Upcoming Working Bee Dates

After the huge interest shown in the LVR working bees and many requests for information regarding future dates for LVR working bees, it has been decided to post the upcoming dates on this site.  This will provide ample notice to members so they can plan ahead to attend one of these Working Bee weekends at Cowra.

Also the soon to be released latest copy of the Cowra Loco Bulletin,  will contain details of how members can register their email addresses with the society to be on a special email mailing list to receive the latest news updates and also notification of upcoming events such as Working Bees,  special member’s events and so on.  This will help these members stay more informed.

It should also be mentioned, there is a job for everyone no matter what your age group, skills, abilities etc. Of course if you hold a trade certificate in some area, there is always plenty to do where a tradesman is required.   But if you aren’t a tradesman, you’ll have just as much fun doing a multitude of other tasks involved in restoration etc.

The dates for the up coming working bees are as follows,

• 5th and 6th of December
• 1st, 2nd and 3rd of January 2010
• 23rd, 24th, 25th and 26th of January

The next Working Bee over the weekend of the 5th and 6th of December, will concentrate on the restoration of the 900 Class Self Propelled Diesel train.  A 3 car set is nearing completion, and will provide a valuable asset to the society as well as being the only operating type in existence.  So here’s your chance to play your part in this historic project.

New members who wish to attend these weekends but may be unsure of  just what to do or expect, can choose to phone a society director if they wish, and ask any questions about anything that they are unsure of.  A list of LVR Director phone numbers is available in the latest Cowra Loco Bulletin. On site accommodation is available for those on a budget or who just wish to soak up the atmosphere of a traditional Locomotive Depot, or if you like there are a number of local Motels and Hotels in Cowra which offer accommodation catering to all budgets.

Latest News Update

Work continues on at  Cowra Loco,  despite the setbacks of recent months.  One of the ongoing projects is the 900 class self propelled diesel trains.   A recent working bee by a number of LVR members concentrated their efforts on this project.

Car HPF 953 has had a large amount of work done on it in recent times.  The roof of this car was completely sealed against water as it had been leaking badly over the years,  no doubt while it was still in Government service.  This caused various areas of timber work inside to become badly rotted.  These areas have now been repaired with all affected timber work being replaced as needed or repaired.

The carriage interior lights have been made work, along with the Public Address system.  Work has also commenced on  some body repairs too.  The car also received a major interior clean, and its interior is  like brand new.  The goods compartment area of this car has been cleaned and all spare parts that were once stored in this area,  removed and stored in a more suitable location on site.

All 3 carriages in this set which will be the first to be returned to operating order,  are now occupying roads in the Roundhouse at Loco which, apart from additional under cover  protection,  also offers a more convenient location for the LVR  workers to work on them out of the extreme temperatures of Cowra.

Work also continues on other projects such as the return to service of engine’s 5367 and 3026,  the IFV lounge car which is nearing completion. This car will be a valuable addition to the fleet once finished.  As always, regular maintenance work continues on site on the upkeep of the grounds and buildings.  Along with the Cowra site, we also have members now working at the various other LVR locations around the state where our other main line accredited engines and cars are stored.

The following is an update from the Chairman of the LVR regarding  negotiations  concerning the future of the cross country line between Blayney and Demondrille.

As everyone would already be aware, September 1 2009 saw the remaining section of the branch between Demondrille to Blayney (Demondrille –Cowra) listed as services temporarily suspended, effectively land-locking the society and closing off access to the main southern line. Access to the west was effectively cut off in 2007.

In happier days during October 1980,   the LVR’s 5917 shares the Roundhouse at Cowra Loco with Railmotor 38 (Creamy Kate) and its trailer HFT 507, along with diesel  X211.  At this time Cowra Loco was still a NSWGR Depot, the LVR leasing some roads in the Roundhouse, with departmental engines being stabled there until  July 1985.  Between July 1985 and October 1989 when Cowra Depot officially closed as a NSWGR depot, all departmental engines stabled in Cowra Yard.  Photo by Ron Preston

Generously, the Rail Infrastructure Corporation gave us ten days notice that this was to take effect, and a move was made to take the 4701, 4716, 4204, the ABS, RBS and FHG, CPH 12, 24 and 25 to an off site location which gave us access to the mainline.

The steam locomotives 3237 and 5917 along with some other items are safely housed at Eveleigh for the time being.

The society is applying for a Licence to operate services over the now non operational corridor and will attempt to be granted access from Blayney to Demondrille.

The licence application process is under way, and is taking far longer than anticipated. (We were promised at the start it would be a fairly simple process.) The next step after obtaining the licence is to apply to the Rail Regulators for a variation to our accreditation to become a Rail Infrastructure Manager.

It is the intention of the board at this time to continue with due process in an attempt to save the line to between Blayney and Demondrille.

We are fully aware that we have little capacity as a heritage operator to fund the ongoing maintenance required on the line, but if successful, we would be looking to allowing commercial 3^rd party operators access to the corridor, with the intention of raising the necessary funds for maintenance through access fees.

This photo from September 1980 shows the top carriage shed at Cowra Loco.  Bit by bit the shed was constructed during the 1980’s, during which time the LVR was very active running tourist trains both here in NSW and interstate.  The operation of these trips funded the construction of this carriage shed along with many other LVR projects.  Photo by Ron Preston

On the brighter side, we are still able to operate charters and recently operated a very successful weekend to Barellan to coincide with their Centenary celebrations, with shuttles to and from Barellan.

The society will continue to operate tours and charters as we have done in the past, only at this stage, not out of Cowra, for obvious reasons.

We are looking to have some more regular working bees in Cowra, and even though we are currently not running trains out of Cowra, there is still a lot that needs to be done, so don’t stay away.

Assistance of any kind is always appreciated.

Tony Healey.

Chairman.

News Update

Here, on one of the many LVR specials that operated during the 1980’s, 4204 heads an LVR train near Tarro. Photo by Steve Preston

The latest news from Cowra  is that the bunker S class 3013 that was privately owned, left Cowra on the back of a truck bound for the ARHS in Canberra.  It’s future in Canberra  is unsure as to whether it will be re assembled or used for parts for the groups other 30 class engines.  Either way good luck to the ARHS Canberra on your new project along with the 60 class Garratt restoration.

In Sydney, maintenance work continues on 5917 and 3237 in the Large Erecting Shop at Eveleigh.  A number of  stays have been renewed on 5917 whilst it has been in Sydney, along with a main driving wheel spring.  3237 is also receiving firebox repairs and is hoped to be ready in time for an RTM excursion in November.  Both these engines performed faultlessly on the train to SteamFest in April,  the heavy train of over 600 tonnes was hauled by 3237, 5917 and 3830 from Sydney to Maitland and return with no diesel assistance.

All smiles on the faces of the 3801 Limited workers as they ready 3830 and 3237 for the Maitland Steamfest this year. Photo by S. Preston

Negotiations are still underway in the hope of obtaining the lease on the Blayney – Demondrille railway line.  As news on the negotiations comes to hand, it will be posted here.  A recent study conducted by professional rail consultants  concluded that the line from Cowra to Blayney was “In Very Satisfactory Condition”.  The consultants were commissioned by the area’s Local  Councils. This is great news to hear!

The mirror finish paint job can be seen from the completed Fireman’s side of the engine. The nose grab rails are now removed and train radio equipment fitted. Photo by John Mackie Snr.

Work is progressing well on the repainting of 4204.  Photo by J. Parker

Work continues off site with the repainting of 4204 by Mark Allaway, it should be finished very shortly. A full article on its repaint will appear here when it’s finished. The traction motor change can then  be carried out along with modifications to the  train radio equipment  to enable this engine to be used on mainline tours once again.

LVR foundation member Paul Stapleton, sits at the controls of 5917 at Maitland after the successful triple headed steam hauled train from Sydney. Passengers on the trip were treated to some spectacular pure steam action that’s rarely seen these days with the popularity of diesel hauled trips or steam trips with diesels pushing at the rear. The highlight of the trip was the 3 engines charging Cowan Bank on the return trip with the safety’s lifting on all 3 engines.  Those who missed out traveling on the trip, missed something special!

Check on this site as well as the LVR website for regular updates and news of happenings from around the state, wherever the LVR may be. Remember regular working bees are still being held on site at Cowra on projects such as carriages and engines.  Some of these projects include the return to service of 3026 being spearheaded by LVR members  Jim and Peter Martin, the IFV lounge car being rebuilt by our carriage builder Tom Sullivan, the overhaul of the 900 class self propelled diesel trains being under the care of our own Office of Rail Heritage Award winner, John Mackie Senior or the overhaul of 5367 being led by long time LVR member Ian Larcher. Things are still  busy around Cowra Loco as you can see!

The TF  “Rosie”, 5367 sits at Tarago on the Canberra line in the mid 1990’s having just worked a special from Goulburn.  Repairs are well under way to return this old workhorse back to service.

North Coast Steam Trips now in 2010

5917 stands on 1 road at the Large Erecting Shop at Eveleigh

The North Coast Steam Spectacular has suffered yet another setback, with the trips now being layed back until 2010.  Due to the introduction of a new CityRail timetable in October, RailCorp cannot allow any additional paths in RailCorp territory during the implementation period of the new timetable. The steam special was scheduled to start out of Sydney  during this period and would have had to pass through RailCorp territory on its way  north.

A new set of dates in 2010 for the trips will be decided,  and as news comes to hand it will be posted on this site. The organisers of the North Coast Steam Spectacular would like to thank you for your continued support and look forward to seeing you on the North Coast next year.

In another blow to the LVR, the line between Cowra and Demondrille has been closed until further notice, effectively isolating Cowra from the mainline.  The rail motors and some of the engines and cars, have been relocated to various locations throughout the state until such times as access to the mainline from Cowra is reinstated.

Restoration work will go on un affected at the museum site in Cowra, with a busy schedule of restoration projects in full swing along with the regular working bees still taking place on site. Some restoration  projects well under way at Cowra are the return to service of the 12 wheeler IFV lounge car, the return to service  of engines 5367 and 3026,  and the overhauling and return to service of a 900 Class self  propelled diesel train which when finnished, will be the only example of its kind in operation. Whilst most heritage groups ignored the 900 class when they were being disposed of, the LVR didn’t and as a result future generations will be able to experience train travel in one of these unique trains.

3237 Steams Around Sydney

In another display of the co operation that exists amongst many rail heritage groups, the LVR combined forces with the RTM and 3801 Limited to ensure the traveling public were not disappointed last weekend, when the LVR supplied 3237 as a last minute replacement for one of the RTM’s engine’s 3526 which had to be failed at the last minute due to mechanical problems.   3526 was due to operate along with 3642 as part of RailCorp’s Great Train Weekend in Sydney.

Rail Transport Museum (RTM)  Fitter Paul Gray is all smiles as he prepares 3237 outside the greatest steam facility in NSW, the Large Erecting Shop at Eveleigh.

So short was the notice given, the RTM dispatched one of their fitters down to Eveleigh to help ready the engine for the weekend. 3237 has recently had a boiler washout and the boiler needed boxing up. The Blow Down valve had also been removed as part of this work and some of the wool packs  in the tender axle boxes were in the process of being changed so these had to be quickly re fitted. When things go wrong at the last minute as they sometimes do such as the failure of the RTM’s 3526, you can count on the co operation and help from fellow steam men from other groups such as the LVR and 3801 Limited. For they are only here for the steam, no matter which group own what.

It could be a photo from Eveleigh in the 1960’s, but it isn’t. This is a photo from outside the Large Erecting Shop at Eveleigh on Saturday the 22nd of August 2009 showing the LVR’s 3237 along with the RTM’s 3642 and a 44 Class diesel with the RTM’s VHO crew van off to the right.

The weekend went off without a hitch and both engines performed well.  The LVR’s 3237 steamed well all day and there were no problems at all with this engine.  The last time 3237 operated was to be the lead engine on the big triple headed train from Sydney to Maitland for Steamfest. It was a big train weighing over 600 tonnes, but it was no match for the three steam engines. A lot of rail fans were disappointed that they missed out on this experience as talking to those who were privileged to be a passenger on this trip, it was a very special day.

Eveleigh Enginemen Alex Claassens and Matt Lee are about to whistle out on 3237 for the short journey into Sydney Yard to attach to the RTM’s train. Being allocated to Eveleigh Loco as a passenger engine for many years,  3237 would have made the trip out of Eveleigh thousands of times.

On a sadder note, no doubt most would be aware that the line from Cowra to Demondrille is to be closed very shortly, effectively isolating the LVR from the mainline. The LVR Board are at present looking at a number of different options that are or may become available which could see some of the movable items taken off site to different locations so to allow the LVR to maintain their main line operation. Though it may not be the case this time, the LVR has in the past taken out the leases on the Cowra to Blayney line and also the Cowra to Trajere Creek ( Eugowra Line ) line. This meant that the LVR were maintaining over 148 km of track. The Cowra to Demondrille line is “only” 102 km long, so it would be less this time around if a lease was the answer. The LVR owns its own automated Track Tamping machine and a Ballast Regulator which were the mainstay of the track maintenance program last time.  Time will tell what happens, so keep a close eye out on this site for more news on this important issue affecting the society.

A fireman’s shovel and Gladstone Bag sits beside 3237 on the weekend. It’s great that some things from the past never change.

ALL PHOTOS KINDLY SUPPLIED BY STEVE PRESTON:

Working Bee – 25th & 26th July 09

A smaller than usual workforce turned out for the working bee held on the weekend of the 25th & 26th of July 2009 at Cowra Loco, the bitter winter cold more than likely the reason many stayed away.  The main focus of this weekend was to carry out maintenance on the running set.  The car builders were hard at work replacing windows that needed replacing and carrying out a general inspection and tidy up of the car interiors.

LVR member Ross Langford Brown is preparing one of the brand new windows  in readiness for installation into one of the running set’s FS carriages.

A large number of brand new windows were manufactured by Bob and Jono Bennett of Pinnacle Cabinets and Joinery located at Molong.  Being LVR members themselves they were keen to lend a hand.  The brand new windows were manufactured at their Molong factory using traditional woodworking skills but incorporating safety glass and modern glues and paint products to ensure they’ll last for years.

Some of the brand new FS windows manufactured by Pinnacle Cabinets and Joinery.  Photo by Steve Preston.

Over 150 brand new FS style windows have been  manufactured for the LVR and most will be installed shortly to replace those windows which are nearing the end of their serviceable life. Pinnacle Cabinets and Joinery can be contacted on 0263 691500 or on 0428 328587.  If approached they will investigate making any window type or other timber works as required.

Jono and Bob Bennett stand beside some of their finished product. Give them a call if you need any special windows made up for that house renovation or if by chance you have a train carriage in your back yard in need of windows!  Photo: Steve Preston

Another job undertaken on the weekend was to put the RBS buffet car back on its bogies. The wheelsets had been sent off site to be machined and re profiled. The bogies had been overhauled replacing pins and bushes as required, and work was carried out on the King and Queen castings.  The drawgear was overhauled also. This carriage is now finished and will be as good as brand new.

John Mackie Senior was hard at work as usual, preparing the Rail Motors for a  Saturday evening charter trip from Cowra to Young and return.  John had to knock off work at Cowra early on Sunday for a change, as he had to make his way to Sydney to receive a special NSW Government Volunteer’s Award. The award was a Lifetime Achievement Award, and was presented through the Office of Rail Heritage at a ceremony at Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum. All LVR members congratulate John on gaining his prestigious award.  Please see separate post below about John’s Award.

LVR member Chris Piol supervises the lowering of the RBS onto it’s bogies. The overhaul of this carriage is now complete.

As a consequence of the Nth Coast trips being postponed till later this year,  an opportunity presented itself  to bring forward scheduled maintenance of the running set seeing it wasn’t required at this time.  This was also the case with 5917, with maintenance work scheduled for later this year, brought forward seeing the engine was no longer required till later this year for the Nth Coast trips.  With a busy program planned for both engine and cars in the future,  every opportunity is taken to carry out regular maintenance to ensure they remain in good order.

The RBS is carefully lowered onto one of its fully overhauled bogies in the roundhouse at Cowra Loco.

Down in Sydney at the Large Erecting shop, LVR members Leon Rudd (L) and Garry Marshall attend to the Arch tubes on 5917.

Some of the LVR running set is also in Sydney at the Large Erecting Shop at Eveleigh.   Scheduled maintenance work was also brought forward on these cars too, and is  being carried out after the Nth Coast trips were postponed till later this year.

LVR member Leon Rudd indicates she’s all good mate!  Just some of the awkward places our members have to get themselves into and an indication of some of the maintenance work being carried out on 5917 at the moment.

* Thankyou to Steve Preston for addtional content in this post *

LVR Volunteer wins NSW Government Award.

Long time LVR member and volunteer John Mackie Snr, recently won a prestigious NSW Government volunteer award. John is a hardworking and highly respected LVR volunteer, and is one of the society’s quiet achievers. All LVR members congratulate John on his most deserving award. Below is a press release from the NSW Office Of Rail Heritage.

RailCorp CEO Rob Mason (left), presents John Mackie Snr with his Lifetime Achievement Award.  Photo:RailCorp

O.R.H. MEDIA RELEASE:   28 JULY 2009

RECOGNITION FOR VOLUNTARY HARD WORK AND DEDICATION

Local volunteer,  John Mackie Senior has been honoured with one of the NSW Government’s prestigious Volunteer Awards for a lifetime of commitment to rail heritage.

The Awards were announced on 27 July 2009,  as part of the NSW Government’s annual efforts to recognise the ongoing contribution that volunteers make to telling the State’s rail history.  Ten individuals and five groups from eight organisations across NSW received awards which were presented by the RailCorp CEO Rob Mason.

John Mackie Senior received a Lifetime Achievment Award recognising  “outstanding contributions towards volunteering within the rail heritage industry”.

Lachlan Valley Railway Society President,  Tony Healey,  said John has made a significant contribution over the past 30 years to the Society which is based at the historic Cowra Roundhouse Depot and Museum.

“During his time with the Lachlan Valley Railway Society,  John has made critical contributions to the maintenance of our trains.  He is renowned for performing miracales in maintenance that others had previously given up on,  such as tracking down parts or undertaking work without detailed drawings,”  said Mr Healey.

“John regularly travels 300km to stay in limited accommodation for months on end for the sake of a volunteer project.”

“Without John,  we certainly would struggle to maintain our rail motors – a heritage experience which thousands have enjoyed.”

Mr Healey said John Mackie Senior was typical of a dedicated group of volunteers working with the Lachlan Valley Railway Society.

“Many of the significant developments of this State were made possible by rail,  and it is through the hard work and dedication of numerous past and present volunteers that we are able to tell that story to current and future generations,”  said Mr Healey.

The Lachlan Valley Railway Society in Cowra is working to continue the vital job of conserving the trains and memorabilia which helped shape the ecenomic and social development of the State of NSW,  for current and future generations to enjoy.

If you would like to volunteer at the Lachlan Valley Railway Society,  please visit www.lvr.com.au

The NSW Government established the Office of Rail Heritage in 2006 to facilitate its commitment to rail heritage under the Sustainable Rail Heritage Asset Management Strategy.

END OF MEDIA RELEASE:

John Mackie Snr holding his Lifetime Achievement Award, stands beside engine 1243 at the award ceremony inside the Powerhouse Museum Sydney. Photo: RailCorp

3026 To Steam Again.

3026 departs Cowra for Blayney on a special train in the early 1990’s.  Plans are now being made to return this little engine back to service with the LVR.

For some time there have been a few LVR members with a great wish to see steam locomotive 3026 repaired and back in service.  This locomotive is synonymous with the LVR having played a major role in it’s heritage train operations throughout N.S.W.

There would hardly be an accessible line in  N.S.W. that has not been visited by this little locomotive over the years.  It has always been a crowd favourite in country areas where no doubt many older inhabitants have fond memories of these stalwart little engines hauling everything from their connection to the mail train and the ” Big Smoke ” – often with only one or two cars, or struggling along gamely with a goods load far in excess of what people perceived such a little engine could haul.

Former Lithgow Guard and long time LVR member Max Duffy,  protects the old Holmwood level crossing on the 76 kilometre long Cowra-Blayney section. Much has changed at this location now, with a new level crossing further west with lights and bells on a re aligned Mid Western Highway, and all rail services over this section of the line now suspended indefinitely. October 1992.

3026 was last used by the LVR in 1994 when it was removed from service for a light overhaul expected to take only three months. Many things have conspired against it since this time – a need to have 5367 restored to meet funding arrangements associated with a grant, then with the closure of the Cowra – Canowindra branch line -  one of its favourite haunts, the urgent need for a branch line engine passed.  Additionally, having regards for the heavy grades on the main lines around Cowra,  the money could not really be justified at the time for this engine with its limited load capacity, operating range, and a severe speed restriction when traveling tender first have meant that it has remained sidetracked  at Cowra and work was concentrated on the return to service of 3237.

Now however, renewed interest has been shown by members and friends in returning this LVR stalwart  to service and the Board is keen to see this progress, so the Board is keen to do it’s bit by funding the restoration.

Anticipated work will mainly centre on an overhaul of the engine’s wheelsets, springear, and running gear etc;  with a cosmetic makeover as well.  While it may not seem all that much, it will be a costly and time consuming exercise and the LVR would be pleased to receive any further offers of assistance to help and assist in this engine’s restoration and maintenance, or any other in the LVR’s fleet.

This little train hauled by 3026,  marked the return to service of LVR heritage trains in the Cowra district after the statewide bans imposed on all heritage operators during the previous couple of years. This also marked the beginning of being a fully accredited operator, followed closely by other groups such as the RTM and 3801 Limited. The LVR would soon pioneer private wheat haulage in N.S.W;  by hauling the first privately operated wheat train ever in N.S.W. using its fleet of diesel electric locomotives manned by LVR crews.  This would eventually form the basis of what would later become known as the Lachlan Valley Rail Freight Company.  Location, Cowra October 1992.

A start will shortly be made by conducting a series of investigations into exactly what repairs will be required, determining the best method of repair, and start to obtain quotes from outside contractors for some of the required repairs that are beyond our capacity.

The LVR is in a unique position with regard to its restoration program.  Whilst most other societies  ( probably all ) are forced to issue appeals and pleas for financial assistance, the LVR is in a position to fund this work from revenues raised partly by the continuing lease of its 47 class diesel electric locomotives to commercial operators.

However,  like all societies the LVR suffers very greatly from a lack of workers, particulary skilled or semi skilled workers, so we would really like to make the following appeal for workers rather than your hard earned cash ( although donations are alway welcome! ).  We need your hands on assistance.  Even if you are completely un skilled, there will be a job for you to do.  So how about it?  A weekends work would be extremely valuable to our society, and we would love to see you on site.

STORY SUBMITTED BY IAN LARCHER:  PHOTOGRAPHS SUPPLIED BY THE EDITOR:

EDITOR’S NOTE:  The return to service of 3026 will be a fitting tribute to L.V.R. member and volunteer, the late Bill Peverill. Bill was a retired  New South Wales Government Railways fitter who was based at Cowra Loco for most of his career. Bill was working on the return to service of 3026 a few years ago, when he suddenly passed away due to illness. He was a true nature’s gentlemen and a great friend to all who knew him.

New Eveleigh Link.

Goodwin Alco engine 4501, sits outside the Large Erecting Shop at Eveleigh.  In the doorway is Cowra engine 5917 as it sits awaiting its next turn of duty. 13.12.2008

Check out the new link added to this site dealing with the ” Eveleigh Work Days “. Contained in their site, you will see the marvellous work being accomplished by the volunteers at 3801 Limited.  You will get a look  at what’s happening in the Large and see how the great traditions and skills from our great railway history, are being kept alive by a dedicated bunch of volunteers as they go about without fuss, meticulously restoring old carriages and locomotives to their former glory.  In doing so it helps keep alive our railway history, telling the story how it should be told.  Please check out the ” Eveleigh Work Days ” site from the link located in the steam related links of this site.

Another Cowra  engine which is residing in the Large Erecting Shop at the moment is the LVR’s 3237.  1.6.2009

Also in the Large Erecting Shop at the moment are the LVR’s engine 3237 and 5917. They both worked a train along with 3830 to Maitland for Steamfest, a story on that trip appears on this LVR  site.  It is intended to use both engines on a number of charters and trips out of Sydney, when news of any of these trips come to hand they will be posted on this site.

The LVR’s 3237 sits on 1 road in the Large Erecting Shop at Eveleigh.  Old time skills are being kept alive by the volunteers of 3801 Limited with their ” Eveleigh Work Days “. Check out their site.  1.6.2009

Western Wanderers

Between the 14th and 24th of May, the LVR’s 3 CPH Rail Motors traveled on an extensive trip around the west of N.S.W., giving a large number of communities in the bush a chance to ride on one of these historic trains. Friday the 15th through to Sunday the 17th saw the Rail Motors operate trips out of Orange and Blayney.

The Lachlan Valley Rail Motors stand at Rydal railway station on the 23rd of May 2009.  Photo by J. McIntyre.

Extremely popular would be an understatement, to describe how they were received by the people of Orange and Blayney. The Sunday trips proved so popular that you had to be there early to get a ticket. It just goes to show how the people in the bush love their trains. Many older folk would remember the Rail Motors when they were the normal means of travel. They would be reliving many childhood memories of how they once traveled to school, or how they traveled to the larger towns to do the shopping. For the younger travelers, they are something new and exciting for them. Tired of looking at the modern stainless steel trains of today with their air conditioned carriages, they too were excited to step back in time to ride in one of these old girls. The smell of fresh air coming through the windows and the sounds of the engine roaring away under their feet, was something new and exciting for some. A young child at Orange, even asked her mother would she buy her a Rail Motor for her birthday!

A future engineman standing beside the train his dad has just driven to Tarana on Saturday 23rd of May 2009.  Photo by J. McIntyre.

After an extremely successful operation at Orange and Blayney, the Rail Motors headed for Lithgow on the 23rd of May to operate some trips for the folk at Lithgow. Once again, they proved extremely popular. With a trip from Lithgow out to Tarana for a meal, they then headed back to Rydal so thirsty patrons could enjoy a quiet beer at the Royal Hotel, while others walked  around the sleepy village marveling at its  peaceful tranquility.The Royal Hotel is famous for being the Hotel that was used in the short film called A Steam Train Passes featuring famous engine, the 3801. After a short stay at Rydal, it was back onto the Rail Motors again for the run back into Lithgow. Every passenger left that day with a smile on their face, with a lot asking when are they going to run another trip!  The day after on the Sunday, the 3 Rail Motors operated up the Mudgee line to the town of Kandos. At Kandos, this is now the temporary end of the line. A hearty meal was had by all the passengers at the local club, then after a couple of hours the Rail Motors headed back once more to Lithgow. Again, there were a train load of happy passengers.

Lithgow Engineman Jason McIntyre, stands beside the Rail Motors at Kandos after he worked them from Lithgow to Kandos. A headboard was made up especially for the day by members of the 3801 Limited Mechanical Branch to remember Ian Thornton, a friend and mentor to many , and a leader in rail preservation who recently passed away.  Sunday 24th May 2009.

The Rail Motors were due to attend the Great Train Festival at Mt. Victoria the following weekend, but due to a last minute bureaucratic decision by someone in the rail regulator office in Sydney, they were not allowed to operate at Mt Victoria. The thousands of people who turned out at Mt Victoria were extremely disappointed to learn that their beloved Rail Motors would not run. There were many upset children at Mt Victoria that weekend.

As with all trips away with the L.V.R.  CPH Rail Motors, Traveling Equipment Officers John Mackie Snr and John Toohey, accompanied them for the duration of the trips away ensuring a trouble free operation the whole time. Their professionalism and attention to detail is a credit to them both, and should stand as a shining  example to others  showing what can be done when you are dedicated and  know how to do your job properly.