G'day once again, Some folks may be aware that 2016 saw the re-launch of Sydney heritage electric set F1 (F standing for Flemington Maintenance Centre(FMC)) into heritage service, but for those that are not, let us wind back the clock: 30th of May 2015, and many rumours that had been circulating around the heritage industry were proved true when set F1 was towed out of Carriageworks by borrowed diesel locomotive 4833. The set was subsequently taken to FMC to allow it to be made to sit on the power at the annual Transport Heritage Expo, held at Central over the June long weekend. June 6-8: F1 went on display for the long weekend at the 2015 Sydney Great Train Expo, sitting under power during the days so the sound of the compressor and other little things could be heard and give the feeling of it being 'alive'. The display was very successful, and upon completion the set was towed to FMC for the serious work to commence! May 19th 2016: Almost a year after being pulled out from Carriageworks, F1 turned a wheel for the first time on the main line in 14 years by doing a trial trip on the Clyde-Carlingford branch. Fortunately I was given heads up to this movement, and popped off with a mate to see this historic moment occur. June 11-13: In a momentous occasion, F1 was not only re-launched back into passenger carrying service during the 2016, but came back as part of a 3-way race through Western Sydney from Redfern to Strathfield. Naturally F1 took the crown, taking off like a scalded cat at many times throughout the race due to her 8-motor configuration (4-motor car, trailer, 2 motor car, 2 motor car). Through the rest of the weekend, F1 did shuttle trips out to East Hills and back, giving many spirited runs along the way. September 10th: Trialling a longer trip, F1 travelled from North Sydney station, across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, along the Illawarra line and out to Cronulla, where it completed 2 return trips to Sutherland before returning to North Sydney. As someone who has travelled on the Cronulla branch many a time in Ss and Ts, the novelty wasn’t lost on me! October 1st: Literally breaking new ground (if the test run was ignored…), F1 travelled along the Leppington line between Liverpool and Leppington as part of the AMRA Sydney Model Railway Exhibition. Originally slated to also run on the 3rd, this unfortunately did not end up happening. Sadly I forgot to get any decent photos of this occuring-whoops! December 10th: In her last run for 2016, F1 participated in the 90th anniversary of St James station, with 6 shuttles travelling from St James via Museum to Erskineville and returning around the other half of the City Circle via Wynyard and Circular Quay throughout the day. This was quite interesting, as it had to be timed to fit in between regular suburban runs also still happening! Also turns out that you can get really artsy with the porthole window.. That pretty much covers it for the last 2 years, but hopefully many, many more are to come…...and that includes the possibility of more sets coming back into operation down the line. Hope you enjoyed this little history lesson, and didn’t fall asleep up the back like MASTER RUMING!
The trip on the 10th December was good. Jack, Jody and I enjoyed it. 1. The first shuttle arrives at St James Station. 2. Interior was superb. In a matter of fact, they are better now than what they were in my youth ! 3. Two happy chaps ! They didn't get the T-shirt, but they got the caps !! 4. ...and ofcouse some models that were on dispaly at St James Station... Cheers, Gary.
I thought they were a cream colour inside chaps.???? Well there you go ........memory lets me down again.!!! Great pics guys and thanks for posting. http://www.clickGormo
Gary The only thing missing is the dodgy department of health ads I loved the look and sound of those trains. As an adult they become a means of transportation (for those used to commuting) but as a kid every train trip was an adventure Cameron
Something I missed on the day was hanging out the doors ! Unfortunately the good volunteers from Rail Heritage NSW wouldn't allow this... Cheers, Gary.
Good memory's from seeing those photos from Zane and Gary thanks. I remember going around the network on the last few days before the official withdrawal of the "Red rattlers" by that time most off the sets were formed of Power car, two double deck Tullock cars , Power car. And as Gary says open doors and hanging on the hand rails getting some air on a hot summers day was all part of the fun of travelling the Sydney network Gormo the Cream I seem to remember as well, may have been on some of the oldest cars and must have been replaced by the two tone green, but was continued on the interurban Usets as the top colour with the green below for some time. http://www.click
gormo wrote: Think some still are Gormo. Will grab photos next time I'm with her. And you're certainly welcome.
Gary wrote: Yeah, us door attendants had to watch out especially for this one on the day. B-y menace! Glad you and the youngsters had a good trip Gary, and cheers for the additional photos. Just did not have the time to grab some of them on the day while on duty.
SMR CHRIS wrote: That'd be a W set Chris, and if all goes to plan, W3 might be out to play in 2017....though that's still one of a few options. And I'll try and get a photo or two inside U2 next time I'm in the shed doing work. But think most of the cars have the 2-tone job still
alco4401 is correct. F1 will be doing shuttles along the Lavender Bay line on Feb 12th 2017, and I believe also going to Cronulla again in March
