The presentation Crossing the Blue Mountains covered traffic on the Main West line between the outer metropolitan area (at Penrith) and Lithgow Goods Yard. This presentation will continue that journey beyond Lithgow out to Orange.
In the late 1800’s, Sir Henry Parkes was making massive progress with expansion of the NSW railway network and in just seven years the Main West Line was progressively extended from Bowefels (about a kilometre beyond Lithgow) out to Orange, 165 kilometres away, reaching the latter in 1877. The line was subsequently extended further beyond Orange to reach Dubbo in 1881 and then Bourke in 1885, and in addition a track was opened between Orange and Parkes in 1893. The resulting increase in rail traffic necessitated a progressive duplication of the tracks on the sections Lithgow - Bathurst, Graham - Murrobo and Spring Hill - Orange.
Sadly, with the improvement in country highways, the railways came under pressure from road transport and the family motor car. In the late 1980’s, the decision was made to convert the Main West line back to predominantly single track beyond Wallerawang, the only dual track being that between Tarana and Bathurst, Newbridge and Murrobo, Spring Hill and Orange East Fork and a passing loop at Palona. Bathurst, Blayney and Orange remain active Countrylink Stations (probably more for bus than train operations), and disused railway platforms/station buildings stand at Bowenfels, Wallerawang, Rydal, Tarana, Raglan, Georges Plains, Newbridge, Milthorpe and Spring Hill. Some 23 others such as Sodwell, Locksley, Brewongle etc have been completely demolished. Seven XPT and one Explorer traverse the tracks in each direction each week.
This presentation starts at Lithgow Goods Yard and works its way west to Orange as we view both ‘down’ and ‘up’ passenger and freight operations. In the less accessible areas of the track (e.g. Tumulla) I have included video taken on a NSWRTM tour to assist continuity. Locomotives seen include CLF/P, DL, G, NR, T, 42, 44, 45, 47, 48, 80, 81 and 82 diesel-electrics. Passenger trains include the Indian Pacific, XPT and Explorer.
Approximate run time: 58 minutes.