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With announcement that the two 3801 ltd 49s are now assigned
to the Cockatoo Run, I though I would make an effort to travel north to ride
this train last weekend. I was originally planing to ride the Sunday service,
but as it was booked out I ended up doing the Saturday service. Waiting for the
Port Kembla connecting service at Wollongong I was able to photograph 8171 on a
deviated MS2. On arrival into Port Kembla, 4908-4918 stood in the loco depot
ready to transfer to the platform once the "spark" departed. With the
"spark" finally departing the two 49s started their zig-zag maneuver
to get to the platform. As this was happening an 81 was towing a dead 86 from
the repair sheds to a road opposite the platform were three other 86s were
stabled. The 86 had obviously had some repairs to it's sanding gears as fitter's
were running along side of it as it was moved up and down the yard.
Once finding my seat it was time to depart. Departure was a
few minutes late with only 4918 powering (4908 was later cut in at Dombarton).
The driver was giving it a solo test as he had already done the same to 4908 on
the Thursday service. The climb up the escarpment was nothing but awesome. Being
not much of a EMD fan, this show of nothing but pure noise was almost enough to
convert this Alco fan. Before entering each tunnel the driver would notch back
before giving it "eight" just as the engines entered the tunnel
portal, with this show at just about every tunnel and snow shed I am now only
just starting to get my hearing back!!!
Several trains were crossed on the way up to Robertson, the
first being quad 82s on a grain train heading to Port Kembla at Dombarton. At
Summit Tank two NRs also heading to Port Kembla with a steel train passed while
passenger were heading back from the lookout. As we arrived at our destination
of Robertson triple 81s sat in the loop with a grain train. Once we arrived the
grain train departed for Port Kembla. With around twenty minutes before our
departure back down the escarpment an 81 could be heard in the distance climbing
the grades. Expecting just double 81s I did not bother to set up for a photo
until a 81-81-81-82-81 combo came into view. It was a quick run after seeing
this. I was quick enough to climb the hill on the south side to get it crossing
the 49s. With all the excitement past it was time to head back down the hill.
Nothing was seen on the way down although BHP locos 102-101 passed Unanderra
station as I was waiting for my train up Sydney.
Michael
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