoria, recently described it as Sydney's Middle/West Footscray.
It does seem to be without our own local version of Mr Edwards though.

The station obviously.

The first two hours was pretty dull wth more railfans than freighters pssing through.


A spark :-(

A Local :-)

Trumpet watchs a spark leave while pondering the wisdom of coming to Sydney when coalies ain't running.

An XPT approaches.

And approaches even more!

Heck - they are still whinging!

NR24, 40 and 83 finally, FINALLY, roll past.

Heck women complain a lot.

Works a tad better on less windy days.

Eventually said 'Marry Me Jen', but the Marry was gone long before Jen was finished.

NR56 holds some memories for me. I remember attending her naming ceremony at Port Botany on the day my eldest son was born. Just enough time to talk to Vincey, grab some snacks and beverages, before racing to the hospital.

Probably the closest thing to a highlight for the day.

Coming soon - the new GME Moreton can bins!!!

Don't wait up.