We Thought You Might Appreciate an update on the new book.
As the new book “Smoke” moves ever closer on the horizon, we thought it would be a good idea to present a few of the colour images.
Of course, the internet is not as dynamic as a printed book, but this will give you some idea of the quality and variety of what we have.
For those of you wondering about when the new book will be available, I have some good news. Right now we have given the go ahead to the printers. I have the proof copy of the book, and even though the final version will have some minor tweeks, I have shown a shop owner, who immediately placed a nice order. We expect delivery in the first two weeks of June, barring world war III breaking out!
Our colour section is 32 pages, maintaining the quality of our earlier books. It covers a vast area of the state, and includes some stunning images, like this one on Fassifern bank.
By this time double small engines were fast vanishing from the Short North under the Garratt and diesel onslaught. Nice to see that fate could still throw in a pair of Standards. Fassifern’s southbound 1 in 75 finds 5246 and 5456 on steel out of Port Waratah. ROBERT KINGSFORDSMITH, 1 JUNE 1968
While many of us visited Fassifern, not so many managed to photograph mainline steam west of Lithgow, where the scenery was spectacularly different. While there was not the traffic of the Short North, trains moved slowly making it much easier to chase them.
5484 drops into Locksley with No. 84 mixed in rich afternoon light. We love that per way van behind the tender.
GRAHAM COTTERALL, 31 JANUARY 1966
While diesels took over the south at the end of 1969, in the last few years of steam, there was a flurry of action and some great shots to be had for those of us with wheels, including this artistic effort.
While small engines were breaking back into old haunts on the Main North and North Coast towards the end of the 60s, Garratts were running to Goulburn on weekends when Glenlee coal traffic dipped. One such working is seen at Aylmerton, tastefully framed by eucalypts. STEPHEN BUCK, 1967
Even though getting out in the countryside was fantastic, for those in the know, the metropolitan area provided some very interesting locations for photography,
As schoolboys, we would travel the length and depth of the Sydney Suburban network on our 10c excursion ticket during school holidays. The funny thing is that the generations have moved this to the over 60’s who now enjoy a $2.50 ticket to travel to Sydney and surrounds!
3108 gingerly heads along the Jones Bay siding, which branched off the Metropolitan Goods Line at Darling Island Junction. The 30T is returning empty TRC refrigerated vans from Sydney Cold Stores to near Pyrmont power station, where they will be washed out. JOHN GAYDON, EARLY 1971
No NSW steam book would be complete without one of the superb mages of the Newcastle Flyer climbing Hawkmount. The mid-day Flyer, 71, at certain times of the year, topped the mountain in brilliant lighting, as this photo shows.
No giant cooling towers behind the train, and no wires! Who can forget the roar of the 38 as she thrashed her way up the 1 in 44 grade.
Displaying the grey haze of a well fired 38, the last black one in service is framed by poles and wires from on high as it races N185 extra passenger up Hawkmount during steam’s last glorious passenger haulage flurry in Pope’s Week.
ROBERT KINGSFORD-SMITH, 2 DECEMBER 1970
The piece de resistence were the double Garratts, which hauled huge loads up the hill, with spectacular sound and smoke. The length of the train was such that they were still puffing and panting as the passed the “Hawkmount Hotel”, a gangers hut where we sheltered during wet weather, where this next photo was taken.
Always the double headed life of the party among the more common singles, 631 goods was usually a block coal drag. On this occasion 6017 and 6023 have flat wagons of rail in their 1,200 ton consist as they storm up to the ‘Hawkmount Hotel’.
ROBERT KINGSFORD-SMITH, 18 MAY 1968
Finally, there are the night shots. This is one of mine taken of the Paper Train at Wyong, It headed out at 12 am from Sydney and was steam hauled from Gosford. If you look closely, there are some suspicious boxes of whisky in the foreground. The stash of booze may or may not have been a bit smaller after our visit.
19 North had a very easy timetable with drunks, railfans and newspapers to be unloaded at various points, so 5915 won’t be challenged in getting to Newcastle on time. Cardboard cartons of Corio whisky destined for a Wyong pub are fast becoming soaked in the drizzle.
JOHN GAYDON, SEPTEMBER 1972
The end of the line was Newcastle, site of Australia’s first railway line. Regrettably now devoid of tracks, noise, smoke and atmosphere, it is only now visible in pictures.
It’s 6.40 am and a 30T makes a start from Newcastle with a Maitland stopping train. 15 minutes later, it will be followed as far as Hamilton by the 38 on No. 24 Flyer.
ROBERT BELZER, MARCH 1969
So there you have it, a portion of the colour section of the book. There are many more great shots including a few of the Camden line. All of this produced to our high standards to give you a book you can be proud to own and share with your mates.
John Gaydon