Brian Leedham's Rail Media

Tribute To A Rail Heritage Legend.

  Wanted to take a little time out to mention the 'Brian Leedham's Rail Media' Facebook page.
  People who know me, by know me I mean actually have taken the time to get to know me, rather than spread lies and mistruth around internet hate sites, know that I had a great interest in railway heritage and admiration for the many people who give selflessly to help it without constantly making sure people know.

  I have only known Brian for a few years and, not surprisingly, we first met at a meeting to launch the 'Merriwa Railway Society' in, not surprisingly, Merriwa.
 This initial meeting has lead on to the successful museum that exists there today.
While Brian is no longer involved in the project, there is no doubt that his huge initial efforts has allowed this museum to exist and the whole precinct continue to improve.

  Despite that success, and endless hate attacks, Brian has not rested and is not trying to raise awareness of other historic railway stations that just languish, awaiting their chance to receive the Merriwa treatment.
  Even if only one or two more turn out to be successful, at least Brian can proudly say that he tried far harder than most. Many of us feel that he is well overdue for a volunteer award.

Bundy Colonel, Nathan Chapple & Brian Leedham - Inaugural Merriwa Meeting.

For more information on Brian's work, and to view some outstanding railway heritage photos, news and other information, check out the websites/forums below.

Brian Leedham's Railway Media

Australian Heritage Railway Stations & Infrastructure Newsletter.

I would also like to take the opportunity to thank Brian for all his support of our 'Trains For Kids With Cancer' fundraising project.
Not only his direct support, but also being someone to talk about the hate aimed my way from railfans who seem to have an issue with any fundraising I also choose to do. Your support is much appreciated and you will always have mine.

Preservation Update - Merriwa

An occasional look at the developments taking place around my favourite museums.

I have long felt that promotion of museum efforts/successes is key to the further growth of each project. Failure to reveal progress deters people's interest, thus reducing possible volunteer help and funds.

Merriwa Railway Society Inc
There has been some massive progress at this museum in recent times.
Their most recent working bee, on June 15th, saw their busy volunteers spraying weeds and doing some painting around the yard crane and goods shed.

  In another exciting development, the museum has commenced enquiries with the national rail safety regulator, with a view to gaining accreditation to operate section cars around the yard, both for weed spraying duties and to give the yard more of an operational look.

Photo: Courtesy of the Merriwa Railway Society Inc Facebook Page.

Location: Corner of Roach and Brisbane Streets in Merriwa.

Society Website - Facebook Page

Merriwa Railway Line - Wikipedia
Merriwa Railway Line - nswrail.net
Merriwa - Historic NSW Railway Stations Website
Merriwa - railtrails.org.au

GUNDAGAI HERITAGE RAILWAY

The following rant, from a 'professional' in the railway heritage field, was recently received.

"After I left in late 2014, I heard all the SMUT team were so "keen" to get involved and help GHR.....but intriguingly I never saw that happen. So there is an example of pro rail heritage people not carrying through their promises of their love of the Gundagai station. So I guess it is hard when people promise the world and don't do anything. Everyone knows why I gave up volunteering there at the project because of seeing sloppy woeful caretaking...net result was my time being wasted. We had a great opportunity with John King as caretaker but due to bad handling of issues by specific GHR people, he left and now we have rail trail winning over GHR. Sad to see GHR being the first pro rail heritage project in NSW taken over by rail trailers.

  I do not normally get involved in the stupidity that goes on in the Australian railfan hobby anymore. However, when one is confronted with a barrage of ill-informed, and significantly ignorant, lies, well you do need to make comment.

  To my knowledge, as the person who started the regularly attacked SMUT Fundraising group, the only thing offered to the 'Gundagai Heritage Railway' was a Refreshment Room sign. This being offered by a FORMER SMUT member.
  SMUT is aligned with other, far more deserved, railway heritage groups. Their work continues to help these museums whenever possible.

  Thusly, the comments above are little more than an offensive lie.
  They are also a good example why I have spent more time devoting myself to railway preservation projects outside NSW and Australia.
  There is no point having your life destroyed simply because you choose to help NSW railway preservation. It is not a competition, we are all in it for the same goal.

  The NSW preservation scene WILL be destroyed by the actions of very few.
  After all these decades of trying to contribute to the hobby here, it is a painful realization.

Narcissistic personality disorder