LVR in Junee
frogman (frogman@albanyis.com.au)
13 Oct 97 09:36:04 GMT
We departed Cowra in overcast conditions for freezing cold Junee. We
arrived at about 1500 (1 hour late) to be trapped in our sleeper because
the Junee mob were shunting, and didn't want visitors to get in their way
(or see their mistakes). We woke to a FROSTY cold, morning at about 0600 to
prepare for the day. Our loco was soon coupled to the train to roll into
Junee platform. A reasonable crowd met us. We soon departed for Marrar.
Upon return, we were met by a HUGE crowd of about 400 . Most squeezed into
our train, while others had their tickets exchanged for other less crowded
trips later in the weekend. (Grumpy didn't keep track of the number of
tickets he was selling until now.) It was a shock to the Car and buffet
attendants to have more passengers than crew. But we managed. The rest of
the day had 3 more trips to Marrar. A late night at the pub for tea ended
day 1. Day 2 started at 0600 again, with a bit more organization. It was
strange to be asked to move the train 22m clear of the turntable. Oh well,
I did then, .... here comes NR5!. It must be towing us to the station.
Where is my camera? Click, click, click, click, then away it goes. 1st
trip to Wagga was busy. So was the return trip with extra passengers and
minus one crew member in the form of Karen (who stayed (was left?) behind
to do shopping). An extra trip to Harefield was included so that we would
free up the station to let the Griffith passenger by without interruption.
Another 2 trips to Marrar then back to Wagga Wagga Wagga. Trouble with the
generator was repaired while we waited in the platform for 2 hours while
Junee mob "played trains". A hole in the smoke box was cleared from being
a serious problem. (Newcastle coal burns Very VERY quickly and much hotter)
Yet another late night, this time the RSL was warned that we would be there
at 2100 for tea. Up at 0500 on day 3 for light up of Rosie. The smoke box
hole was temporarily repaired, generator now working and away goes the
train down to the platform behind a C class! Then away we go on 5367
behind. Leaving the loco for breakfast, I missed the 2 trips to Marrar on
Monday, and had a quick look around the displays. Watched the motor bike
idiot jump over the 2 Austrac 48s and 4472 only to crash land on the other
side. Lucky his motor bike didn't hit anybody. He was lucky too. Anyway,
the action continued with 8201 demonstrating how catch points work. This
caused a problem for LVR as 4486 was now trapped in the roundhouse. The
motor bike ramp mob were hurried along as 4486 moved around the back and
paused right up against the ramp while they dismantled it. Any way, once
clear we coupled up the sleeper and away we went down to the platform. Once
the steamer returned, it was moved so that a couple of XPTs could use the
station. Then we coupled up with 5367 leading 4486 back to Harden, arriving
1 hour late due to the rediculous timetable. Turning 5367 at Harden we were
on our way with 4486 leading 5367 back to Cowra arriving 2100 (15" late)
What a tiring weekend for us all!