Due to trackwork this weekend on the tracks between Sydenham and Central, XPT services leaving from the Meeks Road maintenance centre had to divert to Hurstville, reverse, then proceed to Central via Regents Park, a very circuitous route.
XP 2019/2017 is seen here passing through Banksia Station in both directions.
Photos by myself.
3801, the "Legend of Steam" has returned to heritage service!
3801 hasn't been seen in operational condition for over two years now due to complex maintenance needs. Fortunately, Transport Heritage NSW has now restored it to running condition! Following a successful mainline trial to Wollongong and return, 3801 is now scheduled to run the upcoming Penrith Steam train rides among other events.
More photos and a write up on my blog: https://linesidelens.com/3801-returns-to-the-mainline/
3801 seen here on its first mainline testing journey having gone down to Wollongong and now passing Waterfall on its return journey in the later afternoon / early evening.
This was at quite short notice to me, as I didn't hear about this until the train was already on the South Coast heading toward Wollongong! However, I was able to make it to Waterfall to capture it on its return. Unfortunately, with the winter solstice literally tomorrow, the natural light quickly faded making for some difficult shooting conditions.
Write up with some more photos on my blog: https://linesidelens.com/3801-returns-to-the-mainline/
Photo are my own.
Decent spot a bit behind the Memorial Garden above some steps, works better with a tripod for pan shots.
Wanted to get a similar shot of the Sunset K tour train today but I botched it unfortunately, so this Waratah B will have to do :>
Photo by myself.
Some photos I got yesterday attending the annual Thirlmere Festival of Steam.
Photos by myself. A write up of the day along with more photos available on my new blog: linesidelens.com.
Not quite in Sydney but hopefully still okay.
Freshly repainted "OSCar" (Outer-Suburban Car) pair H20 and H45 are seen here just past Bombo station on the single track adjacent to Bombo Beach.
Photos by myself.
The Canberra Xplorer service led by 2502 trailed by 2522 near the curve approaching Picton station. I've heard that the govt.'s recently announced extra funding to improve this service, although no word on what exactly that entails or when the benefits will be felt.
Great conditions today. Photos by myself.
XPT power cars 2009 and 2006 were recently repainted in their original State Rail Authority "Candy" livery to mark the reinstatement of the daily Grafton XPT. Late last year, around December I spotted XP 2009 on its way north at Hornsby, before its candy repaint.
Photo essay and more candy photos on my blog.
Photos by myself.