Easter at Orange

["Stratton, Chris CP" <Stratton.Chris.CP@bhp.com.au>]

Aus loco discussion mailing list

The family and I went to Orange over Easter to visit relatives and I managed to see a few trains in between family commitments.
Headed off on Friday 21/4 and after diverting via Winmalee and Kurrajong to avoid a massive traffic jam at Springwood we arrived at Lithgow and saw all the stored 80s and 86s. Had a quick look at the State Mine and got a photo of D23 over the fence. Ex Hoskins and AI&S steam loco Possum was also photographed at Eskbank House.
Arrived at Blayney in time for the departure of 5367 to Orange on train WS29 but there was no sign of the train. Found it at Polona at 1530 (45 late) still working WS26 to Blayney.
Saturday 22nd photographed 5367 on WS24 to Blayney struggling up the hill past Bloomfield at about 1000 (30 late). The train stopped there and the crew opened the smokebox door. Photographed 4701 and 4204 in a siding near the station. At 1700 WS26 dinner train was at Orange platform waiting for its 1800 departure with 4701 leading 4204.
Sunday 23rd photographed 4701+4204+5367 on WS21 to Bathurst at Spring Hill running late again. This train was only supposed to have 5367. Went back to Spring Hill to see WT28 XPT at 1615 in case the Safety Vest was on the train, but only found 2005 and 2011.
Monday 24th photographed 5367 being coaled by front end loader in the yard at Orange at 0845. Went back to Spring Hill to see WT27 and was surprised by NR103+8108 on an Up freight pulling up at the end of the double track to await the XPT which came through at 1205 with 2011 and 2005 again. Departed for home via Cowra, Boorowa and Goulburn and didn't see any other trains. Carcoar and Cowra stations looked good with their new paintwork. The absence of lights on the crossing at Holmwood and the new crossing at Cowra was a worry, IIRC the crossing at Holmwood used to have lights.
After getting home and starting to read about 160 emails on Tuesday 25th (my 40th birthday!) I got to the one about the Ts being at Port Kembla so I went off to get some photos at 1200 and found X45+X40 with a rake of grain wagons in the north yard at Port Kembla North. G543+G533+T390+T399+T408 were stabled in the Ampol siding. 
NR8+NR106+NR48 were idling in the south yard near the control tower.
I hope this has been of interest to someone and not too boring.
Regards,
Chris.


EOM 

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