"Lachlan Valley Railway Society (A Pictorial History) Volume 3: 1979-80"
By Tony Woodland
Paperback cover 24 pages black/white photos
INTRODUCTION
The Lachlan Valley Railway Society Co-operative Limited was formed in 1974 and incorporated in 1977, with the aim of restoring and maintaining in running order some of the state's remaining steam locomotives and vintage rolling stock.
To this end, several foundation members formed a syndicate to purchase a locomotive, 5917, four carriages, a breakdown crane and several goods vehicles. Since this time, other locos have been purchased by the society, these being 3026T, 3237 and 5367 and more recently diesel-electric loco 4204, former A.I.S. locomotive D9, six S.R.A. 47 class and three 44 class locomotives.
The society has leased the former loco depot and some surrounding sidings at Cowra and built a large shed to accomodate carriages. Currently a licence agreement is held to operate trains from Cowra to Blayney and to Trajere (near Canowindra).
Trains operate at certain times of the year from Cowra station. In its time of running tours, trains or locos from the society have reached places such as Peterborough, (S.A.) in 1976, Moree, Tamworth, Wallangarra, Albury and Kiama on the famous Kiama beach tours in 1979-1985.