The possibility of a railway link connecting inland towns like Moss Vale and Bowral to the South Coast had been raised back in 1881, but it was not until 1932 that the 61 kilometer long Moss Vale - Unanderra Line was opened.
The line leaves Unanderra and climbs up the Illawarra Escarpment to Summit Tank, encountering some 20 kilometres of 1 in 30/35 gradients and some spectacular scenic countryside. Because the eastern side of the escarpment forms the water catchment area for Sydney, this land area is considered very environmentally sensitive, and any access by fire trails is severely restricted. Beyond Summit Tank, the gradients become more friendly until the summit is reached near St Anthony’s, just 2 kilometres short of Robertson. From here, the line slowly descends towards Moss Vale. The line today is double track between Unanderra and Dombarton and then single track thereafter to Moss Vale, with three passing loops, these being at Summit Tank, Mt Murray and Calwalla.
This video traces round trip freight and passenger train operations commencing at Unanderra, and features trains operated by Freight Corp, National Rail, Pacific National, ATN Access, 3801 LTD, NSWRTM, City Rail and Paterson Railmotors.
Locomotives seen in operation are 422, 44, 48/830, 49, 81, 82, NR, DL, L, EL, GM and several clips of South Maitland Railways No.18 steam engine. (The 2008 addendum includes QR National (ARG)’s 2200 and 3200 Class). Passenger rolling stock seen includes CHP rail motors, City Rail interurbans (near Unanderra), Southern Aurora and ex PTC non-air conditioned rolling stock.
Approximate run time: 80 minutes.