SRA display model trains stolen!

[hunslet@cia.com.au (Hunslet)]

Many of us remember the large scale model rolling stock displayed by
the State Rail Authority of NSW over the years, quite apart from the
HO scale and earlier O scale layouts.   These had become regular
attractions at the Sydney Royal Easter Show and other publicity
displays.

Last year, the SRA Display Unit was closed down.   Some of the larger
display locomotives and rolling stock were sent to FreightCorp for its
use.   The remainder were retained in the care of State Rail's
Heritage Section and occasionally appear in displays, etc..   Several
items had been displayed on behalf of Countrylink a week or so ago.

Two of these models were stolen in a "break and enter" overnight on
Tuesday/Wednesday 9-10th March.   The thieves (there had to be more
than one owing to the size of the models and their weights), smashed
their way through a secured door, bypassed monitored security alarms
and cut through a security fence to reach the items.

The thieves knew exactly what they were after, as they bypassed models
of steam and diesel locomotives to take two items of electric rolling
stock - a Tangara motor car and a Tangara driving control trailer car.
Both vehicles were kept in specially made containers, with TANGARA
painted on the outisde.   The other containers also indicate their
contents.

The two models are about six feet long and two feet high - like their
big brothers, they are basically silver in colour.   The driving
control trailer has the yellow across the front to replicate an Outer
Suburban Tangara.

Naturally, the Police were notified.   They have found an excellent
set of "new" finger prints on the Tangara storage boxes which were
left behind.

State Rail Heritage has asked for out help.  If any one sees these
cars or hears anything, could they please contact State Rail Heritage
with the information - on either phone (02) 9224 3036 or (02) 9224
3026.

Obviously, a specialist theft like this places the rail enthusiast
fraternity in a bad light, so any help which we can give is
desireable.