The Metropolitan Coal Company was floated in 1887, not long after a large coal seam was discovered near the area now known as Helensburgh. Metropolitan Colliery has been providing quality coal for local and export use for over a century. Its location in respect to the Illawarra Line has meant that the railways have provided the means of transporting the coal for both intra and interstate requirements.
Early dieselisation saw branch line locomotives like the 48 Class providing motive power to Metropolitan Coal Trains. As late as the mid 1990s, triple 48 Class regularly hauled the coal from the Metropolitan Colliery up to Enfield, where electric locomotives took over for the trip up to Broadmeadow, Newcastle. The mid 1990’s saw the use of heavier 3000 HP 81 and later 82 Class on both Port Kembla and Newcastle trains.
This presentation traced coal train operations in the period 1994 through to 2000. The presentation is divided into two parts. Part 1 covers the current push-pull operation between the Metropolitan Colliery and Port Kembla Inner Harbour Yard. In these operations, two 3000 HP locomotives (one up front and the other on the rear of the 42 NHSH type coal wagons) provide the motive power. Part 2 covers the now defunct Newcastle originated coal trains operating in the vicinity of the Metropolitan Colliery.
In these operations, twin 3000 HP front end power was used to haul the 24 NHTH type coal wagons. Also seen along the way are ‘3801 Ltd’ locomotive 4918 hauling a special passenger train, and both suburban and interurban electric passenger rolling stock. A small 2009 addendum has been included. (See also Illawarra Line Pt 1 & 2).
Approximate run time: 73 minutes.