G’day thrillseekers,
Leedham's Lookout - Christmas Party - Part 1
Welcome back to the second half of our festive pilgrimage to the hallowed grounds of Leedham’s Lookout — occasionally known by its government name, Sandgate. By this point in the day, we were all operating in varying stages of heatstroke, stubbornly clinging to the hope of one last prize: the elusive southbound Manildra train, which was being held at Sandgate thanks to the tragic bushfires at Koolewong.
We were profoundly saddened by the damage caused to so many houses during these fires and are just thankful that there wasn't anyone killed.
Praying that you can rebuild your lives again.
When the train finally appeared on the flyover, the collective sigh of relief could probably be heard in Brisbane. Naturally, this happened precisely as we were packing up — but after a quick philosophical discussion of “What would Brian do?”, we immediately slowed the packing process to a near-glacial pace to get one of the day's biggest prizes.
Once the Manildra thundered past, we scattered for home like responsible adults who’d absolutely had enough sun. For us, that meant a reflective return to Sandgate Cemetery station — a place I last rode a train to in the mid-80s, and one Brian and I had dissected with countless “what if” conversations over the years.
Though the Christmas gathering and Brian’s memorial had officially wrapped up, it’s safe to say our mate will be riding shotgun at every future event.
Thanks for everything, Brian.
A big thank you to everyone who showed an interest and viewed the first part of our tribute.
1270 views in the first 26 hours is a little mind blowing.
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Semi-Retired Foamer!
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LDP008 LDP007 LDP004 - Coal to Kooragang - Leedham's Lookout
Photo: Brad Peadon
LDP004 - Coal to Kooragang - Leedham's Lookout.
Have been attempting to get shots of individual coal road locomotives for an upcoming SRF project.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Above and below - Empties from Kooragang
One Rail XRN017 XRN013 GWU011 - Above
Pacific National 9307 9202 9323 - Below
Photos: Brad Peadon
6005 6009 5002 - Coal to Kooragang - Leedham's Lookout
Photo: Brad Peadon
Above and below.
5042 / 5011 - Coal to Kooragang - Leedham's Lookout
Photos: Brad Peadon
Above and below.
5021 / 5031 - Coal to Kooragang - Leedham's Lookout
Photos: Brad Peadon
XRN026 - Coal to Kooragang - Leedham's Lookout
Photos: Brad Peadon
XRN017 - Empty coal from Kooragang - Leedham's Lookout
Photos: Brad Peadon
XRN002 - Empty coal from Kooragang - Leedham's Lookout
Photos: Brad Peadon
XRN001 XRN002 XRN026 - Coal to Kooragang - Leedham's Lookout
Photos: Brad Peadon
TT03 TT118 TT122 - Empty coal from Kooragang - Leedham's Lookout
Photos: Brad Peadon
Aurizon hopper QHBH-55397G - Leedham's Lookout
Photos: Brad Peadon
Above and three below.
Christmas activities at Leedham's Lookout.
Photos: Brad Peadon
What we were patiently waiting upon.
MAN003 MAN010 MAN001 / MAN004 - Up Manildra
Leedham's Lookout
Photos: Brad Peadon
MAN010 - Up Manildra - Leedham's Lookout
Photos: Brad Peadon
MAN001 - Up Manildra - Leedham's Lookout
Photos: Brad Peadon
Manildra Group hopper MGIH-4205X - Leedham's Lookout
Photos: Brad Peadon
Manildra Group hopper MGIH-4239W - Leedham's Lookout
Photos: Brad Peadon
Manildra Group hopper MGIH-4245R - Leedham's Lookout
Photos: Brad Peadon
Above and below
MAN004 - Up Manildra - Leedham's Lookout
Locomotive surprised us at the rear.
Photos: Brad Peadon
Above and below.
Sandgate Cemetery station (Newcastle)
Photos: Brad Peadon
Posting: Last Sandgate Cemetery Train.
Made friends with a customer during a dinner stopover at St Peters on the way back to the Shire.
Photos: Brad Peadon
Big day, and a very fun one.
But was glad to hit the hay upon getting home.
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NOTE: Coming Christmas Day is the video version of all our shenanigans.
Subscribe to our Youtube channel.
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Bradly 'Dr Cooties' Coulter.
Ana Peadon
Brian Atkins, Paul Bird, Tony Cooper, Brad Coulter, and Tony Meredith.
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