A Pictorial Look at the 

Australian NR Class.

  Over the next few weeks we shall take a look at the NR class locomotive.

  Hardly riveting in the looks department and the reason for the loss of many older units, they none the less have made a massive impact across Australia and continue to rack up massive kilometres each week.

For further information on the NR class, please check out the S*M*U*T Modellers information pack on the class.

NR Class Info Pack.

It has been a while since our last delicious random selection of random train shots.
This group are probably not quite so random, all being for a selection of Jumbo shots to place on Farcebook (my former location of choice for my shots).
Join us as we have a look at a few of these great ALCo beasties, the numbers of which have declined over the years since.

While rail traffic still passes this location, it is more likely to be a light rail vehicle.
The entire goods line from here to Ultimo has been gradually converted into a popular modern new light rail system.

The above shots are of NR1's first trial and the two Jumbos that accompanied her.
This was quite possibly the biggest weekend of my former railfan career. The night prior I had finished work at 10am and driven up to Newcastle. About four hours sleep was had before we were up to get NR1 leaving the Goninan plant (where she was built) and out on the mainline.
That evening we had to be in Goulburn, then Junee the next day.
Heck - I whinge about driving to Newcastle after a sleep in now days. :-)

Botany line Jumbos.
Having lived most of my life along this line, these become quite boring after a while.
44211 has been a lucky survivor, preserved at Thirlmere.
44212, however, was built into the ghastly GL112.

A ride out to Rozelle was a rare and much appreciated event. I can recall at least four times that I have had the privilege. Three were cab rides, while at least one was a single deck intercity set on one of Bruce Cook's ET Tours.
These tours themselves were something else. Probably the last of the great old style type tours, where the train would stop everywhere and people would pile out for photos. None of the rules, or even worse, the self appointed gunzel police, of today.
Yes, they were truly fun days.

Stay tuned for another thrilling roller coaster ride of photos shortly.

NR CLASS - LOCOMOTIVE E-LISTING

  The current situation for the class, technical details, liveries, livery variations and interesting trivia about the class.

Our latest fleetlist HERE.

SMUT NARADHAN TOUR

Part 3

After months of organising and stress, the day had finally arrived that we were to set forth to Naradhan and into history.  But actually boarding the train was no guarantee of our getting to this far flung terminushe fact the train was at the platform eased concerns a lot, but until we pulled into Naradhan yard there was no to be total relief.

Stunning weather, sunny but not hot, greeted as on arrival at the station.
Spirits were high, a chance meeting of a ol Coota North Box friend from two decades ago had been considered a good sign, and we quickly offloaded the drinks and snacks for the weekend and loaded the train.

Mel tries in vain to keep her hubby from getting over excited and jumping up and down in from of the other tour patrons.

A good morning greeting from a passing steel train bound for Melbourne.

Colonel prepares of two days full of living in the good ol days, back when things were a lot more civilised.

I don't whinge..........much.
Those kind Lachlan Valley guys hang up our groups banner.

Roddy puts his little unit on display for all to see.

Excited travelers hop out for photos at Temora station.

Storm clouds threatened as we arrived in Ungarie for lunch at the local Central Hotel.
Luckily rail held off for our walk to the hotel and back again, and it did provide a lovely backdrop.

Time to eat and then we are off on our history making journey to Naradhan.

More to come in Part 4 - Control yourselves until then.

STRANGE MODELERS OF UNIVERSAL TRAINS

NARADHAN TOUR - PART 2

The evening prior to the trip saw us gather at Cootamundra West for a epic line side BBQ.

The choice of Coota West over the main station was due to expected traffic levels. As it turned out, this was a good idea.
Not much commentary needed here, so the photos can do all the speaking.

Stay tuned next week for Part 3.