Join us for our end of year excursion featuring the return of
the 86 class to the North, with a fun day out riding behind our electric
loco on board a vintage train.
Built by Commonwealth Engineering of Granville N.S.W., with Mitsubishi
Electrical Equipment, for the State Rail Authority of NSW, locomotive
8606 was delivered on 12th September 1983, and entered service
on 21st September 1983. It had an operational life of 19 years before
retirement on 30th June 2002. This trip also celebrates the 20th
anniversary of 8606 entering traffic.
Our all day tour will feature 8606 hauling a consist of vintage
carriages with lift-up windows. Our route will cover some suburban and
interurban lines that have not seen this class of loco for some years. Relive
the lost days of electric locomotive hauled passenger trains such as the
Newcastle Express, Grafton Express and the Mail Trains. It will be an
enthusiast's event not to be missed.
Additional highlights of the trip will include an express return from
Newcastle and the City Railway (underground).
Our tour will commence with an 8:20 am departure from Central
with pick-ups at Strathfield (8:33) and Hornsby (8:58),
proceeding via the main north to Newcastle. Numerous photostops
have been allowed to Newcastle. Enjoy the magnificent scenic vistas of the
Hawkesbury River on-route. Come and travel on the line right into Newcastle
while you can.
After a lunch break in Newcastle we then make an express return to North
Strathfield and thence proceed west to Blacktown where we travel
via the branch to Richmond. Experience the attractive rural scenery
in this corner of western Sydney. Again numerous photostops have been
allowed on the branch.
After a 30 minute break at Richmond for the loco to change ends, we return to
traverse the City Circle to conclude at Central at 7:16 pm.
Setdowns commence at Blacktown (6.05pm) on the return trip, and
also include Granville, Lidcombe, Strathfield, Central, and City Circle.
THE PRE-BOOKED FARES ARE: Adults $108, Concessions $91
and Children (5-18 years) $54. Family fare (see form) $200. (For bookings
received up to 30th November).
Buffet car attached. Light refreshments available on the train.
