I am a regular visitor to the Maitland Steam Fest as it combines the best of both worlds in steam and heritage diesel locomotives in conjunction with a major heritage car show. Heritage trains run regularly over the two days and being on the main line. there is also a continuing stream of heavy coal and container trains passing through. Four main lines can cover the busy traffic. This year was special as one of the heritage trains traveled to Broadmeadow just short of Newcastle and then went for a tour around the Port Waratah coal loading facility. Fascinating to go around the huge horseshoe unloading infrastructure sharing the location with five coal trains, each of 50 x 120 ton capacity. Our train comprised 4490 at one end and 3642 at the other. Here is the consist entering Maitland station: And 4490 at the other end: Of particular interest to me was a rare shot I was able to get of 4490 and 4201 side by side. I have both of these locos in my collection: The pride of the heritage fleet in Beyer Peacock Garratt 6029 made an appearance and was the other end of the consist with 4201: To make sure everyone had access to some sort of train journey (most of the steam hauled trains were booked out) two heritage rail motors were on hand to help with the demand, cream and green "Tin Hare" and 721 "Red Rattler" I did not bother with any videos as I was fairly confident there would be heaps on youtube and done by the professionals. I was right and they make for great viewing. A very enjoyable weekend and will look forward to next year. Cheers and happy modelling Richard
Thanks for sharing those terrific photos Richard. The one of 4201 and 4490 is my pic of the crop. Cheers, Gary.
May as well share this video on your thread Richard. It is 4201, 4001, 4490 & 6029 returning with its train to Thirlmere on Monday afternoon along the Chullora Goods Line, which runs behind where I work. Cheers, Gary.
If they were taken at work then I want your job! But really, the whole thing was a credit to all those volunteers who make these things happen, both in OZ and all those countries represented on P1MRC. Without them there would be nothing but black and white film memories. Cheers and happy modelling Richard
Yep, that's right Cameron. The Goods line runs along two boundaries of my work place. I first seen the train briefly running alongside Centenary Drive, so I drove to the south western boundary where I knew it would pass, and it did !! Richard, I have a job where there are 1 million people under me !! Cheers, Gary.
