The Lithgow Zig Zag Railway
The extension of the Main West Line beyond Penrith necessitated a crossing of the steeply graded Blue Mountains area of the Great Dividing Range.
To achieve this, zig zags (or switch backs) were used on both sides of this steep mountain range, the lesser known Lapstone Zig Zag on the eastern side, and the better known Lithgow Zig Zag on the western side. The Lapstone (or Little) Zig Zag opened in 1867 and was closed in 1892 after a deviation including a single track tunnel was constructed near Glenbrook, eliminating the requirement to reverse the direction of the trains in order to climb or descend the eastern slope. (This tunnel was itself eliminated in 1913 by the Glenbrook Gorge deviation which provided dual track operation at much easier gradients). The Lithgow (or Great) Zig Zag was opened in 1869 and closed in 1910, when the currently used 10 tunnel deviation became operational, again providing dual track and friendlier gradients.
Sadly the Lapstone Zig Zag and the subsequent tunnel deviation have disappeared into the undergrowth thanks to the passing of time and changes to the Great Western Highway in the Lapstone/Glenbrook area, however many of the formations can still be found if you are prepared to search through the bush to see them. Fortunately, in the case of the Lithgow Zig Zag, a group of rail enthusiasts generated enough interest to have the top and middle roads of the Lithgow Zig Zag (from Clarence station to Bottom Points station) reactivated as a tourist railway, utilising 3’6” gauge locomotives and rolling stock obtained from Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania.
This presentation covers steam, diesel and rail-car operation on the Lithgow Zig Zag Tourist Railway, and includes a number of cab rides in the active steam locomotives, a visit to the Top Points signal box and, as addendum, some video of the now inactive Lapstone Zig Zag and tunnel deviation formations.
Approximate running time: 67 minutes.