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Byways of Steam - 25

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Byways of Steam - 25

The history and details of six suburban steam depots are presented. The individual histories feature drawings, diagrams, photographs and operational information on such diverse locomotive depots as Milson's Point, Hurstville, Homebush and Clyde.

In the mid-1920s, electrification of the Sydney suburban railway system commenced. In 1926, the first of the electric trains entered service and from then on, steam locomotives were quickly displaced on suburban passenger working as the electrified network expanded into the suburbs.

In the 40-year period prior to the opening of electrification, steam locomotives of numerous designs and an equally varied range of passenger carriages provided an intensive service throughout the area. The trains carried workers and shoppers to and from their homes located in such outer suburbs as Hurstville, Parramatta, Ryde, Hornsby and Bankstown.

A huge locomotive depot was built at Eveleigh in 1885, becoming the principal centre of locomotive operations in the state. Even with its immense size and capacity to service many locomotives, the suburban operations needed some special attention. To provide the motive power, carriage sets and train crews for a frequent passenger service, locomotive depots and carriage sheds were built at as many as ten locations.

The entry into service of the S class 4-6-4 tank engines in 1903 improved the running times and the size of the commuter trains, but the near-to-Sydney suburban depots remained.

With electrification, all that changed and a number of the suburban depots and carriage sheds were removed, replaced by the electric car sheds.

In this issue of Byways of Steam, the history and details of six suburban steam depots are presented. The individual histories feature drawings, diagrams, photographs and operational information on such diverse locomotive depots as Milsons Point, Hurstville, Homebush, Clyde, Belmore and Rozelle.

A special photographic tribute to the versatility of the S class (later 30 class), which were mostly displaced from their usual working by the electrification, is included.

Published: 2006

Pages: 144

Format: Softcover

ISBN: 978-1-876568-32-0