~~ NEATH WEEKEND #? ~~

PART 2

We start the second part of our story at the Neath Hotel on the 19th of September where various members of the 'Neath Hotel Railfan Group' attended the inaugeral meeting of the 'Merriwa Railway Society'.

Whi;le not officially members of the Merriwa group, as it is our local we felt it wise to be in attendence to ensure much rowdy behaviour would go on :-)

Please enjoy the following little look at the attendees of the meeting.

Left to Right

Brad Coultar (who looks like he just sat on a carrot), Andrew Tailby,

Paul 'SMR30' Bird and Jason Roberts.

Left To Right

The World Famous Colonel (aka davo1620), Mr Nathan and Brian

Leedham (Chair for the inaugeral meeting)

Trent Pegler's head starts to list to starboard.



Colonel donates large quantities to the Neath Hotel economy!




Birdie and Cooties feed their faces while, ahhmmm, whats his name looks on.

No wonder he is worshipped near and far!!!!!!

MrNathan just loves his Neath Hotel days and his gunzel mates.

Streeeewth - hope the wife dosen't see this Colonel!

Sadly all good Neath occasions must come to an end, however, instead of the usual collapsing in a room upstairs until morning (or the first passing coalie), the Neath gang headed on to the 'Richmond Vale Railway Museum' to see what was running.

Mr Nathan and Cooties help out by ensuring the track in in gauge.

SMR30 (the locomotive, not Paul Bird) heads towards Pelaw Main.

Seems the first gauge check was not good enough and they needed to try again.

BHP34 heading back to Richmond Main.

A bit closer - obviously!

Jason Roberts and The Colonal argue over whether the G sets are more

attractive than single deck trains.

Theres that pesky BHP34 again, heading to Pelaw Main.

And to finish off the day we headed back to East Maitland for some late afternoon piccies of trains passing the new bridge work that will

ultimately destroy this location (bastards).

Amongst many other delights were these two EL class on a down wheatie.

Thus concludes our coverage of the latest Neath Hotel weekend.

Coming up shortly is a look through the photos recently found buried in the bowels of the garage, along with special guest Cooties and his look at fellow foamers I have had the pleasure, or otherwise, of knowing over the years.

Thank you for coming and PLEASE mind the drool as you leave.

We are to tight to get PLI!

12453

Bellbird, Bundy and Bollocks! Another SMR Adventure. Finale

While wishing to chase the train back, we didn't really hope for much.
The weather was turning nasty again over Maitland, the clouds were getting thick and you could just feel that they wish to let loose a torrent of fluid that would blitz anything the Colonel had to offer in that department.

It is sort of customary to photograph the handing over of the staff. I mean heck, how many opportunities like that do you get.
It was rather dark by now, but still within camera tolerances, if not those of the developing place I go to. Useless mongrels.



Staff handed over, thick plumes of beautiful ALCo smoke spew forth on their ozone destroying path and the train heads up towards Mt Dee, while we head forthwith, ultimately to Neath.
The express trip to Neath put us well in front of the train and we had a good half hour to wait. However the massive expanse of blue sky here made the wait worth it.

Neath station looking from the south!

Colonel uttered something about toilets and headed off to the Neath Hotel, while I joined Tezza in a search for relics and signs of the proposed new crossing loop in this location. We also took advantage of the recently clearing to inspect for remains of the long since removed goods siding.
We were surprised to find an arrow indicating the likely location of the northern turnout, as well as other notes regarding work needed should the new loop go ahead. Presumably a second arrow likely exists some distance past the Neath Hotel.

Is this the location of the new point?

Much is left to see if your willing to have a good look. The goods siding is certainly visible now, as is the old abutments over a creek to the south of the Kearsley Road crossing.
While checking out sleepers remaining from the old crossover to the Abermain coliery lines I heard the sound of ALCos in the distance and turned to find PL5 48143 48129 PL3 trundling down the grade from Abermain.


A quick dash to the last patch of sunlight for the last shot of the day, nearly made more exciting by a Toyota Coaster that hit the brakes hard at the last moment.

All to soon the final empty wagon sways its way past and the train disappears off into the distance, leaving us to wonder where the good Colonel has got to.

Oh no, he has been at the Neath Hotel for half an hour. This indeed can not be good.

On arrival at the hotel we find an extremely happy Colonel not realising the train even went through and busy sipping on another schooner.
Another 30 minutes is spent convincing him we can't stay overnight, we can't leave in an hour, we must get going home before being in trouble and that doing certain things to the hotels dog with frozen vegetables could get him in trouble with the RSPCA!

It was to be a long drive home with rest stops needed at regular intervals, an extended one on the moonlite banks of the lovely Hawksbury River.

Ultimately it was another successful (and not just a little entertaining) day on the SMR. Numerous shots in the bag and quite some success with the train we had originally set out to get.

Thanks be to Terry and The Colonel for the company, Peter Cousins for persevering with us (great to meet you) and Bob Emson for not calling the police.

Colonel becomes a bit emotional after missing the last train!

Bellbird, Bundy and Bollocks! Another SMR Adventure. Pt1

PL2 48134 48137 pass Neath with empties bound for Austar (Pelton)

The arrival of 4816 and 48s33 upon SMR metals has had me chomping at the bit to get up there for some photographic coverage.
Numerous days were planned, all of which were shot down due to someones work commitments. Finally all could agree on a day to head north and get that which has been a major cause of minor throsby movement for so very long.

God forbid, only four hours sleep and the alarm starts shrieking out its grotesque sound, a sound comparable to pulling a cat apart and so often cursed when signifying a long day of fun around Darling Harbour.
Once the usual wake up grogginess disappears, it dawns that this was the planned SMR trip and that Terry would soon drag his sorry butt up to the front door and telling me to get in the van.
Hmmm corn flakes or bacon and eggs on the way. Not a hard choice, so one quickly grabbed the usual foamer equipment (camera, note book, hat, frangers) and headed out the door in preparation for Tezza's arrival.
Being on Filipino time ol Tezza turns up 15 minutes late and soon enough we were off to the Burwood Brewery to pick up the 'World Famous Colonel' with his own bag of foamer equipment (alcohol, camera, alcohol).
The offer of Bundy (no thanks dude, I am driving) pretty much set the tone for the trip for the balance of that day and night.

Timing is everything in the gunzel hobby. North of the freeway Caltex we get word that the South Spur train to Pelton had already left Broadmeadow and was enroute to East Greta Junction and points south.
CRAP!!!!
Down on the accelerator, Cessnock exit, then a call to the crew as we approach Neath reveals "We are just arriving at Neath".
CRAP!!!!
A simultaneous arrival at Neath level crossing means buggar all in the way of a shot, so we head off to the Kearsley crossing (home of the famous moose and at least two inbreds) for a rather dark looking shot.
Did little better at Bellbird or Pelton, although much colourful language came forth on the missing of an awesome glint shot between these two locations.

4816 48s33 - dn empty coal - Neath/Bellbird/Pelton

The decision is made to wait for its return, the crew suggesting this would be in an hour.The Colonel was concerned about the wait and his now empty Bundy bottle. He got out of the car and subsequently fell into the boot while trying to get his cameras ready.

Whats wrong with my seat - what you mongrels done to it?

Locations were being tested for possible use when the train departed when we were assaulted from the rear by a surprise PN service coming out of the pit and headed for port.

PL5 48143 48129 PL3 - up coal - Pelton
This was then followed by a number of other interesting rail based movements.

PL5 48143 48129 PL3 catch us by surprise as they depart Austar yard and pass over the road bridge.

Closely following the coal train were two rail mounted vehicles heading north for more track work.

Despite an initial urge to set chase, we decided not to risk the South Spur train and continued waiting, despite knowing that this train in the section added over another hour to the waiting time.

Regular SMR visitors will know the hassles one can have getting
parking around Abermain.
Thankfully our local contact Nathan showed us a brand new undercover
carpark just recently opened at the station.

After another half hour wait two track machines departed the pit and information was sought from the 'Lords of South Spur'. The horrifying news being that the train wont be leaving for at least two hours, with the departing PN train to cross another at East Greta Junction. This second train having to get to Pelton before the sought after one departed.

In Tezza and Colonel time this translated into a 1 1/2 bottle of Bundy wait, so after notifying MrNathan (who was about to join us), we headed for the 'Grumpy Chinese Greasy Takeaway' joint in Cessnock, then Cessnock Cellars for some Colonel medicine and set forth to Abermain station where numerous relics, including ourselves, were inspected until the train arrived.

Finally PL2 48134 48137 arrive at Abermain with a load of empties marking the start, not only of our first serious chase for the day, but the departure of all Colonel's memories.

With breakfast consumed, and usual smutty comments on meeting Nathan dispensed with, we heard the distant a distant horn that could only be from a 48/PL class.
Happy chat turns into the usual panic as foamers bolt towards their earlier chosen photo location just in time to get PL2 48134 and 48137 rounding Abermain platform with the shortened rake of empties.
It has been many years since I saw triples on this line, but for some odd reason Pacific National finds they have a shortage of 48 class units (despite many being in storage) and have, in recent weeks, gone for the shortened consists.
Quick shots were had here, before all attendees set chase, managing to catch it at Neath, Caledonia, Bellbird and Pelton.

PL2 48134 48137 descend Caledonia Bank on the approach to the
former Bellbird Junction.

*** COMING IN PARTS 2 and 3 ***
# The South Spur Coalie!
# The South Spur crew with a pathetic attitude!
# A look inside East Greta Box!
# Colonel declines Bundy Bottle #3 as it is now Tallie time!

~~ HUNTER HOLIDAY HIJINKS ~~

and NEATH WEEKEND #11

** NOTE: As always, high-res copies of all photos are available for any
magazine who may wish to use such **

PART 3 OF 3

Ohhh yes, it is the moment you have all been waiting for, the conclusion of one of the greatest foamer stories of all time.
What better a way to achieve this than with a look at out 11th Neath Railfan Night, followed by a last dribbly look around Newcastle.
For those who don't know, the 'Neath Railfan Nights' have become quite the institution. Usually attended by societies more normal gunzel types, we gather around for dinner/drinks and endless babble about railways (regualr operations and preservation), all the while, remaining safe in the comforting thought that our bottom virginity will remain intact.
If your, shall we say, regular, feel free to email us for details of upcoming events. It is always great to welcome new people.

The Neath Bus!

MrNathan suffering from excessive Snickers consumption!

Live band every Saturday night!

Twas time to get a room for some :-)


A first time Neath night attendee was Mr Stuart Ellis.
It was great to see you there mate and hope to see you at future ones.
His car gave the Holden fans a throsby :-)

Oh dear!

Two more new attendes were Matt (in red) and a rather concerned looking Ted Rose sitting between Stuart and a, ahhmmm, busy looking Mr Nathan :-)
It transpires that Ted also has a big interest in things Philippines.

Another random hornbag shot - this time at Warabrook!

BL27 and PL5+PL2 bludge around Morandoo Yard during the Easter weekend.

Dang - when did we loose the ability to make interesting locomotive designs.
YAWNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
ARG's AC4301 at Goninan's, or whatever they are called this week.

Same again, but with 5010.

M/O 1409 on route 104 passes through a rather quiet Wickham!

BONUS BUS

Just for all the Bunzels in your family, here be a surprise showing a week after Newcastle in King Street Mascot.

I sincerely hope part three was everything you had hoped for.
If not - Then remember how much you actually paid to get it.

Tally ho

Bellbird, Bundy and Bollocks! Another SMR Adventure. Pt2

With the end of the line fast approaching we followed another car into a location between Bellbird and Pelton for one last shot, a trailing one given the train was tailing us closer than a randy sheep in Wellington.
Again we found ourselves awaiting the departure of the South Spur coalie headed back to port, the whole reason we were in attendance during the day.
Colonel went on to discuss trains with the railfan in the other car, who, it turned out, was Peter Cousins. Peter is a local railfan who, despite many many Hunter sojourns, I had never met in the past.
Indeed given the many tales told, perhaps he wishes he had chosen another location to set up for the train. Sadly the unusual tales of disgraceful behaviour at Neath railfan nights has probably turned him off altogether, I mean even the local bull ants were seen running for cover from the fountain of smutty phrases being spurted forth.

Thankfully the sound of 48 class horns were heard from the Pelton direction and the train chugged its way towards us before any arrests were made.


4816 48s33 - up containerised coal

The panic again sets in. Where to next? Where will the sun be? Will we make Bee Siding and also East Greta? Did I take the cat out of the microwave?
For many years I have used what is commonly referred to as the usual SMR hack spots. Any fan knows them, Weston footbridge, Neath station, East Greta road bridge, just to name a few. Seems all the shots are taken in these places, myself being very guilty of this in the late 80s and through the 90s.

4816 48s33 departs Austar!

We decided to follow Peter to a new spot just out of Cessnock where the sun was stunning, then up to near Bellbird Junction which is one I have only began using more recently. Twas this later location where one set the camera wrong and ballsed up the shot to mammoth proportions.
While my fault, it gave me yet another convenient reason to swear profanities at the digital technology we are having rammed down our throats nowdays.
Give me my good ol film cameras any day. Rarely a hassle and results I continue to be more happy with. Digital however remains the camera type of choice for excessive hornbag photography where one must take many to get that special hornbag shot.

Now these few times the train past I did note the driver yelling out things. I thought he was being friendly until it was mentioned that it was actually abuse we were receiving.
It was quality abuse too, the words getting more fruity as time passed and more shots got. We had even reached 'F' words by the time Neath came around.
Perhaps at this point in time I should offer an apology for my years of hating FC and later PN train crews. Their attitudes had always been pathetic at best, the worst I had ever encountered, or it it then seemed.
South Spur crew attitudes make the worst of the old FC people seem like priests in comparison. While many a good people, it does seem that the vast majority do have pond scum type qualities.
The crew on this day were certainly from the more offensive end of humanity and probably as good a example as any as to why I dislike most dealings with them, indeed I dislike breathing the same air, living in the same country, existing on the same planet.
Oh what a pitiful life these blokes must lead outside work. Perhaps they should consider topping themselves! PLEASE!
Still, while leading the pack in rudeness, they do have competitors in Cityrail (Hunter region) who think nothing of sticking up the finger, or even screaming swear words at you in front of their customers.
It should be said though, that I can't recall one negative memory regarding the Pacific National Hunter Coal division. Nine times out of ten one will be exchanging friendly waves with passing crews.

4816 48s33 passes the location of Bee Siding!
Plus the crew member with the colourful array of words!

Christ, where was I?

Despite very inconvenient roadwork being conducted at Abermain, we managed further shots at Swamp Creek, Neath, Bee Siding (which MrNathan so kindly guided us to) and at East Greta, after a quick sprint over the old mine area.

4816 48s33 approaching East Greta station.

The distance from the car, and Colonel's urgent need to download 'Bundy Bottle #1' meant a slow departure from this final location and an inability to reach the junction in time to receive would final serving of good ol Scumbag's obscenities.

Oh what to do now? The choices came forth.
1) Chase it onwards to port and get it unloading.
2) Go to Warabrook - not many trains but plenty of hornbags.
3) Get lunch.
4) Head to the nearby road bridge over the main north for some coalies.

While negotiations took place, our now very jovial Colonel asked for permission to have a look inside the signal box, something I have long held a desire to do.

Signalman Terry at the ready!

Thankfully permission was gained and we all headed in just before a customary Maitland rain storm past overhead. Many photos were taken, most of which I am donating to John's SMR Website for anyone desiring a intimate look.

The signal box itself is chock full of interest, from the frame, to the old photos, diagrams and even timetables that are on display.
Standing in a manned signal box, controlling semaphore signals, old timber crossing gates and seeing the signalman hand over the staff. It reminds one of times past, times spent around rural Australia, back in the days when the railways were far more enjoyable, back when one didn't have to look to Asia for a genuinely fun and friendly railway experience.
It is an awesome mixture of feelings, feeling that one is back in time again to the railways I once knew, yet also sadness at what we have become, what the railways have become, what the attitudes of some like Mr South Spur have become.

After our brief trip back in time, it was on to more modern things. 90 class on the coal roads, those god awful Huntercars arriving and subsequently racking off from Telarah, and examples of human vermin driving past at high speed trying to impress us all with their supreme tosser abilities.

PL5 48143 48129 PL3 - down empty coal - Arrive East Greta Junction.
Waits at EGJ for the arrival of the now loaded triple chased earlier in the day.

PL5 48143 48129 PL3 wait at East Greta Junction for PL2 48134 48137 to arrive
with a loaded rake from Austar.

Here we bumped into one Bob Emson who was there with his wife to get some shots of the SMR coalies at East Greta Junction. Again a lasting impression was likely made.

It was getting late in the afternoon, MrNathan had prior engagements which saw him need to leave, Terry and myself were becoming increasingly worried about the spousal reception we were to recieve given our expected late arrival home, while Colonel was trying to keep standing up.
So it was thus decided that we shall follow the empty train back towards Cessnock and then cut across to the freeway for the journey home.

Alas you will have to wait for Part 3 of this spine tingling tale!

*** Coming In PART 3 *** # New Neath work and possible future developments! # Colonel gets a little help from his tree friends. # Final coalie shot in lovely Neath late afternoon sunshine! # Colonel's romantic midnight stroll along the Hawksbury River.