The Leigh Creek line is a heavy haul coal line, and one of the longest runs in the southern Hemisphere for section car operators

This trip there were four cars along, two former NSW GR SIC's, a former Commonwealth Railways M19 and a former Australian National A5.

We welcomed people from afar, including John Kirk and Gary Davey from Melbourne, Steve Overmyer from Sydney, and especially John and Jeanne Black who travelled to Adelaide all the way from Washington State USA.

Unlike previous trips where camping was the go, the group based themselves at Parachilna, and made use of the wonderful resources of the Prairie Hotel. Its worth the trip just to stay at the Prairie.

The group headed north on the Saturday, up to Copley, and south to Neuroodla on the Sunday.

Our thanks to Dion Charlesworth who, as usual, provided the most professional of services, and to Glen Reye from NRG Flinders for allowing us the use of the line. We note NRG's support of both our operations, and that of Pichi Richi Railway.

Please have a look to our other NRG Pages, 2001 and 2002

 Day One

North to Copley and we were delayed an hour or two as we waited for the welding gang to finish up for the morning. The guy with the bushy beard is one of the welding gang. To the left is Steve O and to the right is Ian Harris.

Harsco reaches into the remote outback of Australia.

In the front is 1960's technology, an M19, behind is the rail puller in use by the gang, with the Fairmont Tamper/Harsco trailer in the background.

Beltana Siding.

John Kirk on Nic Doncasters M19 - this was his first time on a speeder, and the first time he has seen the Leigh Creek line from ballast level.

On the long curve from Liegh Creek to Copley

All the cars on Windy Creek Bridge

M19, SIC, SIC, A5 and the hirail

Jeanne Klien and a bunch of friendly Oz flies, and a friendly Steve Overmyer to the right.

Beltana on the way back

Safely back at Parachilna, with the cars secured to the track for the night.

Part of any ASSCO managed event are the safety briefings and debriefings - communication is essential to effective safety management.

As we wrap upthe first day, Dion (L) and Steve (R) share a joke.

Day 2 heading south

Neuroodla is our target.

Photostop on the way home.

Our trusty Steads

And we are ready to go.....

After a photo, and pretty mcuh the group

L-R John Black, Ivan Wood, Nic Doncaster,Ian Harris, Jeanne Kleyn, John Kirk and Gary Davey,

Uploaded March 23, 2003 Updated May 18, 2003

Photographs © to their author

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