Saturday, May 16, 2009
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Steamfest triple header.
Continuing its 24 year tradition, 3801 Limited again supported the Maitland Steamfest in 2009 by operating a train from Sydney to Maitland as well as two local excursion trips. This allowed over 300 passengers from Sydney to join in the festivities of this popular annual event as well as catering for many more local travellers in Maitland.
This years outing was a combined effort with the Lachlan Valley Railway Society and the Powerhouse Museum to produce a spectacular triple headed steam hauled train using locos 3237, 5917 and 3830.
A 12 car long heritage passenger train was used to carry passengers to Maitland which then split to form an afternoon shuttle train to Branxton using 3237 and 5917 and also the famous Tigermoth plane "Race train" which was headed by loco 3830. The race train was paralleled on the 4 track section between Waratah and Maitland by two of the new CityRail "Hunter" class railmotors carrying spectators. This years race was narrowly won by 3830 which was driven hard to beat the plane but still had steam to spare at the race end.
This years outing was a combined effort with the Lachlan Valley Railway Society and the Powerhouse Museum to produce a spectacular triple headed steam hauled train using locos 3237, 5917 and 3830.
A 12 car long heritage passenger train was used to carry passengers to Maitland which then split to form an afternoon shuttle train to Branxton using 3237 and 5917 and also the famous Tigermoth plane "Race train" which was headed by loco 3830. The race train was paralleled on the 4 track section between Waratah and Maitland by two of the new CityRail "Hunter" class railmotors carrying spectators. This years race was narrowly won by 3830 which was driven hard to beat the plane but still had steam to spare at the race end.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Kids day out - 3801 hosts Camp Quality.
Each year 3801 Ltd carries thousands of passengers on its trains but the most satisfying trips are without doubt those where community groups come along for a day out as guests of the company. In November 3801 Ltd again hosted the kids, parents and carers from Camp Quality for a trip on the Cockatoo Run.
From the smiles on the faces all enjoyed their trip on the heritage train travelling down the Illawarra coastline and then up the hill through the bush for a look at the view from Summit Tank lookout.
No doubt the family albums have now been topped up with snapshots of happy memories.
We look forward to seeing these smiles back again as passengers for many more rides in future.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Mikado on the Mountain - 5917 on the Cockatoo Run.
To end the year with a special treat for passengers, 3801 Ltd and the Lachlan Valley Railway Coop (LVR) combined efforts to operate 4 steam hauled Cockatoo Runs using the recently reactivated Mikado 2-8-2 loco 5917.
Over 4 weeks 3801 Ltd and LVR staff and volunteers worked together to provide 4 trouble free outings with the 59 mastering the Illawarra coastline and mountain run with ease.
Such was the popularity of the 59 whilst in Sydney that 10 cars were marshalled for the final trip on December 14 to cater for bookings from ARHS Canberra, ARHS NSW, LVR, Goodwin Alco, 3801 Ltd volunteers and the general public.
Close to departure time, the 59's crew take a brief pause for a photo whilst steam is raised.
Out in the suburbs with safety valves lifting, 5917 climbs the grade through Jannali.
Headed down along the coast line, 5917 rattles its train over the stanwell park viaduct.
The Illawarra mountain is the steepest line in NSW and a challenge for any locomotive. Here 5917 is well into the climb towads Dombarton.
At the top of the hill 5917 pauses at Summit Tank whilst the passengers and crew alike enjoy the break.
Successful operations dont happen by accident and take careful planning and the efforts of many.
Behind the scenes there are many admin, booking and scheduling tasks to be completed before the actual operations are even considered.
Once the plan is in place, a steam engine demands the attention of many to get everything ready. Thankfully, 3801 Ltd and LVR have a dedicated team of staff and supporters to make sure all is done in readiness for a day on the road.
Shed volunteers ensure that everything is oiled, polished and inspected prior to a wheel being turned.....
Out on the road more staff make sure water is replenished.....
coal shovelled forward to get the train home.....
and motion and axleboxs oiled to keep rolling.
Back in the cars another team of dedicated staff are on duty to attend to the passengers needs.
Smiling car attendants ensure that everyone enjoys their day......
in the buffet sweet treats and drinks are prepared for refreshment.....
and the guard, the man in charge of the train makes sure the train runs on time and safely.
At the end of the day the happy passengers grab a last photo before heading home to reflect on another great day out.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Springtime Steam - The Robertson Heritage Railway Fair.
Although Sunday October 5 dawned to grey skies nothing could dampen the enthusiasm of the 200+ passengers that gathered to travel on the special steam hauled Cockatoo Run to Robertson and beyond.
For the first time in many years, the Powerhouse Museum's pacific class loco 3830, was rostered to haul the popular tourist train and help celebrate the arrival of spring at the Robertson Heritage Railway Fair.
With the first hard up hill climb over, 3830 pulls to a stand at Sutherland to pick up more enthusiastic passengers.
Having enjoyed a spirited run across the speedway to Waterfall, the passengers got to enjoy the sight of 3830 passing their own train as it cut off briefly and filled its tender with water at the heritage water column.
Inside the heritage carriages, passengers young and old swapped travel stories, marvelled at the passing scenery and kept the hard working buffet staff busy throughout the day.
Back on the move, the loco crew guided the train down the winding Illawarra railway, through tunnels....
...over the curved Stanwell Park viaduct...
...all the time with the magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean just a glimpse away.
From Unanderra to Summit Tank, the "Mountain Line" as it is known climbs the steepest section of mainline railway in NSW. Owing to the large amount of passengers on the trip, 7 passenger cars and a diesel to assist were needed to get everyone to their destination.
Arrival at Robertson found the town ingulfed in a heavy fog and the fair activities in full swing. Here the Sydney passengers got off and another train load of locals joined to enjoy a quick trip across to Moss Vale and return.
With safety valve lifting, 3830 made a fine sight shrouded in steam and fog and there was no doubt that the fireman had worked very hard and done a fine job.
For this special trip 3830 wore 2 headboards to identify both the Illwarra Tree Top Flyer operated by 3801 Limited and the loco's owner - The Powerhouse Museum.
It seemed the whole town turned out to witness this grand relic from the steam era before heading back to continue with the celebrations.
Many displays made up the fair with the heritage theme well displayed via vintage cars.....
...the early "hit & miss" petrol engines......
...and many other fine stalls in the well presented park area.
All too soon 3830 reappeared from the fog and was ready to retrace its steps back to Sydney.
With a full head of steam the fresh loco crew look back to ensure all their passengers are safely back on board and prepare to take the train down the hill.
After a great day out and back on time, 3830 takes its rest at Sydney as the happy passengers pick up their country goodies and head for home.
Congratulations to all for making this a truly memorable day out especially the Powerhouse Museum staff for turning out a first class locomotive and the loco crew and train staff who worked so hard throughout the day.
When's the next trip???????????
For the first time in many years, the Powerhouse Museum's pacific class loco 3830, was rostered to haul the popular tourist train and help celebrate the arrival of spring at the Robertson Heritage Railway Fair.
With the first hard up hill climb over, 3830 pulls to a stand at Sutherland to pick up more enthusiastic passengers.
Having enjoyed a spirited run across the speedway to Waterfall, the passengers got to enjoy the sight of 3830 passing their own train as it cut off briefly and filled its tender with water at the heritage water column.
Inside the heritage carriages, passengers young and old swapped travel stories, marvelled at the passing scenery and kept the hard working buffet staff busy throughout the day.
Back on the move, the loco crew guided the train down the winding Illawarra railway, through tunnels....
...over the curved Stanwell Park viaduct...
...all the time with the magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean just a glimpse away.
From Unanderra to Summit Tank, the "Mountain Line" as it is known climbs the steepest section of mainline railway in NSW. Owing to the large amount of passengers on the trip, 7 passenger cars and a diesel to assist were needed to get everyone to their destination.
Arrival at Robertson found the town ingulfed in a heavy fog and the fair activities in full swing. Here the Sydney passengers got off and another train load of locals joined to enjoy a quick trip across to Moss Vale and return.
With safety valve lifting, 3830 made a fine sight shrouded in steam and fog and there was no doubt that the fireman had worked very hard and done a fine job.
For this special trip 3830 wore 2 headboards to identify both the Illwarra Tree Top Flyer operated by 3801 Limited and the loco's owner - The Powerhouse Museum.
It seemed the whole town turned out to witness this grand relic from the steam era before heading back to continue with the celebrations.
Many displays made up the fair with the heritage theme well displayed via vintage cars.....
...the early "hit & miss" petrol engines......
...and many other fine stalls in the well presented park area.
All too soon 3830 reappeared from the fog and was ready to retrace its steps back to Sydney.
With a full head of steam the fresh loco crew look back to ensure all their passengers are safely back on board and prepare to take the train down the hill.
After a great day out and back on time, 3830 takes its rest at Sydney as the happy passengers pick up their country goodies and head for home.
Congratulations to all for making this a truly memorable day out especially the Powerhouse Museum staff for turning out a first class locomotive and the loco crew and train staff who worked so hard throughout the day.
When's the next trip???????????
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Illawarra Treetop Flyer Tourist Train
This train also known as The Cockatoo Run, departs Sydney every Thursday & Sunday morning and stops to pick up passengers at Hurstville, Sutherland, Thirroul, Wollongong and Unanderra. The route follows the spectacular southern coastline to Wollongong and then climbs up the Illawarra escarpment through rain forest terrain to Robertson.
Join the train and settle back in your heritage carriage for a relaxing and nostalgic journey while the powerful vintage diesel loco tackles the states steepest grade and hauls your train to the top of the hill. Along the way you'll see unparalleled views of the eastern coastline and Pacific Ocean, native bushland, rain forest and dont miss the waterfall!
If the lights go off in the tunnels dont be scared but make sure you behave!
When you get to the top of the steep hill you'll have time to stretch your legs and walk across to the private viewing platform for an unbelievable view down the south coastline and out to sea at the Summit Tank Wollongong Rotary Lookout.
If you have any questions or requirements ask your 3801 Limited guide - they are there for you!
Enjoy the view.
After reboarding the train the journey continues inland to the Southern Highland township of Roberston. Alight here at the Heritage station and enjoy the delights that this charming town has to offer.
Alternatively, take the optional bus trip to the Illawarra Treetop Walk on the outskirts of town for an up close and personal natural bush experience.
Entry to the Illawarra Fly can be included in your travel ticket fare and includes access to the treetop tower - if you dare!
Whilst at the Fly make sure you walk right out to the edge for a truly memorable view.
For further information on the Illwarra Fly read the information below or go to:
www.illawarrafly.com
For Bookings on the Cockatoo run or other 3801 Limited tours go to:
www.3801limited.com.au or call 1300 65 3801.
Join the train and settle back in your heritage carriage for a relaxing and nostalgic journey while the powerful vintage diesel loco tackles the states steepest grade and hauls your train to the top of the hill. Along the way you'll see unparalleled views of the eastern coastline and Pacific Ocean, native bushland, rain forest and dont miss the waterfall!
If the lights go off in the tunnels dont be scared but make sure you behave!
When you get to the top of the steep hill you'll have time to stretch your legs and walk across to the private viewing platform for an unbelievable view down the south coastline and out to sea at the Summit Tank Wollongong Rotary Lookout.
If you have any questions or requirements ask your 3801 Limited guide - they are there for you!
Enjoy the view.
After reboarding the train the journey continues inland to the Southern Highland township of Roberston. Alight here at the Heritage station and enjoy the delights that this charming town has to offer.
Alternatively, take the optional bus trip to the Illawarra Treetop Walk on the outskirts of town for an up close and personal natural bush experience.
Entry to the Illawarra Fly can be included in your travel ticket fare and includes access to the treetop tower - if you dare!
Whilst at the Fly make sure you walk right out to the edge for a truly memorable view.
For further information on the Illwarra Fly read the information below or go to:
www.illawarrafly.com
For Bookings on the Cockatoo run or other 3801 Limited tours go to:
www.3801limited.com.au or call 1300 65 3801.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Old Mateland Steamfest Flyer Saturday April 19, 2008
Continuing a 20+ year tradition, 3801 Ltd operated the Old Mateland Steamfest Flyer on April 19 to convey passengers from Sydney to the annual Maitland Steam festival.
With 2 restored vintage diesel locos at the head of 6 heritage carriages, the train was an impressive sight as it headed along the Great Northern Railway.
The train had the passengers arriving in Maitland in time for lunch and gave them around 5 hours to explore the street stalls and exhibits.
The Steamfest outing continues to be popular with the young and young at heart and is a great family day out.
