I had initially presumed that these shuttles would follow the pattern of others run previously by 3801 Ltd and the NSW RTM - that is, stick to the mainline. It was only a half in hope request from the Senior Train Hunter that I checked the itinerary to find that amidst the Dubbo-Guerie shuttles, there are two planned to Eumungerie. A Garratt returns to the Coonamble line after nearly 50 years! Woohoo!!!
I have mentioned previously that I never saw a Garratt on the line as most of the workings were at night and such operations came to an abrupt end on 9 January 1967 when 6011 caused the rail bridge over the Talbragar River to partially collapse under its weight. My post on this blog from 4 January 2012 recounted this event: http://eumungerierail.blogspot.com.au/2012/01/talbragar-bridge-collapse.html.
Anyway, some 49 years later a Garratt is once more scheduled to head to Eumungerie, this time over a replacement bridge. And we have tickets to be right behind it in car A. I have always held hope of getting a ride along the branch by steam, but I always figured it would be most likely to be behind a 32 or a 30T - and this would be great. But a Garratt - that's one to tick off the bucket list.
Anyway, to mark the occasion, here's a snap of a Garratt in Dubbo loco from around 1965.
And to keep commemorating the upcoming event, here's another of a Garratt moving down the yard.
Anyway, now that I have our tickets I certainly encourage anyone who wants a really great experience (watching two old blokes thoroughly enjoy themselves), get tickets for that Saturday shuttle to Eumungerie.
Wonder what are the chances of a cab ride?
In your excitement you must have become confused. It is 6029 doing the honours this weekend. 6042 is still rusting away in a paddock at Forbes.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a great trip!
oops! There was no miracle return - 29 did the honours
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