Byways of Steam - 24

The Richmond Branch, by Peter Attenborough.

On 29 November 1864, over 140 years ago, the first branch line in the colony of New South Wales opened to serve the rural areas around Windsor and Richmond. Peter looks at the history of the Richmond branch and why it was so significant at that time to the fledgling colony. The expansion of the line and its many wayside stations are reviewed, as are the operational aspects of the branch. A brief insight is also provided into the short-lived extension to Kurrajong with its very different operating practices. Track diagrams and many photographs are included to illustrate the interesting facets of this branch line.

Our Railway Heritage: Old Sydney Yard, by Robert Booth.

The story of the old Sydney Yard reaches back 150 years into the very early days if the NSWR. In this brief trip back, Robert explores the detail around the engine shed.

Murphys Law at Hawkmount, by Stephen Halgren.

Hawkmount, on the Sydney to Newcastle main line attracted scores of steam enthusiasts during the final years of steam. However, notoriety visited the revered location on 15 May 1948 when a series of non-injurious derailments and collisions added another chapter to the locations history. This essay details the incidents and the consequences for the men involved. It gives an interesting insight into 1940s train working over this busy section of track

Newcastle, by Ron Preston.

With the closure of the line from Wickham Junction to Newcastle looming, we take a look at some of the history that surrounds the activities on this line that runs along the banks of the Hunter River.

Keep Your Hands to Yourself, by Pat Turner.

Retired Junee driver Pat Turner recalls an incident at Albury during his days of firing on the Southern Expresses, and how, sometimes it pays to mind your own business.

Published: 2005

Pages: 136

Format: Softcover

ISBN: 978-1-876568-31-3