Martin Bennet's Rail Photographs http://martin-bennet.fotopic.net/ 52 rows en-gb 60 Kilmore East. 3/11/09 http://martin-bennet.fotopic.net/c1776196.html A few photos from Kilmore East on the north-east line on Melbourne Cup day 2009. Was intending on photographing a NSWRTM special, but it ran early and we missed it. Tuesday 3 November 2009: A few photos from Kilmore East on the north-east line on Melbourne Cup day 2009. Was intending on photographing a NSWRTM special, but it ran early and we missed it.

Up XPT at Kilmore East. VL11 on the first up of the morning at Kilmore East. NR7-NR66-AN2 round the curves at Kilmore East with an up freight. NR7-NR66-AN2 round the curves at Kilmore East with an up freight. Sprinters 7016-70??-7020 on the first down of the morning approach Kilmore East. Sprinters 7016-70??-7020 on the first down of the morning approach Kilmore East. N474 with an all-old livery train accelerates away from Kilmore East with the morning up Shepparton. N474 with an all-old livery train accelerates away from Kilmore East with the morning up Shepparton. N474 with an all-old livery train accelerates away from Kilmore East with the morning up Shepparton. N474 with an all-old livery train accelerates away from Kilmore East with the morning up Shepparton. N474 accelerates away from Kilmore East with the morning up Shepp. The hill in the distance was covered by a pine plantation until it was destroyed by fire on Black Saturday in February of this year. Level crossing on the Hanson Quarry siding near Kilmore East. Hanson Quarry siding near Kilmore East. Level crossing on the Hanson Quarry siding near Kilmore East, with sign advising drivers not to proceed until the dwarf is clear. N469 races north with the morning down Albury near Kilmore East. An H set is in use as this train will terminate at Seymour, the line north of there is under conversion to standard gauge. N469 races north with the morning down Albury near Kilmore East. An H set is in use as this train will terminate at Seymour, the line north of there is under conversion to standard gauge. N469 races north with the morning down Albury at the junction for the Hanson Quarry siding, Kilmore East. An H set is in use as this train will terminate at Seymour, the line north of there is under conversion to standard gauge. N469 races north with the morning down Albury near Kilmore East. An H set is in use as this train will terminate at Seymour, the line north of there is under conversion to standard gauge.

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]]> Tue Nov 3 2009 SRHC 'Tastes Of The Goulburn' shuttles. 17/10/09 http://martin-bennet.fotopic.net/c1769588.html Once again the Seymour Railway Heritage Centre ran push-pull shuttles for the 'Tastes Of The Goulburn' festival, between Seymour and Nagambie/112km post on the Goulburn Valley line. The first shuttle was run with T357 and T378 (378's first appearance on an SRHC train since overhaul) however T378's train-to-base radio failed, requiring it to be replaced by N462 for the remainder of the day. I was volunteering on the train so took very few photos, but lots from the depot. Saturday 17 October 2009: Once again the Seymour Railway Heritage Centre ran push-pull shuttles for the 'Tastes Of The Goulburn' festival, between Seymour and Nagambie/112km post on the Goulburn Valley line. The first shuttle was run with T357 and T378 (378's first appearance on an SRHC train since overhaul) however T378's train-to-base radio failed, requiring it to be replaced by N462 for the remainder of the day. I was volunteering on the train so took very few photos, but lots from the depot.

N459 idles away at Southern Cross platform 1 before taking out the evening Shepparton pass. T378 and T357 in the depot the night before the shuttles. T378 at the SRHC depot the night before the shuttles. T378 in the SRHC depot. T378 and T320 at the SRHC depot. T341 (recently restored at SRHC for the Yarra Valley Tourist Railway) at the SRHC depot. S303-B74 at the SRHC depot. B74-S303 at the SRHC depot. B74 surounded by weeds at the SRHC depot. A CV van at the SRHC depot. S310, a recent addition to the SRHC fleet. This loco has been in storage for a long time and will take a lot of work to get it back on the mainline! S310, in V/line tangerine livery, viwed from T333. VLocity and Sprinter DMUs viewed over B74's nose at SRHC. T382, another new arrival to SRHC, is also going to be a long-term restoration job. Sprinter 7008 stabled at Seymour, seen through the underframe of an unrestored CV van. Brill railmotor trailer 200MT under restoration at SRHC for South Gippsland Tourist Railway. Brill railmotor trailer 200MT under restoration at SRHC for South Gippsland Tourist Railway. S310, still in V/line tangerine livery, has been in storage for many years. Recently this loco has been allocated to SRHC for restoration. T382, still in V/line tangerine livery, has been in storage for many years. Recently this loco has been allocated to SRHC for restoration. S310 and T333 at the SRHC depot. T378, T341 and T333 at the SRHC depot. T341 in a fresh coat of paint at the SRHC depot. T378 in the platform at Seymour with the first shuttle of the day. To the right can be seen works to consrtuct a new platform which will be used by V/line's DMU services once platform 1 is converted to standard gauge. T378 at Seymour with the first shuttle of the day. Works at Seymour to consrtuct a new platform which will be used by V/line's DMU services once platform 1 is converted to standard gauge. T378 back at Seymour after running the first shuttle. At this point 378's train-to-base radio had failed, causing the loco to be recovered by an N class. T378 back at Seymour after running the first shuttle to Nagambie. At this point 378's train-to-base radio had failed, causing the loco to be recovered by an N class. T378's builders and number plate. A trio of vanilla NR classes on an AdelaideMelbourne-Brisbane freight fly past T378 at Seymour. T378 making way for a V/line N class at Seymour due to suffering a radio failure. T378 making way for a V/line N class at Seymour due to suffering a radio failure. T357 on the up end of the train at Seymour. N462 moves onto the train at Seymour to replace failed T378. N462 filling in for failed T378 on the SRHC shuttles at Seymour. NSW loco 4905 at the Seymour turntable. This loco is used by Traction Engineering to statically test traction motors. El Zorro's T342 at the Seymour turntable, in the process of being put on standard gauge. Spirit of Progress van 1CS is nearing completion at SRHC. This van was rushed into service for the Spirit 70th in 2007, and has now recieved a few finer details. New doors on 1CS at SRHC. This van ran the Spirit of Progress 70th anniversary train with temporary doors, but has since received a new set of correct ones. T378 returns to the depot, while T320 looks on. S303-B74 and T341-T333 bask in the afternoon light in the SRHC depot. S303-B74 bask in the afternoon light in the SRHC depot. T341 basks in the afternoon light in the SRHC depot. S303-B74 and T341-T333 bask in the afternoon light in the SRHC depot. S303-B74 bask in the afternoon light in the SRHC depot. S303-B74 and T341-T333 bask in the afternoon light in the SRHC depot. S303, T333 and T341 in afternoon light at the SRHC depot. S303, T333 and T341 in afternoon light at the SRHC depot. S310 and T333 at the SRHC depot. S310 awaiting restoration at the SRHC depot. T382 awaiting restoration at the SRHC depot.

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]]> Sat Oct 17 2009 Flinders Street Viaduct from Eureka Tower. 5/10/09 http://martin-bennet.fotopic.net/c1765575.html Photos from the 88th floor of Melbourne's Eureka tower, of trains at Flinders Street and on the Viaduct. Monday 5 October 2009: Photos from the 88th floor of Melbourne's Eureka tower, of trains at Flinders Street and on the Viaduct.

Comeng on the Flinders Street Viaduct. Comeng on the Flinders Street Viaduct. Comeng on the Flinders Street Viaduct. Comeng on the Flinders Street Viaduct. Comengs on the Flinders Street Viaduct. V/Line's Dudley Street sidings, with various locos and cars present. Comeng and X'Trapolis sets crossing the Flinders Street Viaduct. Comeng and X'Trapolis sets crossing the Flinders Street Viaduct. Comeng and X'Trapolis sets crossing the Flinders Street Viaduct. Comeng and X'Trapolis sets crossing the Flinders Street Viaduct. Comeng and X'Trapolis sets at Flinders Street. X'Trapolis at Flinders Street, with the sun reflecting in the Yarra. X'Trapolis on the Flinders Street Viaduct. Comeng sets at Victoria Park. X'Trapolis set between Richmond and East Richmond. Comeng crossing Cremorne Bridge, South Yarra. Hitachi and Comeng sets passing on the Flinders Street Viaduct. Hitachi set on the Flinders Street Viaduct. Hitachi passing over the roof of the Melbourne Aquarium. Hitachi passing over the roof of the Melbourne Aquarium. Hitachi passing over the roof of the Melbourne Aquarium. X'Trapolis and Hitachi sets on the Flinders Street Viaduct. Hitachi and Comeng sets passing on the Flinders Street Viaduct. Hitachi and Comeng sets passing on the Flinders Street Viaduct. Hitachi approaching Flinders Street. Hitachi approaching Flinders Street. X'Trapolis, Comeng and Hitachi sets at Flinders Street. Siemens on the Flinders Street Viaduct. X'Trapolis at Flinders Street, with the Elizabeth Street Clocktower. Hitachi at Flinders Street.

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]]> Mon Oct 5 2009 North-Western Victoria. 21/9 to 29/8/09 http://martin-bennet.fotopic.net/c1763728.html Photographs taken throughout north-western Victoria over the September holidays, including the SG Western Mainline, the Hopetoun branch and Ouyen-Pinnaroo. Monday 21 September 2009: Photographs taken throughout north-western Victoria over the September holidays, including the SG Western Mainline, the Hopetoun branch and Ouyen-Pinnaroo.

Underbool, on the Ouyen-Pinnaroo line, looking in the down direction. Underbool, showing the goods shed, silo, and platform mound to the right of the picture. Alignment of a former 2 One of the only substantial remains of the 2 A typical Mallee level crossing; Pink Lakes Road, just on the up side of Linga. Down end location board at Linga. Evidence of re-sleepering at Linga. The line speed on this branch is just 20km/h, with 10km/h restrictions in some areas. Linga, looking up. Linga, looking up. Platform mound at Linga. Beulah station building and goods shed, on the Hopetoun line. Beulah station building, on the Hopetoun line. This is a rare example of a station that still retains it's original black and white sign. NR16 with the Overland, reflected in a puddle on the up side of Glenorchy. There had been an unusually high rainfall in the past few weeks, resulting in a lot of scenes like this in the usually dry Wimmera District. NR16 with The Overland at Glenorchy. This loco is in a special livery promoting level crossing saftey. The Overland near Glenorchy. As usual, the Motorail wagon is empty. In my opinion this is not surprising; Great Southern Railway charges so much to take your car on the train, it usually works out to cost around three times as much as driving, especially with multiple people. Stawell station. No trains stop here anymore, but the building hosts an art gallery. Goods shed at Stawell. Stawell station building, looking up. Stawell station building, looking up. A VR-era set of scales on the platform at Stawell. NR15-NR76 in grubby Vanilla livery drop down-grade into Ararat with a Melbourne bound freight, just before dusk.

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]]> Mon Sep 21 2009 Hurstbridge Wattle Festival Shuttles. 30/8/09 http://martin-bennet.fotopic.net/c1748586.html For the sixth year in a row, steam shuttles were run in conjunction with the Hurstbridge Wattle Festival. K190 and K153 ran push-pull with 5 'W' cars between Hurstbridge and Eltham. I photographed the train between Eltham and Diamond Creek. Sunday 30 August 2009: For the sixth year in a row, steam shuttles were run in conjunction with the Hurstbridge Wattle Festival. K190 and K153 ran push-pull with 5 'W' cars between Hurstbridge and Eltham. I photographed the train between Eltham and Diamond Creek.

Down Comeng crossing the Eltham Trestle Bridge. K153 leads the down positioning move over the Eltham Trestle Bridge. K153 leads the down positioning move over the Eltham Trestle Bridge. Down Comeng climbing up grade out of Eltham. Down Comeng climbing up grade out of Eltham. K190 with K153 trailing approaches Eltham on the first up shuttle. K190 approaching Eltham with the first up shuttle. K153 trails the first shuttle downhill into Eltham. K153 climbs up grade past the Eltham down end distant signal. K153 climbs up grade past the Eltham down end distant signal. K153 climbing out of Eltham. Up Comeng rounding a 40km/h curve near Eltham. Up Comeng rounding a 40km/h curve near Eltham. K190 rounds a 40km/h curve near Eltham. K190 rounds a 40km/h curve near Eltham. K153 passes through a half cutting on a down shuttle near Eltham. K153 making good speed on a down shuttle near Eltham. A grinding disc from a Speno Rail Grinder, found between Eltham and Diamond Creek. Down Comeng near Allendale Road between Eltham and Diamond Creek. K190 passes through a shallow cutting with a few elderly on-lookers near Allendale Road, between Diamond Creek and Eltham. K190 passes through paddocks near Allendale Road, between Diamond Creek and Eltham. K153 trails an up shuttle near Allendale Road, between Diamond Creek and Eltham. K153 leads a down shuttle near Allendale Road, between Eltham and Diamond Creek. K190 trails a down shuttle near Allendale Road, between Eltham and Diamond Creek. Trailing shot of a down Comeng crossing Diamond Creek, near Diamond Creek. Up Comeng crossing Diamond Creek, near Diamond Creek. K190 leads an up shuttle over one of four Diamond Creek crossings between Diamond Creek and Eltham. K153 trails an up shuttle over one of four Diamond Creek crossings between Diamond Creek and Eltham. K153 leads a down shuttle over on of the pipe bridges near Diamond Creek. Up Comeng shortly after departing Diamond Creek. Down Comeng streaking through the bush near Diamond Creek. Down Comeng streaking through the bush near Diamond Creek. K190 streaks through the bush near Diamond Creek. W cars in the bush near Diamond Creek. K153 trails through the bush near Diamond Creek. K153 leads the last down shuttle over Allendale Road, half way between Eltham and Diamond Creek.

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]]> Sun Aug 30 2009 Macaulay - Royal Park: SRV suburban rambler tour. 22/8/09 http://martin-bennet.fotopic.net/c1744336.html Steamrail ran a tour to Cranbourne, Upfield, Craigieburn and Williamstown running push-pull with D3 639 on one end, and diesels T356-Y164 on the other. This was the first time Y164 had been on the mainline for a very long time. It was also the first time a steam loco had transversed the Upfield line since the Citylink freeway was built over the line at Macaulay. Saturday 22 August 2009: Steamrail ran a tour to Cranbourne, Upfield, Craigieburn and Williamstown running push-pull with D3 639 on one end, and diesels T356-Y164 on the other. This was the first time Y164 had been on the mainline for a very long time. It was also the first time a steam loco had transversed the Upfield line since the Citylink freeway was built over the line at Macaulay.

Up Comeng approaching Macaulay. Up Comeng approaching Macaulay. Up Comeng approaching Macaulay. The Citylink structure really dwarfs trains in this area. Up Comeng at Macaulay. Up Comeng departing Macaulay. Down Comeng rounding the curve at the up end of Macaulay. Down Comeng rounding the curve at the up end of Macaulay. D3 639 approaching Macaulay with the suburban rambler tour. D3 639 approaching Macaulay with the suburban rambler tour, with Y164-T356 trailing. This was the first time a steam loco had been on this line since the freeway was built over the top. D3 639 approaching Macaulay with Y164-T356 trailing. D3 639 approaching Macaulay with Y164-T356 trailing. D3 639 approaching Macaulay underneath Citylink. Y164-T356 trailing the train at Macaulay. This was the first time the Y had been on the mainline for ages. D3 639...Y164-T356 under Citylink between Macaulay and Flemington Bridge. Up Comeng under Citylink just after Flemington Bridge. Down Comeng near Flemington Bridge. Down Comeng near Flemington Bridge. Up Comeng approaching Flemington Bridge. Down Comeng at Flemington Bridge station. Down Comeng shortly after departing Flemington Bridge. Down Comeng near Royal Park. T356-Y164 lead the suburban rambler tour at the up end of Royal Park. T356-Y164 lead the suburban rambler tour between Royal Park and Flemington Bridge. Y164 on the suburban rambler tour between Royal Park and Flemington Bridge. D3 639 trails the special between Royal Park and Flemington Bridge. Up Comeng between Royal Park and Flemington Bridge. Up Comeng between Royal Park and Flemington Bridge.

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]]> Sat Aug 22 2009 100 years of Garratt locomotives. 16/8/09 http://martin-bennet.fotopic.net/c1742302.html To celebrate 100 years since the invention of the Garratt locomotive, a special was run at Puffing Billy from Belgrave to Cockatoo and return, using Australia's only operating Garrett, G42. The G had been in storage for some months pending a major overhaul, and was brought back into service just for this day. It is not expected to run again until after the overhaul. Sunday 16 August 2009: To celebrate 100 years since the invention of the Garratt locomotive, a special was run at Puffing Billy from Belgrave to Cockatoo and return, using Australia's only operating Garrett, G42. The G had been in storage for some months pending a major overhaul, and was brought back into service just for this day. It is not expected to run again until after the overhaul.

7A about to depart a very wet Belgrave with the Gembrook pass. 6A pauses on the ramp in between shunting at Belgrave. G42 steams away at Belgrave loco depot. G42 moves into 2 road to drop onto the consist at Belgrave. As this was the only day the Garratt was due to run for a long time, the opportunity was taken to train several Fireman in it's operation. G42 with the special in 2 road, while 6A rests in between shunting duties at Belgrave. G42 with the special in 2 road, while 6A rests in between shunting duties at Belgrave. G42 hauls the consist out of 2 road at Belgrave. G42 hauls the consist out of 2 road at Belgrave. G42 hauls the consist out of 2 road at Belgrave. 6A shunting at Belgrave. G42 in the platform at Belgrave ready to depart with the 100 years of Garratts special. Headboard on G42 celebrating 100 years of Garratt locomotives. A toolbox with 7A's numberplate on it, on G42. Members of the crew cut a celebratory cake in front of G42 at Belgrave. Engine unit of a South African Garratt at Menzies Creek. G42 pauses at Menzies Creek. G42 pauses at Menzies Creek. G42 pauses at Menzies Creek. A crowd of on-lookers surrounds G42 at Menzies Creek. G42 storms up the final section of Emerald Bank. The Garratt put on an amazing show climbing the bank, easily the fastest I've seen. G42 waits for a cross in 2 road at Emerald. The rain lasted most of the day. G42 waiting for a cross at Emerald. 14A, recently painted into black livery, arrives into Emerald to cross the Garratt special. 14A's fireman lifts his hat to G42's crew as they cross at Emerald. G42 in 2 road at Emerald. Rain coming into out NBH. G42 at Lakeside in pouring rain. Standing under the shelter at Lakeside seemed like a good idea. G42 between Lakeside and Wright, with rain pouring down. G42 between Lakeside and Wright, with rain pouring down. G42 cossing Wright Trestle (Bridge No.8) in the rain. G42 in Wright forest. G42 after arriving at Cockatoo with the 100 years of Garratt locomotives special. G42 at Cockatoo with the 100 years of Garratt locomotives special. G42 cuts off the train at Cockatoo. G42 rests after cutting off the train at Cockatoo. The consist at Cockatoo. G42 running around at Cockatoo. G42 running around at Cockatoo. G42 running around at Cockatoo. G42 running around at Cockatoo. G42 about to move back onto the train at Cockatoo. The loco crew remove the commemorative headboard from G42’s no.1 end at Cockatoo. A member of the crew attaches the headboard to G42's no.2 end for the return journey at Cockatoo. G42 about to move back onto the consist at Cockatoo. G42 moving back onto the consist at Cockatoo. G42 ready to depart Cockatoo in the rain. My camera was getting pretty wet by this stage! A crew member climbs back into G42 at Cockatoo. G42 waiting to depart Cockatoo with the 100 years of Garratt locomotives special. G42 crossing Wright trestle on the up.

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]]> Sun Aug 16 2009 Speno Rail Grinder at Eltham. 9/8/09 http://martin-bennet.fotopic.net/c1738099.html Photographs of a Speno Rail Grinder working at the down end of Eltham between 3 and 4 AM when I was walking home and should have been in bed. The Rail Grinder grinds down the surface of the railhead, often sending a spray of sparks meters out either side. Thanks to the blokes protecting the crossings for advising me on it's movements. Sunday 9 August 2009: Photographs of a Speno Rail Grinder working at the down end of Eltham between 3 and 4 AM when I was walking home and should have been in bed. The Rail Grinder grinds down the surface of the railhead, often sending a spray of sparks meters out either side. Thanks to the blokes protecting the crossings for advising me on it's movements.

Speno Rail Grinder crossing Wattletree Road, north of Eltham. Note one boom is up while the other is down; the crossings were being manually activated during the grinding works. Speno Rail Grinder crossing Wattletree Road, north of Eltham. The rails are not ground over crossings; you can see to the left that the grinder has been lowered again after passing over. Steam rises from the freshly ground rails between Wattletree Road and Railway Road Eltham. A Hi-Rail vehicle equipped with a water tank follows the Grinder, extinguishing the many small sleeper fires it starts. Hi-Rail vehicle used for extinguishing fires started by the Speno Rail Grinder, visible in the distance crossing Railway Road Eltham. Speno Rail Grinder at Railway Road Eltham. The strips of fluorescent lights along it's sides illuminate a wide area to either side. Speno Rail Grinder grinding the pit at Eltham, with two EDI Comengs stabled. Speno Rail Grinder working at Eltham. In this picture it is not grinding, as it is passing over a set of points. Speno Rail Grinder moving slowly towards the Diamond Street level crossing at Eltham. While grinding it travels at around walking pace, making overtaking it on foot to take photos quite easy. Speno Rail Grinder moving slowly towards the Diamond Street level crossing at Eltham. The guy on the catwalk was walking back at the same speed the train was moving forward, making him stationary in the photograph. Speno Rail Grinder moving slowly towards the Diamond Street level crossing at Eltham. Speno Rail Grinder moving slowly towards the Diamond Street level crossing at Eltham. Speno Rail Grinder passing the down end Home signal at Eltham. The headlights are left on at both ends, with only the marker lights being changed when it reverses. Speno Rail Grinder working upgrade towards the down end Distant signal at Eltham. This is a 15 second exposure. Speno Rail Grinder working at the down end of Eltham, near the substation. Speno Rail Grinder working at the down end of Eltham, near the substation. Speno Rail Grinder crossing the bike track at the down end of Eltham. Speno Rail Grinder working at the down end of Eltham. Speno Rail Grinder working at the down end of Eltham. Speno Rail Grinder working at the down end of Eltham. Speno Rail Grinder working at the down end of Eltham. Speno Rail Grinder working at the down end of Eltham. Speno Rail Grinder working alongside Main Road in Eltham, approaching the Home signal. Speno Rail Grinder working alongside Main Road in Eltham, approaching the Home signal. Hi-Rail vehicle used for extinguishing fires started by the Speno Rail Grinder, down end of Eltham. 20 second exposure of the Speno Rail Grinder working past the down end Home signal at Eltham. Speno Rail Grinder working at the down end of Eltham, near the substation. Some sparks fly several meters from the track. Speno Rail Grinder working at the down end of Eltham, near the substation. Some sparks fly several meters from the track. Speno Rail Grinder working at the down end of Eltham, near the substation. Although I was standing on a public path, several sparks flew well past my tripod, while I held my cable release at arm's length! Speno Rail Grinder working at the down end of Eltham, near the substation. Some sparks fly several meters from the track. Speno Rail Grinder working at the down end of Eltham.

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]]> Sun Aug 9 2009 38 hours in Sydney. 20 & 21/7/09 http://martin-bennet.fotopic.net/c1731263.html Photographs from Sydney NSW on Monday 20th and Tuesday 21st of July 2009. On the Monday we headed up the Central Coast to photograph electric interurbans in the area around the picturesque Hawkesbury River, including the famous Hawkesbury River Bridge. We then spent the Tuesday in and around the suburban area, including the Carlingford line, and several underground stations. Obviously I have written all the captions from the point of view of a Melbournian, so if I get anything wrong, please drop me an email. Also thanks must go to Alexander Jamieson who was responsible for this trip actually happening! Monday 20 July 2009: Photographs from Sydney NSW on Monday 20th and Tuesday 21st of July 2009. On the Monday we headed up the Central Coast to photograph electric interurbans in the area around the picturesque Hawkesbury River, including the famous Hawkesbury River Bridge. We then spent the Tuesday in and around the suburban area, including the Carlingford line, and several underground stations. Obviously I have written all the captions from the point of view of a Melbournian, so if I get anything wrong, please drop me an email. Also thanks must go to Alexander Jamieson who was responsible for this trip actually happening!

K set about to depart Wynyard on an Emu Plains service. Sydney suburban trains still use guards; here a guard waits for the staff member on the platform to raise the white flag, signalling the all clear to depart. Here we see the main problem with double-deck trains: Having only two doors per side vastly increases station loading time, as seen here on a K set at Wynyard station during the morning peak. K set at Wynyard during the morning peak. K set departing Wynyard with a morning service to Emu Plains. The bloke in the orange vest waits for passengers to board a K set at Wynyard station before giving the guard an 'all clear' with his white flag. The guard of Lindfield-bound K set stands in the open door while departing Wynyard, checking any passengers on the platform are clear of the train. The blue light above the door indicates which cab the guard is travelling in. K set departing Wynyard on a service to Lindfield. S set arriving at Wynyard on a Hornsby service. One thing I found very unusual as a Melbournian: not only do trains not use headlights in suburban Sydney, even at night and underground, many don't even have them fitted! S set at Wynyard on a service to Hornsby. Inside the upper deck of an S set between Wynyard and Milsons Point. Passing a Tangara at Chatswood. The descending lines in the middle are the entrance to the newly opened Epping-Chatswood link. Passing a terminated K set at Lindfield. Passing an S set stopped at Pymble. Oscar (Outer Suburban Car) set at Hornsby. We only saw one of these new generation interurban sets running on the Newcastle & Central coast line this day, though I'm told they run many more services during peak. Oscar set departing Hornsby. S set at Hornsby. S set shunting from the platform at Hornsby. It will run to the stabling yard before reversing direction to return to the city. V set interurban alongside a Tangara at Hornsby. I was very impressed with the V sets, not only do they look great, but they are fantastic to travel in. V set arriving at Hornsby on a Newcastle Intercity service. V set at Hornsby ready to take us north onto the Central Coast. Looking out of the top deck of our V set back along the Hawkesbury River. This would have to be one of the most scenic sections of electrified railway in Australia. More than a little blurry, but I had to publish this photo: Wondabyne is the only station in Australia with no road access. Instead it has a small jetty and serves a few remote houses along Mullet Creek, a tributary of the Hawkesbury River. The platform is only long enough to fit one door, so passengers must travel in the rear car. Our V set shortly after arriving at Woy Woy. V sets crossing at Woy Woy. The car on the left was at some point fitted with a destination board, resulting in it's headlight being moved further up. V set departing Woy Woy. This scenic station has very pleasant views of Woy Woy Bay. Up V set crossing the mouth of Woy Woy Bay, just north of Woy Woy station. Up V set crossing the mouth of Woy Woy Bay, just north of Woy Woy station. Up V set crossing the mouth of Woy Woy Bay, just north of Woy Woy station. Down V set crossing the mouth of Woy Woy Bay, just north of Woy Woy station. The beach-front housing in the background is very typical of this area. Down V set crossing the mouth of Woy Woy Bay, just north of Woy Woy station. Down V set crossing the mouth of Woy Woy Bay, just north of Woy Woy station. Down V set between Woy Woy and Koolewong. Down Explorer DMU approaching Koolewong. Up V set skirting the edge of Brisbane Water near Koolewong. Up six-car V set skirting the edge of Brisbane Water near Koolewong. Up six-car V set skirting the edge of Brisbane Water near Koolewong. Up six-car V set skirting the edge of Brisbane Water near Koolewong. Up six-car V set skirting the edge of Brisbane Water near Koolewong. I took these photos from the shade of a Mangrove tree, and ended up taking on a fair bit of mud through the holes in my shoes. Now that's what I call luck! Victorian loco B65 and NSW loco 2208 haul part of a ballast cleaning rake alongside Brisbane Water near Koolewong. The B class is painted in a special livery for Auscision Models, a producer of Australian HO scale model trains! B65-2208 haul part of a ballast cleaning rake alongside Brisbane Water near Koolewong. B65-2208 haul part of a ballast cleaning rake alongside Brisbane Water near Koolewong. Down V set running along the edge of Brisbane Water near Koolewong. Down four-car V set running along the edge of Brisbane Water near Koolewong. Down V set approaching Koolewong. Sign at Koolewong station advising of the short platform. Platforms too short to fit whole trains are quite common in NSW. Level crosssings are quite rare in many parts of the Sydney electrified network, however an exception is seen here at Koolewong with an up V set approaching. Up V set having just run express through Koolewong. Up V set having just run express through Koolewong. Down V set approaching Koolewong station. Down V set approaching Koolewong station. On the left can be seen the car length markers for trains stopping, in order to fit the rear of the train on the platform.

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]]> Mon Jul 20 2009 Newport - Williamstown. 6/7/09 http://martin-bennet.fotopic.net/c1724150.html Photos of the Newport to Williamstown section during off-peak, when the line is run by two three-car sets as a shuttle. Monday 6 July 2009: Photos of the Newport to Williamstown section during off-peak, when the line is run by two three-car sets as a shuttle.

Comeng set at Williamstown. Comeng at the terminus at Williamstown, with the sea visible in the background. Williamstown looking up, with a Comeng on the shuttle. Looking down at Williamstown, the line used to continue round to the left to Williamstown Pier station. Recently restored footbridge over the line at Williamstown. One of only four remaining free-standing examples (the others are at Ivanhoe, Merlynston and Richmond-South Yarra) of a Tait/Dogbox throttle indication board, at what is now the terminus at Williamstown. Looking down at Williamstown, the line used to continue round to the left to Williamstown Pier station. Noting much remains of the line to Williamstown Pier. Looking along the alignment of the former line to Williamstown Pier, back towards Williamstown station. Builders plate on the footbridge at Williamstown. Detail of the footbridge at Williamstown. Williamstown station building. Comeng arriving at Williamstown. Comeng at Williamstown. Comeng departing Williamstown on a shuttle to Newport, passing under the Thomson Street bridge. Comeng crossing Giffard Street, Williamstown. Comeng crossing Giffard Street, Williamstown. Comeng crossing Giffard Street, Williamstown. Up platform at Williamstown Beach. Down platform at Williamstown Beach. Comeng on an up shuttle to Newport approaching Williamstown Beach station. LDP007 running long-hood leading hauls a short empty wagon transfer from QRN's Altona depot, seen passing Newport. LDP007 running long-hood leading hauls a short empty wagon transfer from QRN's Altona depot, seen passing Newport, with the two Comeng sets from the Williamstown shuttle standing by for their next run. Comeng on a down Williamstown shuttle departing Newport.

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]]> Mon Jul 6 2009 Castlemaine - Maldon line 125th anniversary. 13/6/09 http://martin-bennet.fotopic.net/c1712073.html To celebrate 125 years since the opening of the line from Castlemaine to Maldon, Steamrail ran a special from Melbourne to Bendigo using R761-R707 hauling ten cars. (The first double-headed R's for six years) This connected at Castlemaine with a special hauled by J541-J515, which ran to Maldon. Despite very cold and wet weather, there was a huge turn out. Saturday 13 June 2009: To celebrate 125 years since the opening of the line from Castlemaine to Maldon, Steamrail ran a special from Melbourne to Bendigo using R761-R707 hauling ten cars. (The first double-headed R's for six years) This connected at Castlemaine with a special hauled by J541-J515, which ran to Maldon. Despite very cold and wet weather, there was a huge turn out.

VL33-VL05 have just departed Macedon on the up. VL33-VL05 have just departed Macedon on the up. Sounding and looking fantastic in the crisp winter morning air, R761-R707 belt up grade near Macedon. Sounding and looking fantastic in the crisp winter morning air, R761-R707 belt up grade near Macedon. Sounding and looking fantastic in the crisp winter morning air, R761-R707 belt up grade near Macedon. Sounding and looking fantastic in the crisp winter morning air, R761-R707 belt up grade near Macedon. Looking in the down direction at Malmsbury station. Since the double track was abolished with the Regional Fast Rail project only the down platform has been used here. Bucket rack at Malmsbury station. Once upon a time all Victorian stations had one of these, holding two buckets of water and one of sand, for fighting fires. Looking in the up direction at Malmsbury, showing the bluestone station building. R761-R707 accelerate away from Malmsbury Viaduct, viewed from the platform. R761-R707 power through Malmsbury station. R761-R707 pass under a typical Bendigo line bluestone bridge at Malmsbury. Elphinstone station. The former up side platform was demolished wih the RFR project. This is now part of Taradale loop. N464 on the down Swan Hill passes the disused station at Elphinstone, having just overtaken the Steamrail special. An N class on an up Swan Hill pass emerges from Elphinstone tunnel. An N class on an up Swan Hill pass emerges from Elphinstone tunnel. An N class on an up Swan Hill pass just after exiting Elphinstone tunnel. R761-R707 belt up grade towards Elphinstone tunnel. R761-R707 belt up grade towards Elphinstone tunnel. R761-R707 belt up grade towards Elphinstone tunnel. R761-R707 enter Elphinstone tunnel. Once out the other end they will begin the downhill run into Castlemaine. Motorcaders run back to thier cars at Elphinstone tunnel. An elderly couple watch from thier car as J541-J515 cross one of the wooden trestles between Castlemaine and Muckleford. J541-J515 power through the forest between Castlemaine and Muckleford. J541-J515 power through the forest between Castlemaine and Muckleford. J541-J515 power through the forest between Castlemaine and Muckleford. J541-J515 roll downhill into Muckleford. J541-J515 power up the last grade into Maldon. To the left can be seen the alignment of the former Shelbourne line. J541-J515 have just arrived at Maldon, greeted by number of vintage cars. The plinthed loco on the left is an E class tank. J541-J515 with vintage cars at Maldon. J541-J515 shortly after arriving at Maldon with the 125th anniversary special. J541-J515 set back to clear the turntable road at Maldon, as K160 joins in on the photo opportunity. K160 with J541-J515 at Maldon, with a huge crowd of railfans and onlookers. K160 with J541-J515 at Maldon, with a huge crowd of railfans and onlookers. K160 and J541 pose for the photo line at Maldon. K160 and J541-J515 at Maldon. K160 and J541-J515 at Maldon. K160 setting back to assist with shunting J541-J515's train at Maldon. J541 at Maldon. J541 rests at Maldon, while a kid in a pram is lowered down to join the photo line! K160 and J541-J515 at Maldon. K160 with J515 at Maldon. Side profile of J541 at Maldon. J541's middle set of drivers at Maldon. K160 looks on as J541 moves away from J515 at Maldon. J541 heading over to the depot at Maldon. K160 with J515 at Maldon. Stored passenger car with no brakes at Maldon. VL41-VL13 emerge from Elphinstone tunnel on a down Bendigo. Accidentally focused on the tree... VL41-VL13 drop down grade from Elphinstone tunnel towards Castlemaine.

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]]> Sat Jun 13 2009 Camberwell - Alamein Line. 10/6/09 http://martin-bennet.fotopic.net/c1711109.html When I found myself with five hours to kill in the city on a very wet Wednesday, with no money, I decided to go shoot the Alamein line, the last remaining operating section of the Outer Circle Railway. Three three-car X'trapolis sets were running the Camberwell - Alamein shuttles. Wednesday 10 June 2009: When I found myself with five hours to kill in the city on a very wet Wednesday, with no money, I decided to go shoot the Alamein line, the last remaining operating section of the Outer Circle Railway. Three three-car X'trapolis sets were running the Camberwell - Alamein shuttles.

3 car X'trapolis at Camberwell having just run an Alamein shuttle. Two sets run the shuttle while another waits in the siding at Camberwell. This set is waiting for the one currently in the siding to move to the platform. X'trapolis at Alamein. X'Trapolis at the terminus at Alamein. Alamein station building, a classic weatherboard VR construction. Looking down towards Alamein. The overhead gantries in this section were designed to fit two tracks if the need ever arose. X'trapolis on a down shuttle has just departed Ashburton. Alamein station can be seen in the distance. X'trapolis on a down shuttle has just departed Ashburton. Alamein station can be seen in the distance. X'trapolis on an up shuttle from Alamein approaching Ashburton. X'trapolis on an up shuttle from Alamein approaching Ashburton. X'trapolis on an up shuttle at Ashburton. X'trapolis on an up shuttle swings onto the double track at Ashburton. Ashburton station. X'trapolis on a down shuttle at Ashburton. There was once a second platform and loop here. X'trapolis on a down shuttle at Ashburton. X'trapolis on a down shuttle at Ashburton. Up end of Ashburton. In the days of one and two car Tait operation, the D car would be stabled in the siding visible on the right while the double-ended M car ran off-peak shuttles. The siding is still connected, but as far as I know isn't used. Up end of Ashburton, looking down towards the station, showing the siding. X'trapolis on an up shuttle just after departing Ashburton. X'trapolis on an up shuttle just after departing Ashburton. Trailing shot of an X'trapolis on an up shuttle just after departing Ashburton. Wooden buffer at the end of the siding at the up end of Ashburton. Down X'trapolis nearing Ashburton. Up X'trapolis in rain between Ashburton and Burwood. Up X'trapolis in rain between Ashburton and Burwood. Down X'trapolis in light rain climbs up grade between Burwood and Ashburton, while dark clouds approach on the horizon. Down side station building at Burwood. Down side station building at Burwood. Looking up at Willison. Up platform at Willison. Down platform at Willison. Waiting room at Willison in the up side station building. X'trapolis on a down Alamein shuttle crossing the tramway crossing at Riversdale. Tramway/railway crossing at Riversdale. Note how the ends of the booms bend to avoid the tram overhead. Tramway/railway crossing at Riversdale. An A class tram about to cross the Alamein railway line at Riversdale. X'trapolis on an up Alamein shuttle crossing the tramway at Riversdale. X'trapolis on an up Alamein shuttle crossing the tramway at Riversdale. Railway/tramway level crossing at Riversdale, showing the signal box. Railway/tramway level crossing at Riversdale. Heavy-rail vehicles actually ride up on their flange while crossing the tramway, often resulting in rough riding. The rail speed limit for this crossing is 30km/h, the only such crossing in Melbourne (there are 4) that hasn't had lower speed applied due to poor condition. 600v DC tramway overhead crossing 1500v DC railway overhead at Riversdale. Not sure what this is... Might be an artwork. Seems to be a montage of a whole lot of Burnley group destinations on the side of the Riversdale station building. Six-car Comeng on a Riversdale terminating service, departing empty cars on the up. Looking down towards the tramway crossing at Riversdale. Down platform station building at Riversdale. Up end of Riversdale, showing the crossover for terminating trains. X'trapolis on an up Alamein shuttle nearing the junction with the Ringwood lines at Camberwell. X'trapolis on an up Alamein shuttle nearing the junction with the Ringwood lines at Camberwell. Looking towards the junction of the Alamein and Ringwood lines at Camberwell, during a sudden downpour. The track to the right (down line) comes off the flyover. Peak hour approaches and six-car through running from the city has started for the Alamein line: An X'trapolis on a down Alamein crosses the flyover while another set on an up from Belgrave/Lilydale pauses at East Camberwell station. An empty three-car X'trapolis from the city reverses direction and heads over the crossovers to the yard at Camberwell.

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]]> Wed Jun 10 2009 R761 driver training run. 31/5/09 http://martin-bennet.fotopic.net/c1705956.html On Sunday 31/5/09 R761 ran empty to Seymour via Albion/Jacana and back with 5 steel cars for driver training. After being held up in Airport West helping to jump-start a truck, we just made it to the Maribyrnong River Viaduct, then drove ahead to Donnybrook where the R was making great speed north... Sunday 31 May 2009: On Sunday 31/5/09 R761 ran empty to Seymour via Albion/Jacana and back with 5 steel cars for driver training. After being held up in Airport West helping to jump-start a truck, we just made it to the Maribyrnong River Viaduct, then drove ahead to Donnybrook where the R was making great speed north...

R761 rolls slowly across the Maribyrnong River Viaduct on the Albion-Jacana goods line. R761 rolls slowly across the Maribyrnong River Viaduct on the Albion-Jacana goods line. R761 rolls slowly across the Maribyrnong River Viaduct on the Albion-Jacana goods line. R761 rolls slowly across the Maribyrnong River Viaduct on the Albion-Jacana goods line. Donnybrook looking up, showing the semaphores. Down platform station building at Donnybrook. Looking down at Donnybrook. R761 flys through Donnybrook, passing one of the many remaining semaphores. R761 flys through the platform at Donnybrook. R761 flys through Donnybrook, bound for Seymour. R761 flys through Donnybrook, bound for Seymour. Sign on the up platform at Donnybrook warning of high-speed passing trains.

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]]> Sun May 31 2009 Upfield to Somerton line. 25/5/09 http://martin-bennet.fotopic.net/c1702772.html Some photos taken along the length of the booked-out line between Upfield and Somerton, then at Roxborough Park and Craigieburn. Monday 25 May 2009: Some photos taken along the length of the booked-out line between Upfield and Somerton, then at Roxborough Park and Craigieburn.

Refurbished Hitachi motor 178M sits empty in platform 9 at Flinders Street. Refurbished Hitachi motor 178M sits empty in platform 9 at Flinders Street. Comeng heading over to the viaduct from Flinders Street. Empty 3-car Comeng approaching Flinders Street. These little notices appear in several places in the Flinders Street subway. Signage in the Flinders Street subway to the Port Melbourne and St Kilda lines, which no longer carry trains. Up Comeng set crossing the Maribyrnong River between Footscray and South Kensington. Crushed plant on the booked-out Upfield - Somerton line, probably a hi-rail vehicle. Overgrown track on the Upfield - Somerton line. Siding just north of Upfield, with SG and BG trackage. Sign at the end of a siding north of Upfield, warning trains not to proceed without a staff. SG/BG diamond crossing on the Upfield - Somerton line. Looking back towards Upfield. 'Gauntlet' trackage (four-rail dual gauge) between Upfield and Somerton. 'Gauntlet' trackage (four-rail dual gauge) between Upfield and Somerton. 'Gauntlet' trackage (four-rail dual gauge) between Upfield and Somerton. The SG seperates to access an industrial siding, near Somerton. Industrial siding near Somerton. Industrial siding near Somerton. Remains of the Somerton Home signal. The SG splits to the left of the BG on the approach to Somerton. Siding near Somerton, now burried. A down Comeng passes the junction of the booked-out line to Upfield near the former site of Somerton, near the current Roxburgh Park station. Roxburgh Park station, is bloody ugly. They couldn't even be bothered finishing the lift at Roxburgh Park. Metcard machine at Roxburgh Park. A pair of up Sprinters from Seymour led by 7005 fly express through Roxburgh Park. Down Siemens arriving at Roxburgh Park. Looking down from Craigieburn, the points for the spark stabling sidings is being moved forward. A Siemens set rolls towards the existing enterance. Craigieburn station, with the up platform yet to be electrified. Craigieburn station, with the up platform yet to be electrified. Comeng at Craigieburn, about to return to the city. Comeng at Craigieburn, about to return to the city.

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]]> Mon May 25 2009 Eltham Trestle Bridge by night. 12/5/09 http://martin-bennet.fotopic.net/c1696960.html Photographs of the wooden trestle bridge at Eltham, taken at night using illumination form the local footy oval. Tuesday 12 May 2009: Photographs of the wooden trestle bridge at Eltham, taken at night using illumination form the local footy oval.

A Comeng rolls into Eltham with a service from the city. The Eltham home signal is cleared for an arrival into platofrm 1. The bridge is illuminated by lights from the footy oval. An X'trapolis set streaks across the trestle bridge, shortly before arriving into Eltham station. An X'trapolis set streaks across the trestle bridge, shortly before arriving into Eltham station. The Eltham Trestle Bridge, illuminated by lights from the footy oval, 7:13PM. A Comeng set streaks across the Eltham Trestle Bridge. Eltham Trestle Bridge silhouetted against lights on the footy ground. Eltham Trestle Bridge silhouetted against lights on the footy ground. X'trapolis crossing the Eltham Trestle Bridge, silhouetted against lights on the footy ground. Comeng crossing the Eltham Trestle Bridge, silhouetted against lights on the footy ground. Eltham Trestle Bridge silhouetted against lights on the footy ground. X'trapolis crossing the Eltham Trestle Bridge, silhouetted against lights on the footy ground. After completing it's run from the city, this Comeng set is shunting to the yard at Eltham. The driver stays at the down end, while a suitably qualified safeworker sits in the up end cab and communicates with the driver via the guard’s bell, also operating the horn and headlights. Comeng shunting to the yard at Eltham via the trestle bridge. Comeng shunting to the yard at Eltham via the trestle bridge. The dwarf signal is cleared for this Comeng to proceed into the yard at Eltham. Comeng shunting to the yard at Eltham, on the trestle bridge. A two-minute exposure of the Eltham Trestle Bridge, just on the down side of where it crosses Diamond Creek. A Comeng set rolls across on a down service. Comeng crossing the Eltham Trestle Bridge just after the lights from the footy ground have been turned off, around 8PM.

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]]> Tue May 12 2009 Stony Point Line. 3/5/09 http://martin-bennet.fotopic.net/c1692269.html After years of A class and MTH's running the Frankston - Stony Point shuttle, the decision was made to use Sprinters on the line instead, and this was the first time I went down to photograph them. Walked from Somerville to Tyabb, had reasonably bad luck with light, and the Long Island Steel never showed up... But Tyabb is such a fun and happening place, this didn't really matter! Sunday 3 May 2009: After years of A class and MTH's running the Frankston - Stony Point shuttle, the decision was made to use Sprinters on the line instead, and this was the first time I went down to photograph them. Walked from Somerville to Tyabb, had reasonably bad luck with light, and the Long Island Steel never showed up... But Tyabb is such a fun and happening place, this didn't really matter!

Inside Sprinter 7009 on the Stony Point Shuttle, one pre-refurbishment seat cover has been used as a replacement. Sprinter pair 7009-7011 depart Somerville on a down shuttle. Somerville, showing the reamains of the yard and goods shed. Sprinters 7009-7011 have just departed on the down. Down end of Somerville yard, showing the booked out No.2 road. Heavily corroded rail telegraph pole just down of Somerville. Sprinters 7011-7009 on an up shuttle approaching Somerville. Sprinters 7011-7009 on an up shuttle approaching Somerville. Looking across the track at farmland near Tyabb. Sprinters 7009-7011 pass through a brief patch of sunlight on the approach to Tyabb. A pair of aerobatic aircraft fly over Sprinter 7011 near Tyabb. Sprinters 7009-7011 slow on the approach to Tyabb station, on a down Stony Point shuttle. Sprinter pair 7011-7009 have just arrived back at Frankston, where they wait to depart on another shuttle to Stony Point.

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]]> Sun May 3 2009 Miscellaneous = Preservation http://martin-bennet.fotopic.net/c1689188.html Photos of tourist railways, and preserved rollingstock on the mainline. Photos from days when I didn't take enough to sustain a separate collection. Quite a lot off Puffing Billy in here. Friday 4 January 2008: Photos of tourist railways, and preserved rollingstock on the mainline. Photos from days when I didn't take enough to sustain a separate collection. Quite a lot off Puffing Billy in here.

K153 on the Steamrail 'Santa Special.' 11/12/05 You can just see santa in the middle door...11/12/05 6A shunting at Belgrave. 29/8/06 6A shunting at Belgrave. 29/8/06 8A, 6A and G42 at Belgrave. 4/2/07 On of 7A's saddle tanks at Belgrave. 4/2/07 14A at Belgrave. 4/2/07 12A's frames at Belgrave. 4/2/07 8A-6A shunt at Belgrave. 4/2/07 8A-6A on the Monbulk creek trestle. 4/2/07 6A at Menzies Creek. 4/2/07 8A takes water at Menzies Creek. 4/2/07 6A on bridge No. 8. 4/2/07 6A shunts at Gembrook. 4/2/07 6A shunts at Gembrook. 4/2/07 6A taking water at Gembrook. 4/2/07 The Lakeside-Gembrook staff. 4/2/07 6A about to depart Gembrook. 4/2/07 Inside 6A's brake valve. 4/2/07 Lakeside-Cockatoo and Cockatoo-Gembrook staffs. 4/2/07 14A and 12A's frames at Belgrave. 4/2/07 14A at Belgrave.28/11/06 14A running around its train at Belgrave.28/11/06 14A on the Monbulk creek trestle near Belgrave.28/11/06 14A on the Monbulk creek trestle near Belgrave.28/11/06 14A on the Monbulk creek trestle near Belgrave.28/11/06 14A on the Monbulk creek trestle near Belgrave.28/11/06 8A shunts to the platform at Belgrave. 13/1/08 Tasmanian rollingstock at Queenscliff: X3, V8 & railcar DP29. 18/6/08 Tasmanian railcar DP29 at Queenscliff. 18/6/08 K153 leads an up shuttle nearing Eltham. 31/8/08 K153 leads an up shuttle nearing Eltham. 31/8/08 K190 trails K153 on an up shuttle approaching Eltham. 31/8/08 K190 leads a down shuttle between Eltham and Diamond Creek. 31/8/08 K190 leads a down shuttle between Eltham and Diamond Creek. 31/8/08 K153 trails a down shuttle between Eltham and Diamond Creek. 31/8/08 K153 with K190 bringing up the rear cross Wattletree Road Eltham on the way back to the city. 31/8/08 X36, in static preservation at the ARHS museum, North Williamstown. 16/6/07 N432, painted green for the 1951 V&SA Jubilee train, in static preservation at the ARHS museum, North Williamstown. 16/6/07 H220, viewed from the tender end, in static preservation at the ARHS museum, North Williamstown. 16/6/07 C10, in static preservation at the ARHS museum, North Williamstown. 16/6/07 E1102, in static preservation at the ARHS museum, North Williamstown. 16/6/07 L1150, in static preservation at the ARHS museum, North Williamstown. 16/6/07 Refurbished 'Grey Ghost' Harris motor, 903M, in static preservation at the ARHS museum, North Williamstown. 16/6/07 Harris motor 795M during re-painting, in static preservation at the ARHS museum, North Williamstown. 16/6/07 The largest steam loco ever to operate in Victoria, H220 'Heavy Harry,' in static preservation at the ARHS museum, North Williamstown. 16/6/07 6A steams into Belgrave. 8/7/07 6A steams into Belgrave. 8/7/07 4306-4490 have just arrived at Dynon with the empty run of the 'Bacardi Express,' ready to take a train load of partiers to Sydney the next morning. 26/3/09 'Bacardi Express' lettering on one of the Southern Aurora lounge cars, shunting back into Dynon. 26/3/09

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]]> Fri Jan 4 2008 Miscellaneous = Diesel http://martin-bennet.fotopic.net/c1688635.html Photos of diesel locos and railcars, across Victoria, including V/line, Countrylink, and freight operators. Basically shots taken on days when I didn't take enough to sustain a separate collection. Thursday 3 January 2008: Photos of diesel locos and railcars, across Victoria, including V/line, Countrylink, and freight operators. Basically shots taken on days when I didn't take enough to sustain a separate collection.

N474 on an up Tarralgon service. 11/12/05 VLocity set VL01 approaching Flinders street on a test run. This was the first time I'd seen a VLocity moving from memory. 11/12/05 N455 on an up Albury service at Benalla.2/1/05 N463 stabled at the up end of Traralgon yard. 29/1/06 N454 & N463 stabled at the up end of Traralgon yard. 29/1/06 N455 arrives at Traralgon as a pair of Sprinters look on. 29/1/06 A70 belts up the Glenroy bank at Pascoe Vale on its way to Seymour. 27/7/06 A70 belts up the Glenroy bank at Pascoe Vale on its way to Seymour. 27/7/06 A V/locity races across the Werribee river bridge during testing on the Geelong line.21/8/05 A62 trundles though Flinders street platform 6, with siemens 800M reflected in the mirror.21/8/05 NR65-NR-81 pass through Ararat with a down freight.21/9/05 BL34 leads the Long Island steel train solo though Flinders st platform 4. 14/12/05 VL20-VL02 departing South Geelong on a Marshall service. 5/1/07 VL33 leads another VLocity set at North Melbourne. 9/9/06 G-P-X in Melbourne yard. 13/9/06 NR48 on the Overland at Southern Cross. 18/9/06 A73 in the Kensington mill siding. 2/10/06 N453 nears the end of its climb on the Glenroy bank.17/11/06 N458 drops down the Glenroy bank.17/11/06 NR4 with the west-bound Overland at Ararat. 12/1/08 NR4 with the west-bound Overland at Ararat. 12/1/08 NR4 with the west-bound Overland at Ararat. 12/1/08 NR4 with the west-bound Overland at Ararat. 12/1/08 NR4 with the west-bound Overland at Ararat. 12/1/08 V/locity set passing the aquarium on the viaduct. 20/2/08 VLocity and Siemens crossing on the viaduct. 20/2/08 Sprinter 7017 rests at Seymour after arriving from Melbourne. 8/3/08 N459 with a new reflective moustache arrives at Seymour with an up pass. 8/3/08 NR119 with the Overland shunt at Southern Cross. 26/4/08 Refurbished Sprinter 7015 at Seymour. 26/4/08 Refurb Sprinter 7015 with a wedding party at Seymour. 26/4/08 Refurbished Sprinter 7015 at Seymour. 26/4/08 Refurbished Sprinter 7015 enjoys an unsual rain storm at Seymour. 26/4/08 N455 brings the up Albury into Seymour in the rain. 26/4/08 N455 at Seymour with the up Albury, in the rain. 26/4/08 Refurbished Sprinter 7015 enjoys an unsual rain storm at Seymour. 26/4/08 Refurbished Sprinter 7015 enjoys an unsual rain storm at Seymour. 26/4/08 VL15 with new yellow patches is about to depart Southern Cross for Bendigo from platform 8 South. 27/7/08 Track geometry recording vehicle EM100 makes an unusual appearance on the Hurstbridge line during daylight, seen here at Eltham on the up. 16/11/08 Track geometry recording vehicle EM100 makes an unusual appearance on the Hurstbridge line during daylight, seen here at Eltham on the up. 16/11/08 Track geometry recording vehicle EM100 makes an unusual appearance on the Hurstbridge line during daylight, seen here at Eltham on the up. 16/11/08 G541 heading north past Lake Mokoan, north of Benalla. 19/12/08 G541 heading north past Lake Mokoan, north of Benalla. 19/12/08 G541 heading north past Lake Mokoan, north of Benalla. 19/12/08 These sheep next to Lake Mokoan, north of Benalla, clearly arn't in the mood for gunzelling. Maybe they're more into pass. 19/12/08 NR60-AN6 power an outbound freight through West Footscray, passing under the new signal gantry that has made this location much less attractive to photograph! 19/2/09 NR60-AN6 power an outbound freight through West Footscray. 19/2/09 NR60-AN6 climb through West Footscray on a Thrursday Afternoon. 19/2/09 A down Comeng set races past a slow moving SG freight at West Footscray. 19/2/09 N460 hauling a 5 car N-set, all freshly painted in the new V/Line livery, races through West Footscray late on a Thursday afternoon. 19/2/09

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]]> Thu Jan 3 2008 Miscellaneous = Electric traction http://martin-bennet.fotopic.net/c1688631.html Photos taken all over Melbourne's 1500v DC electric rail network, essentially photos taken on days where I didn't take enough to warrant their own collection. Wednesday 2 January 2008: Photos taken all over Melbourne's 1500v DC electric rail network, essentially photos taken on days where I didn't take enough to warrant their own collection.

Long exposure of a Comeng near Wattletree road, Eltham. This was the first rail shot I took with a digital camera. 26/8/04 Long exposure of a Hitachi near Eltham. 26/8/04 A Hitachi crossing Railway Road, down end of Eltham. 1/11/04 Hitachi approaching Wattle Tree road, down end of Eltham. 1/11/04 A Hitachi rounds the 55 curve at the down end of Eltham with an up service. 1/11/04 Hitachi passing the down end Eltham distant signal. 1/11/04 Comeng set climbing up the grade out of Eltham on the down. 1/11/04 Comeng at down end of Eltham. 1/11/04 Up Comeng Near Allendale road. 2/12/04 Down Comeng Near Allendale road.2/12/04 A Comeng with its panto's lowered in Eltham platform 1. Can't remember why this was. 10/1/05 A Hitachi at Flinders Street.10/1/05 A Hitachi at Flinders Street.10/1/05 One of the Hitachi M cars with the pantograph at the rear. Flinders Street. 10/1/05 A Hitachi at Flinders Street.10/1/05 Comeng at Eltham. 25/1/05 Comeng at Eltham.25/1/05 Up Hitachi arriving at Eltham ex-Hurstbridge. 25/1/05 Hitachi at Eltham about to depart on an up service. 25/1/05 A Hitachi at Flinders Street.25/1/05 A Hitachi at Flinders Street.25/1/05 A Comeng approaches Wattle tree road, Eltham, on an up Hurstbridge service. 3/2/05 Two X'trapolis sets and a Hitachi, Macleod yard. 26/8/06 Nice front profile line-up of two X'trapolis sets and a Hitachi, Macleod yard. 26/8/06 Hitachi in Macleod yard. 26/8/06 A Comeng on the last service, at 1:00AM, races through heavy fog on the down side of Eltham.22/4/06 Comeng on an up Hurstbridge service nears Eltham in afternoon light. 18/1/06 A Comeng on a down Hurstbridge service between Eltham and Diamond Creek. 2/2/06 A Comeng on a up Hurstbridge service between Eltham and Diamond Creek. 2/2/06 Comeng 392M arrives at Caulfield on an up Dandenong line service, as a pair of seagulls look on... 18/2/06 Comeng 392M at Caulfield. 18/2/06 A Comeng on a down Eltham service arrives at Parliament station. 18/2/06 Comeng 609M-T-610M drifts downhill into Eltham. 19/2/06 Comeng 610M-T-609M climbs up grade out of Eltham on a up service. 19/2/06 A Comeng arrives at Flagstaff station on a down Hurstbridge service. 26/3/06 A Comeng on an evening down Hurstbridge service arrives at Macleod. 12/5/06 In extremely foggy conditions an X'trapolis pulls into Heidelberg on a down Greensborough service. 19/5/06 In extremely foggy conditions an X'trapolis departs Heidelberg on a down Greensborough service. 19/5/06 Under heavy fog, a Comeng arrives at Heidelberg on a morning peak down Hurstbridge service.19/5/06 Under heavy fog, a Comeng sits at Heidelberg on a morning peak down Hurstbridge service.19/5/06 Under heavy fog, a Comeng departs Heidelberg on a morning peak down Hurstbridge service.19/5/06 Anyone for 't Albans Stetion?' 22/5/05 A Comeng on a down Hurstbridge service crosses one of the many Diamond creek crossings.28/5/06 A Comeng on an up Hurstbridge service crosses one of the two bridges between Eltham and Diamond Creek. 28/5/06 Hitachi set on the Eltham Trestle bridge- A very unusual sight on a Sunday! (At the time) 5/6/05 Hitachi set led by 88M departs Eltham on the up. (The driver has forgotten to change the marker lights)5/6/05 Hitachi set with 46M trailing departs Eltham.5/6/05 Connexed M> Comengs at Richmond: 456M and 411M. 8/6/05 Siemens 807M with half its connex livery.8/6/05 Hitachi 23M approaches Richmond station. Note on the numberboard the 'M' is on the wrong side of the number.8/6/05

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]]> Wed Jan 2 2008 Yarra Glen fire damage. 21/4/09 http://martin-bennet.fotopic.net/c1686180.html On February 7th 2009 ('Black Saturday') bushfires of never-before seen intensity swept across Victoria, killing nearly 200 people and destroying property and infrastructure across the state. These photos were taken at Yarra Glen on the closed Healesville line two and a half months after the fires, showing damage to the station area, and the burnt out trestle bridges in the up direction, one of which was 260m long. Tuesday 21 April 2009: On February 7th 2009 ('Black Saturday') bushfires of never-before seen intensity swept across Victoria, killing nearly 200 people and destroying property and infrastructure across the state. These photos were taken at Yarra Glen on the closed Healesville line two and a half months after the fires, showing damage to the station area, and the burnt out trestle bridges in the up direction, one of which was 260m long.

Burnt trestle bridge near Tarrawarra. The alignment of the closed Healesville line on the up side of Yarra Glen, with a burnt out trestle bridge. Looking down from Yarra Glen station. Burnt sleepers and platform facing at Yarra Glen. Yarra Glen station building, which miraculously survived the fires. Burnt sleepers and platform facing at Yarra Glen. How ironic... A newspaper cutting fro 1998 at Yarra Glen station, about a previous fire. The seemingly home-made sign on the platform at Yarra Glen. A Met era sign at Yarra Glen. This shed at Yarra Glen was completely destroyed by the fire, Yarra Valley Tourist Railway lost a large amount of per-way and maintenance equipment that had been stored here. Yarra Glen, looking down. Yarra Glen station, showing the burnt platform facing. Burnt sleepers at Yarra Glen. Many sleepers, such as this one in the up end points at Yarra Glen, were completely burnt out, just leaving a hole. Looking up along the burnt track at Yarra Glen. Nearly every sleeper was burnt out in this set of points at Yarra Glen. It looks like the more recently replaced ones fared better. Remains of the up end point and home signal levers at Yarra Glen. Fire damaged track just on the up side of Yarra Glen. Half-burnt sleeper at Yarra Glen. Fire damaged track just on the up side of Yarra Glen. A burnt out trestle bridge on the up side of Yarra Glen. A burnt out trestle bridge on the up side of Yarra Glen. Remains of the home signal at Yarra Glen. A burnt out trestle bridge on the up side of Yarra Glen. A single sleeper is still clinging to the middle of where there was once a wooden trestle bridge, up side of Yarra Glen. A few remaining sleepers hanging from the rails, the bridge completely burnt away, Yarra Glen. A burnt out trestle bridge on the up side of Yarra Glen. A burnt out trestle bridge on the up side of Yarra Glen. Remains of the 260-meter wooden trestle on the up side of Yarra Glen. Remains of the 260-meter wooden trestle on the up side of Yarra Glen. Remains of the 260-meter wooden trestle on the up side of Yarra Glen. Remains of the 260-meter wooden trestle on the up side of Yarra Glen. Two posts still stand amongst the remains of the 260-meter wooden trestle on the up side of Yarra Glen. Two posts still stand amongst the remains of the 260-meter wooden trestle on the up side of Yarra Glen. Only six posts of this bridge on the up side of Yarra Glen were still standing, this one only just. Remains of the 260-meter wooden trestle on the up side of Yarra Glen. Remains of the 260-meter wooden trestle on the up side of Yarra Glen. Amazingly, part of this post didn't actually burn. Two posts still stand amongst the remains of the 260-meter wooden trestle on the up side of Yarra Glen. A single burnt post is all that remains standing of this small wooden trestle on the up side of Yara Glen. A single burnt post is all that remains standing of this small wooden trestle on the up side of Yara Glen. This gate once discouraged people from walking across this small trestle bridge on the up side of Yarra Glen... Won't have that problem anymore! A burnt out trestle bridge on the up side of Yarra Glen, with a gate that once discouraged people form walking across.

Published in Martin Bennet's Rail Photographs

]]> Tue Apr 21 2009 Bombala line (NSW) & Orbost (VIC) Easter 2009. http://martin-bennet.fotopic.net/c1685133.html Time for a bit of archaeology! Photos taken at Royalla, a small station on the border of NSW and ACT. This station is on part of the Bombala line that has been reopened as a tourist railway, but hasn't run since 2007. Also photos at the terminus at Bombala, and some shots on the closed Orbost line back home in Victoria. Tuesday 14 April 2009: Time for a bit of archaeology! Photos taken at Royalla, a small station on the border of NSW and ACT. This station is on part of the Bombala line that has been reopened as a tourist railway, but hasn't run since 2007. Also photos at the terminus at Bombala, and some shots on the closed Orbost line back home in Victoria.

Royalla station, on the NSW/ACT border. Stored wagons at Royalla, including a 4-wheel wagon. Still plenty of oil in the axel box of this 4-wheel wagon stored at Royalla, on the NSW/ACT border. Inspection details on the side of oil wagon 7120NTAF at Royalla, on the NSW/ACT border. Stored wagons at Royalla, on the NSW/ACT border. The tiny station building at Royalla, on the NSW/ACT border. The tiny station building at Royalla, on the NSW/ACT border. Royalla station, on the NSW/ACT border. Although closed for many years, Bombala station building has been well maintained and now houses a small historical display about the line. (NSW) Goods shed at Bombala, NSW. Bombala station building, NSW. Bombala station, showing the footbridge. NSW. Goods shed at Bombala, NSW. Bombala station and goods shed, NSW. Recess under the signal box where the signal cables and point rodding once came out, Bombala NSW. Yard crane at Bombala, NSW. Staff locked points in the heavily overgrown yard at Bombala, NSW. Mechanism on the yard crane at Bombala, NSW. Snowy River bridge, on the closed Orbost line just before Orbost. This lengthy trestle has another six spans off the right of this image. Trestle bridge over the Snowy River just before Orbost, on the closed Orbost line.

Published in Martin Bennet's Rail Photographs

]]> Tue Apr 14 2009 Avalon Airshow shuttles. 15/3/09 http://martin-bennet.fotopic.net/c1669253.html Once again this year V/line provided many extra trains for the Avalon International Airshow, between Melbourne and Lara on the Geelong line. Rollingstock included push-pull N and P class, and six-car V/locity’s running as either 3X3 or 2X2X2. The weekend was very wet and overcast for most of the time! Sunday 15 March 2009: Once again this year V/line provided many extra trains for the Avalon International Airshow, between Melbourne and Lara on the Geelong line. Rollingstock included push-pull N and P class, and six-car V/locity_s running as either 3X3 or 2X2X2. The weekend was very wet and overcast for most of the time!

N454 leads a double N-set on the up just past Little River. P18 trails a down airshow special, nearing Little River. P11 leads one refurb H set, and one in the old livery, nearing Little River. N458 races through Little River with an up push-pull special. The Airshow is the only regular event where push-pull N's are used. As rain approaches from the direction of Geelong, P18 powers towards Little River with an up airshow special. P18 leads a push-pull set near Little River on the up. VL33-VL39 on the down side of Little River with an Airshow special. VL33-VL39 on the down side of Little River with an Airshow special. P13 leads a push-pull Airshow special between Lara and Little River. P13 leads a push-pull Airshow special between Lara and Little River. P13 leads a push-pull Airshow special between Lara and Little River. P17 with P18 bringing up the rear cross a very wide level crossing between Little River and Lara. P18 trailing a down Airshow special between Little River and Lara. P18 powers away from Lara with an up Airshow special. P18 powers away from Lara with an up Airshow special. P18 powers away from Lara with an up Airshow special. P17 on a down Airshow special near Manor. VL39-VL33 race towards Melbourne near Manor at ~160km/h, as heavy rain approaches in the distance. VL39-VL33 on an up Airshow special near Manor. VL39-VL33 on an up Airshow special near Manor. VL17-VL??-VL02 in heavy rain near Manor. This shot was taken from inside the car, and I still managed to get my camera wet!

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]]> Sun Mar 15 2009 Commuting... 2009 http://martin-bennet.fotopic.net/c1665230.html For the first time in my life this year I am now commuting regularly by rail; I often have my camera with me, so this is a collection of photos taken predominantly during peak hours on the Hurstbridge line. Although a lot of these photos are just taken from platforms while waiting for trains, there are still some quite nice shots in here. Wednesday 4 March 2009: For the first time in my life this year I am now commuting regularly by rail; I often have my camera with me, so this is a collection of photos taken predominantly during peak hours on the Hurstbridge line. Although a lot of these photos are just taken from platforms while waiting for trains, there are still some quite nice shots in here.

A Hitachi set bound for Epping on a very dull Thursday afternoon rounds the curve at Rushall; the tightest mainline curve on the Melbourne suburban network. 5/3/09 An up Comeng arrives at Westgarth. The second person in the cab is a pilotman, assisting drivers to become familiar with the new duplicated trackage between here and Clifton Hill. 6/3/08 Up refurb Hitachi set arriving at Westgarth after spending the off-peak period stabled at Macleod. 6/3/08 Up Hitachi passing under the footbridge at Westgarth. 6/3/08 Up Hitachi departing Westgarth, on the newly duplicated section of line. 6/3/08 Up Hitachi set approaching the new Merri Creek bridge between Westgarth and Clifton Hill. 6/3/08 A cyclist crossing the Westgarth Street level crossing glances across at one of the 7 remaining Hitachi sets crossing the Merri Creek on approach to Clifton Hill. 6/3/08 Down X'trapolis set approaching Westgarth. 6/3/08 Just under a month after the 'Black Saturday' bushfires began to devastate much of Victoria, the passengers of this cautiously proceeding Comeng set crowd to one side to see a large factory fire, just past Greensborough. 6/3/08 During the morning peak, an X'trapolis climbs through the Heidelberg Tunnel on its way to the city. I only got the chance to take this because I missed my usual train… 11/3/09 During the morning peak, an X'trapolis climbs through the Heidelberg Tunnel on its way to the city. I only got the chance to take this because I missed my usual train… 11/3/09 Circa 1980's Met Transit sign at Alphington station. 20/3/09 A slightly more realistic view of waiting for a train in Melbourne! A Comeng departs Melbourne Central on an Epping service, we're waiting for the Hurstbridge... 26/3/09 Disused signal box at the up end of Clifton Hill, with a preserved hand gate. 1/4/09 An EDI Comeng on an afternoon up service climbs away from the Heidelberg Tunnel towards the station. 1/4/09 Up Comeng arriving at Dennis station. 2/4/09 Up Comeng arriving at Dennis station. 2/4/09 Connex information at Dennis station advising that victims of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires can travel free on public transport. 3/4/09 Newspaper vending machines at Dennis Station. 3/4/09 A Comeng reflected in a puddle on a rare rainy day at Dennis Station. 3/4/09 A Comeng reflected in a puddle on a rare rainy day at Dennis Station. 3/4/09 A X'trapolis reflected in a puddle on a rare rainy day at Dennis Station. 3/4/09 A X'trapolis reflected in a puddle on a rare rainy day at Dennis Station. 3/4/09 A cold looking passenger dodges puddles as she prepares to board an X'trapolis on a rare rainy day at Dennis Station. 3/4/09 Passengers shelter from the cold and rain at North Richmond, Connex's performance results are displayed on the wall. 3/4/09 Up platform at North Richmond, on a very wet day. 3/4/09 As passengers freeze on the platform, a Comeng flys express through North Richmond on a very wet afternoon. 3/4/09 An up X'trapolis arrives at North Richmond in the rain. 3/4/09 An up X'trapolis arrives at North Richmond in the rain. 3/4/09 A Comeng set approaches Jolimont Tunnel. 23/4/09 An Alstom Comeng set enters Jolimont Tunnel. 23/4/09 An Alstom Comeng set enters Jolimont Tunnel. 23/4/09 An EDI Comeng exits the tunnel on the approach to Jolimont Station. 23/4/09 An X'Trapolis set exits the tunnel on the approach to Jolimont Station. 23/4/09 On an empty run from Victoria Park Siding heading into the city for the afternoon peak, one of the seven remaining Hitachi sets exits Jolimont Tunnel. 23/4/09 On an empty run from Victoria Park Siding heading into the city for the afternoon peak, one of the seven remaining Hitachi sets exits Jolimont Tunnel. 23/4/09 Refurb Hitachi motor 57M leads an empty run from Victoria Park Sidings into the city, at Jolimont. 23/4/09 One of the seven remaining Hitachi sets passes through Jolimont with an empty run from Victoria Park, with an Alstom Comeng in the down platform. 23/4/09 The seven Hitachi sets are the only trains left in revenue service in Victoria with openable windows. Late on a Thursday afternoon I'm making the most of this fact while passing through the Heidelberg Tunnel. 23/4/09 Getting some fresh air from a Hitachi at Macleod. 23/4/09 Hitachi motor 57M at Greensborough, about to run empty to Macleod to stable for the night. 23/4/09 Hitachi set terminated in platform 1 at Greensborough, as a Comeng arrives on the up. 23/4/09 Hitachi motor 57M at Greensborough, about to run empty to Macleod to stable for the night. 23/4/09 Hitachi motor 57M at Greensborough, about to run empty to Macleod to stable for the night. 23/4/09 Greensborough: A Hitachi set waits in platform 1, about to run empty to Macleod to stable, as a Comeng arrives on a down Hurstbridge. 23/4/09 A down Epping Comeng departs Clifton Hill on a thick foggy Friday morning, as another set emerges from under the Heidelberg Road bridge. 22/5/09 Up and Down Epping Comeng sets crossing in thick fog at Clifton Hill. 22/5/09 Up Comeng arriving at Clifton Hill in thick fog. 22/5/09 An X'trapolis on a down empty run passes through Clifton Hill on a foggy Friday morning. 22/5/09 Hitachi on a down Greensborough at Alphington. 27/5/09

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]]> Wed Mar 4 2009 Dust storm/bushfire smoke, Eltham-Diamond Creek. 3/3/09 http://martin-bennet.fotopic.net/c1661777.html Taken at Allendale Road between Eltham and Diamond Creek. Due to extreme wind conditions a large amount of dust was in the air, as well as smoke from bushfires. Tuesday 3 March 2009: Taken at Allendale Road between Eltham and Diamond Creek. Due to extreme wind conditions a large amount of dust was in the air, as well as smoke from bushfires.

An X'trapolis set emerges from bushland surrounding Diamond Creek near Allendale Road, in a thick haze of dust and bushfire smoke. Waiting for the down at Allendale Rd... A down Comeng set appears out of the bush near Allendale Road, between Eltham and Diamond Creek, the air thick with dust and smoke from bushfires. A down Comeng set near Allendale Road, between Eltham and Diamond Creek, the air thick with dust and smoke from bushfires. A down Comeng set near Allendale Road, between Eltham and Diamond Creek, the air thick with dust and smoke from bushfires. A down Comeng set near Allendale Road, between Eltham and Diamond Creek, the air thick with dust and smoke from bushfires. A down Comeng set disappears into the bush near Allendale Road, between Eltham and Diamond Creek, the air thick with dust and smoke from bushfires. Bushfires have occurred in this section before, hopefully not this year! A down Comeng set is dwarfed by bushland near Allendale Road, between Eltham and Diamond Creek, the air thick with dust and smoke from bushfires. Bushfires have occurred in this section before, hopefully not this year!

Published in Martin Bennet's Rail Photographs

]]> Tue Mar 3 2009 Maribyrnong River area. 26/2/09 http://martin-bennet.fotopic.net/c1659597.html Photos of freight operations on the Maribyrnong River goods line bridge, as well as the main Footscray lines bridges. Thursday 26 February 2009: Photos of freight operations on the Maribyrnong River goods line bridge, as well as the main Footscray lines bridges.

NR42-NR22 roll towards the Maribyrnong river bridge with an inbound freight. G511-G516-CLP13 approach the Maribyrnong river bridge with a north bound freight. G511-G516-CLP13 approach Bunbury Street tunnel with a north-bound freight. G511-G516-CLP13 approach Bunbury Street tunnel with a north-bound freight. G511 is in SCT livery with no logos, while the other two locos are carrying QR National livery. Maribyrnong river goods line, booked out of use. Maribyrnong river goods line, booked out of use. N471 rolls across the Maribyrnong river bridge between Footscray and South Kensington. Just missed this one... Comeng crossing the Maribyrnong river. Three car VLocity set VL36 crossing the Maribyrnong river on an up from the Ballarat or Bendigo lines. Down Sydenham Comeng crossing the Maribyrnong river bridge. P17 leads a push-pull H set across the Maribyrnong river bridge. P17 leads a push-pull H set across the Maribyrnong river bridge. An X and a P class on a light engine movment across the Maribyrnong river. NR36 in reasonably clean PacNat livery leads NR108 in typically grubby Vanila on a light engine movment out of the Bunbury Street tunnel. NR36 in reasonably clean PacNat livery leads NR108 in typically grubby Vanila on a light engine movment out of the Bunbury Street tunnel. NR36 in reasonably clean PacNat livery leads NR108 in typically grubby Vanila on a light engine movment out of the Bunbury Street tunnel. NR36 in reasonably clean PacNat livery leads NR108 in typically grubby Vanila on a light engine movment out of the Bunbury Street tunnel towards the Maribyrnong river bridge. 10+ years of tearing back and forth between state capitals has taken its toll on NR89 and NR15's livery, a look representative of most of the NR fleet! Seen here approaching Bunbury Street tunnel with an outbound freight. NR54 in the remains of Trailerail green livery emerges from the Bunbury Street tunnel. NR54-NR71-NR8 bring an in-bound freight over the Maribyrnong river bridge. NR54-NR71-NR8 bring an in-bound freight over the Maribyrnong river bridge. Having just arrived in Melbourne with an interstate freight, NR8-NR71-NR54 run light engine over the Maribyrnong river bridge on their way to be serviced.

Published in Martin Bennet's Rail Photographs

]]> Thu Feb 26 2009 Southern Cross from La Trobe Street bridge. 12/2/09 http://martin-bennet.fotopic.net/c1652909.html Photos of Melbourne's Southern Cross Station, including the railcar depot and shunting operations, viewed from the La Trobe Street bridge. Thursday 12 February 2009: Photos of Melbourne's Southern Cross Station, including the railcar depot and shunting operations, viewed from the La Trobe Street bridge.

N453 idling away at Southern Cross in between shifts. N456 keeps company with a number of Sprinter and VLocity units at the Southern Cross railcar depot, including VL11, 7009, 7022, VL08, VL01 and VL06. N475 is looking very faded compared with the freshly painted N set she is hauling out of Southern Cross. N470 brings a very clean new-livered N set into Southern Cross, passing the railcar depot. 7009, 7022 and VL08 sit in the Southern Cross railcar depot as a pair of Comeng sets pass on the suburban lines. EDI maintenance shed at Southern Cross, with a few N classes and VLocity sets just visible inside. Single Sprinter 7013 rolls into Southern Cross. An Alstom Comeng set near Southern Cross. An EDI Comeng set near Southern Cross. Sprinter 7009 shunts from the railcar depot at Southern Cross. Sprinter 7009 shunts from the railcar depot at Southern Cross. A shunter gives the 'set back' signal to the driver of N470 from the door of a refurbished N set at Southern Cross. A shunter wanders ahead of Sprinter 7009 to check all points are set correctly, Southern Cross railcar depot. Three car VLocity set VL40 departs Southern Cross. VL40 on a Ballarat service passes 7022 and VL08 stabled in the Railcar depot at Southern Cross. New SG and DG trackwork at Southern Cross. Single Sprinter 7012 about to stable at Southern Cross. Three-car VLocity set VL38 pauses to await line clear shortly after departing Southern Cross. N475 on a Gippsland-bound service passes the 'Southern Star' observation wheel at Docklands, a tourist attraction which is currently closed to cracking in the recent heat wave. A shunter leans on a point lever as Y161 shunts an H set at Dudley Street sidings, Southern Cross. VL19 passes the Southern Cross railcar depot, as a pair of train crew wander back to the station. N473 hauls a re-furbished N set away from Southern Cross. N473 hauls a re-furbished N set away from Southern Cross. A shunter hangs out the Connie's door of a refurbished H set as he gives the 'set back' signal to the driver of the Southern Cross yard pilot. An H set being docked by the pilot at Southern Cross, as a VLocity set arrives into the platform. Whilst the shunter at the end of the train signals for the Y class pilot to set back, a second shunter half way down the train copies his signals, improving visibility for the driver, as this H set is docked at Southern Cross. Southern Cross yard pilot Y161 docks an H set to the platform, being signaled by two shunters. VL14 arrives at Southern Cross. Southern Cross yard pilot Y161 trundles back to the yard after docking an H set, with a pair of shunters riding on the catwalks. Southern Cross yard pilot Y161 trundles back to the yard after docking an H set, with a pair of shunters riding on the catwalks. Southern Cross yard pilot Y161 trundles back to the yard after docking an H set, with a pair of shunters riding on the catwalks. VL02 is missing a number board, leaving the light globes exposed at Southern Cross. N461 in the new livery hauling a refurbished N car, followed by an old-livered N set, about to depart Southern Cross for South Geelong.

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]]> Thu Feb 12 2009 Rialto tower & Flinders Street. 9/2/09 http://martin-bennet.fotopic.net/c1651212.html Photos taken from the Rialto tower, and a refurb Hitachi set at Flinders Street. Taken in between photographing the horrific bushfires currently burning across the state, my thoughts and consolations go out to those who have lost property, family members or friends in this tragedy. Monday 9 February 2009: Photos taken from the Rialto tower, and a refurb Hitachi set at Flinders Street. Taken in between photographing the horrific bushfires currently burning across the state, my thoughts and consolations go out to those who have lost property, family members or friends in this tragedy.

X'trapolis & Siemens sets departing Flinders Street. X'trapolis & Siemens sets departing Flinders Street. Siemens sets at Flinders Street. A Siemens set crossing the viaduct. A Comeng set passing a works crew on the viaduct. A single Sprinter approaching Flinders Street. Sprinter passing a Comeng set at Flinders Street. X'trapolis and Comeng sets near Richmond. X'trapolis and Comeng sets near Richmond. X'trapolis and Comeng sets plus a single Sprinter passing the MCG. X'trapolis and Comeng sets plus a single Sprinter passing the MCG. Three-car VLocity at Flinders Street. X'trapolis, Comeng, Hitachi and V/locity sets all visable at Flinders Street. Three-car VLocity departing Flinders Street. Three-car VLocity departing Flinders Street. Three-car VLocity on the viaduct. Note how clean the roof of the new centre car is compared to the older end cars. A mixture of refurbished and un-refurbished Sprinters, VLocitys, N sets and N classes at the Southern Cross railcar depot. Dudley Street sidings, with a Y class shunting a refurbished H set, stabled VLocity sets, N and P classes, and all four V/Line A class locos; A60, A62, A66 and A70. Three-car VLocity at Southern Cross. X'trapolis set entering the Burnley Loop at Southern Cross. Refurb Hitachi set at Flinders Street. Refurb Hitachi set at Flinders Street, with Comeng. Upgraded Comeng-style trip gear on Hitachi motor 46M. Centre Hitachi motor 65M at Flinders Street. This M car is not allowed to lead (union ban), and has no front stickering. Hitachi motors 22M and 65M at Flinders Street. Centre Hitachi motor 22M at Flinders Street. This M car is not allowed to lead (union ban), and has no front stickering. The desto has been plated. Refurb Hitachi set at Flinders Street. As part of the refurbishment most side stickers were removed, giving the sets a striking resemblance to their original 70's all silver livery.

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]]> Mon Feb 9 2009 Clifton Hill - Westgarth duplication. 27/1/09 http://martin-bennet.fotopic.net/c1644728.html After spending just over 120 years as a single line section, the Clifton Hill - Westgarth duplication (involving the construction of a new viaduct over the Merri Creek, parallel to the existing one) was completed on the Australia Day long weekend 2009. These are a few photos taken on the first day of operations, Tuesday 27th of January. Tuesday 27 January 2009: After spending just over 120 years as a single line section, the Clifton Hill - Westgarth duplication (involving the construction of a new viaduct over the Merri Creek, parallel to the existing one) was completed on the Australia Day long weekend 2009. These are a few photos taken on the first day of operations, Tuesday 27th of January.

Looking in the Down direction at Clifton Hill, showing the removed centre track, and the new Up Hurstbridge line. Looking in the Down direction at Clifton Hill, showing the removed centre track, and the new Up Hurstbridge line, with a Comeng departing. X'trapolis set passing one of the dis-used signal boxes at CLifton Hill. One of the dis-used signal boxes at CLifton Hill. The Merri Creek bridges between Clifton Hill and Westgarth, the new one being visible under the old one. Up Comeng on the new viaduct between Clifton Hill and Westgarth. New and old Merri Creek viaducts between Clifton Hill and Westgarth. New Merri Creek viaduct between Clifton Hill and Westgarth. New Merri Creek viaduct between Clifton Hill and Westgarth, easily the ugliest piece of rail infrastructure I have ever seen in Melbourne! New double-track alignment from Westgarth, looking towards Clifton Hill. Looking Up from Westgarth, showing the new double-track section.

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]]> Tue Jan 27 2009 Daylesford Spa Country Railway. 4/1/09 http://martin-bennet.fotopic.net/c1632563.html Photos taken between Daylesford and Bullarto both on-board and trackside, as well as a look inside the workshops at Daylesford. Video from this day can be seen here: http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=Izp4UQRAuTc Sunday 4 January 2009: Photos taken between Daylesford and Bullarto both on-board and trackside, as well as a look inside the workshops at Daylesford. Video from this day can be seen here: http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=Izp4UQRAuTc

Walker railmotor 91RM rolls into Daylesford with the first service of the morning from Musk. Walker railmotor 91RM rolls into Daylesford with the first service of the morning from Musk. DRC40 stabled at Daylesford. Y159 and 91RM at Daylesford. DERM trailer 26MT st Daylesford. Although this trailer is available for use, it is usually avoided due to poor interior condition. DERM 63RM stabled at Daylesford. This railmotor runs most services during the off-peak season. A look inside 280hp Walker railmotor 91RM's engine room, while idling at Daylesford. 280hp Walker railmotor 82RM, stored for parts at Daylesford. Some of 91RM's controls. 91RM's brake valve. 91RM's throttle. Driver's eye view from 91RM at Daylesford. Daylesford, with DERM 63RM, restored to 1930's condition. The only surviving 102hp Walker railmotor, 7RM, awaiting restoration at Daylesford. Walker railmotor trailer 56MT awaiting restoration at Daylesford. DRC40 at Daylesford. View out the back of 91RM just out of Daylesford. Musk station. Musk home signal. Typical scenery between Musk and Bullarto. Bullarto, at 2452ft above sea-level, is Victoria's highest operating station. 91RM at Bullarto. 91RM at Bullarto. 91RM approaching Musk. 91RM approaching Musk. 91RM passing through Musk. 91RM climbing through thick forest towards Bullarto. 91RM climbing the final stretch into Bullarto. 91RM crossing in front of my car near Bullarto. What do you do when you're in a forest with no tripod? Introducing 'Tree-Cam!' 91RM coasting down through the forest between Bullarto and Musk. 91RM coasting down through the forest between Bullarto and Musk. 91RM almost obscured by thick forest near Bullarto. 91RM almost obscured by thick forest near Bullarto. 91RM coasting down-hill near Musk. Daylesford station, with 91RM and Y159 visible. 180hp Walker 82RM stored for parts at Daylesford. Government sign about grant for Leyland railmotor. 153hp Walker railmotor 32RM under restoratin at Daylesford. Internal progress on 32RM. Internal progress on 32RM. Internal progress on 32RM. 32RM with all panels stripped from the no.1 end, revealing rotting wood. 32RM with all panels stripped from the no.1 end, revealing rotting wood. Leyland railmotor 53RM under restoration at Daylesford. Leyland railmotor 53RM under restoration at Daylesford. Leyland railmotor 53RM under restoration at Daylesford. Dodge Passenger Mail Motor 74RM under restoration at Daylesford. Dodge Passenger Mail Motor 74RM under restoration at Daylesford. Dodge Passenger Mail Motor 74RM under restoration at Daylesford.

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]]> Sun Jan 4 2009 Geelong & Bellarine Peninsular 1 to 8/12/08 http://martin-bennet.fotopic.net/c1621973.html While staying in Queenscliff for schoolies, I managed to slip out occasionally between drinks to shoot the Bellarine Peninsular Railway, including chasing No.4 to Drysdale and back. Also a few shots from Geelong. Monday 1 December 2008: While staying in Queenscliff for schoolies, I managed to slip out occasionally between drinks to shoot the Bellarine Peninsular Railway, including chasing No.4 to Drysdale and back. Also a few shots from Geelong.

VLP logo on a roundabout outside Geelong station. N468 in the new livery arrives into Geelong with an up pass. N468 in the new livery arrives into Geelong with an up pass. N468 in the new livery at Geelong with an up pass. N468 in the new livery at Geelong with an up pass. N474 brings a PH van and an H set into Geelong. Ex-Tasmanian railmotor DP28 stabled at Queenscliff. Ex-Tasmanian railmotor DP28 stabled at Queenscliff. Ex-Tasmanian railmotor DP28 stabled at Queenscliff. Ex-Tasmanian railmotor DP28 stabled at Queenscliff. Ex-Tasmanian railmotor DP28 stabled at Queenscliff. Ex-Tasmanian railmotor DP28 stabled at Queenscliff. Ex-Tasmanian railmotor DP29 stabled at Queenscliff. No.4 simmers away at Queenscliff after running a train. No.4 simmers away at Queenscliff after running a train. No.4 simmers away at Queenscliff after running a train. Swan Bay is quite close to the station. No.4 simmers away at Queenscliff after running a train. 'The Blues Train' at Queenscliff. 0-4-2 'Klondyke' in the yard at Queenscliff, while 'The Blues Train' loads up in the platform. 0-4-2 'Klondyke' in the yard at Queenscliff. DP28 shortly after arriving at Queenscliff with a 'Friends of Thomas' special. The face is attached to the other end. Ex-Tassie railmotor DP28 at Queenscliff. DP28 at Queenscliff, with Swan Bay in the background. Ex-Tasrail loco X3 slowly pulls away from Queenscliff with 'The Blues Train.' No.4 skirts the edge of Swan Bay just out of Queenscliff. No.4 skirts the edge of Swan Bay just out of Queenscliff. No.4 skirts the edge of Swan Bay just out of Queenscliff. No.4 running along the edge of Swan Bay. No.4 running along the edge of Swan Bay. No.4 running along the edge of Swan Bay. No.4 climbs across a short trestle between Lakers Siding and Drysdale. No.4 crosses a road between Lakers Siding and Drysdale. The car on the left was my ride, the other belongs to one of my school mates who saw me shooting the train and decided to join in the chase! No.4 taking water at Drysdale. This loco spent its working life on the Fyansford cement line in Geelong. Builders plate on Vulcan No.4. One of No.4's crew gives her a good oil at Drysdale. No.4's cab at Drysdale. No.4 climbs out of Drysdale as some locals look on. No.4 climbing away from Drysdale. The bloke on the footplate has collected the appropriate ice-cream for the section. No.4 creates an atmospheric sight as she skirts the edge of Swan Bay near Queenscliff. No.4 running along the egde of Swan Bay near Queenscliff. No.4 running along the egde of Swan Bay near Queenscliff. No.4 running along the egde of Swan Bay near Queenscliff. No.4 running along the egde of Swan Bay near Queenscliff. Chasing No.4 back towards Queenscliff. Chasing No.4 back towards Queenscliff. No.4's train nearing Queenscliff on the last train of the day.

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]]> Mon Dec 1 2008 Last broad gauge pass to Albury. 8/11/08 http://martin-bennet.fotopic.net/c1608068.html With the Albury line about to be converted to standard gauge north of Seymour, SRHC ran the last ever BG passenger train, consisting of V/Line loco N453 ('City of Albury') hauling power van DT319, and nine S cars. (Including two hired from Steamrail) These shots are from Kilmore East on the down journey. Saturday 8 November 2008: With the Albury line about to be converted to standard gauge north of Seymour, SRHC ran the last ever BG passenger train, consisting of V/Line loco N453 ('City of Albury') hauling power van DT319, and nine S cars. (Including two hired from Steamrail) These shots are from Kilmore East on the down journey.

VL17 on an up from Seymour at Kilmore East. VL17 on an up from Seymour at Kilmore East. N453 leads the last ever BG pass to Albury, at Kilmore East. N453 leads the last ever BG pass to Albury, at Kilmore East. N453 leads the last ever BG pass to Albury, at Kilmore East. Parlor Car trails the last ever BG pass to Albury, at Kilmore East. VL33 is dwarfed by hills near Kilmore East. VL33 near Kilmore East. VL33 near Kilmore East. Single Sprinter 7013 approaching Kilmore East. Single Sprinter 7013 approaching Kilmore East.

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]]> Sat Nov 8 2008 R761 on the Bendigo line. 19/10/08 http://martin-bennet.fotopic.net/c1598216.html Having been left at Wycheproof on a tour the week before, R761 hauled dead T356 and coal wagon VOAF9 back to Melbourne via Bendigo. Having recently got my drivers licence, I chased the movement from Taradale Viaduct to Sunbury. Sunday 19 October 2008: Having been left at Wycheproof on a tour the week before, R761 hauled dead T356 and coal wagon VOAF9 back to Melbourne via Bendigo. Having recently got my drivers licence, I chased the movement from Taradale Viaduct to Sunbury.

R761-T356-VOAF9 roll across Taradale Viaduct. R761-T356-VOAF9 roll across Taradale Viaduct. R761-T356-VOAF9 roll across Taradale Viaduct. R761-T356-VOAF9 between Taradale and Malmsbury. R761-T356-VOAF9 between Taradale and Malmsbury. VL16-VL03 overtake R761-T356-VOAF9 at Kyneton. VL16 at Kyneton, showing the signal box and the blue-stone building. VL16-VL03 at Kyneton. VL16-VL03 power away from Kyneton, showing the blue-stone station building. R761-T356 wait for an overtaking move to clear at Kyneton. A couple of gunzels chat to the crew of R761 at Kyneton. R761-T356 set back to move onto the East line at Kyneton. A couple of Sprinters watch on from the yard. R761-T356 roll through the platform at Kyneton. VL34 slows for a stop at Kyneton. R761-T356-VOAF9 drop down-hill into Sunbury.

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]]> Sun Oct 19 2008 VGR 'Steam on Show.' 6/9/08 http://martin-bennet.fotopic.net/c1574677.html 'Steam on Show' at Victorian Goldfields Railway, run in conjunction with the 'Picnic at Muckleford' festival. Locos for the day included J515, J541, K160, and DERM 61RM. R761 & T395 ran a connecting special from Melbourne. Saturday 6 September 2008: 'Steam on Show' at Victorian Goldfields Railway, run in conjunction with the 'Picnic at Muckleford' festival. Locos for the day included J515, J541, K160, and DERM 61RM. R761 & T395 ran a connecting special from Melbourne.

K160-J515-J541 tripple-head towards Castlemaine. K160-J515-J541 tripple-head towards Castlemaine. K160 climbs slowly out of Castlemaine with a mixed train. R761, with T395 trailing, enters the loop at Castlemaine. R761 with T395 trailing drift down into Castlemaine. J541-J515 near Castlemaine, framed by a conveniently climbable pine tree. J541-J515 near Castlemaine, framed by a conveniently climbable pine tree. J541-J515 near Castlemaine. This was just taken by pointing the camera over my shoulder, as I sort of had to hold on. Tambo trailing near Castlemaine. 61RM drifting down hill into Castlemaine. 61RM drifting down hill into Castlemaine. 61RM drifting down hill into Castlemaine. 61RM grinds slowly up grade out of Castlemaine. 61RM grinds slowly up grade out of Castlemaine. K160 begins the long decent into Castlemaine. K160 arriving into Muckleford. K160 waiting for a cross at Muckleford. K160 climbing between Muckleford and Maldon. K160 climbing between Muckleford and Maldon. K160 climbing between Muckleford and Maldon. K160 climbing between Muckleford and Maldon. K160 climbing between Muckleford and Maldon. K160 climbing between Muckleford and Maldon. K160 climbing between Muckleford and Maldon. Featuring gunzels. The chase is on! Motorcading K160 between Muckleford and Maldon. K160 climbing up the final grade into Maldon. 61RM in the dock platform with K160's train in the main platform at Maldon. 61RM departing Maldon. 61RM is packed to the rafters as it passes the juntion for the Shelbourne line. 61RM rolls into Muckleford. 61RM rolls into Muckleford. Looking towards Muckleford. Looking towards Muckleford, with 61RM waiting for a cross. J515 shunts a mixed train into 2 road at Muckleford. J515 waiting for a cross at Muckleford. J515 waiting for a cross at Muckleford. J515 waiting for a cross at Muckleford. J541 approaching Muckleford. J541 approaching Muckleford. J541 with a vintage car at Muckleford. J541 crossing J515 at Muckleford. Mixed train at Muckleford. 61RM is attached to the rear of J541's train for the trip back to Maldon. T395 on the back of the Steamrail special at Castlemaine. R761 with T395 trailing, and J541 with 61RM trailing, perform a parallel departure from Castlemaine. R761 with T395 trailing, and J541 with 61RM trailing, perform a parallel departure from Castlemaine. R761 with T395 trailing, and J541 with 61RM trailing, perform a parallel departure from Castlemaine. The signalman at Castlemaine makes a few last notes before finishing for the day.

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]]> Sat Sep 6 2008 Glenbervie, Nth Melbourne & city. 9/8/08 http://martin-bennet.fotopic.net/c1559017.html Photos taken at Glenbervie on the Craigieburn line, North Melbourne, Southern Cross and Flinders Street, including an SRHC charter with N468-Parlor Car-1BS-Dining Car-Mitta Mitta. Saturday 9 August 2008: Photos taken at Glenbervie on the Craigieburn line, North Melbourne, Southern Cross and Flinders Street, including an SRHC charter with N468-Parlor Car-1BS-Dining Car-Mitta Mitta.

Up Comeng arriving at Glenbervie. Up Comeng departing Glenbervie. N468 rolls through Glenbervie with a private SRHC charter to Traralgon. N468 rolls through Glenbervie with a private SRHC charter to Traralgon. N468 rolls through Glenbervie with a private SRHC charter to Traralgon. VL30 leads new three-car set VL40 at North Melbourne. New three-car VLocity set VL40 at North Melbourne. A71 stabled in the steel sidings at North Melbourne. Comeng under citylink near North Melbourne Junction. Comeng under citylink near North Melbourne Junction. Comeng under citylink near North Melbourne Junction. An N class under citylink near North Melbourne Junction. A VLocity set streaks under citylink near North Melbourne Junction. A VLocity set streaks under citylink near North Melbourne Junction. A Comeng set streaks under citylink near North Melbourne Junction. N474 leads a down pass under citylink near North Melbourne Junction. VL24 passes under citylink near North Melbourne Junction. Refurb Hitachi set stabled at North Melbourne. N474 at Southern Cross. N475 at Southern Cross, framed by a rainbow. A rainbow arches over the CBD and beams of light reflect off the top of the rialto tower, as N475 rests at Southern Cross. New three-car VLocity set VL41 stabled at Southern Cross. Rain in afternoon sun at Southern Cross. VL28 departs Southern Cross under a rainbow. Footy crowds at Southern Cross. New three-car VLocity VL40 at Flinders Street. N468 returning from Traralgon with and SRHC charter, at Flinders Street. N468 returning from Traralgon with and SRHC charter, at Flinders Street.

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]]> Sat Aug 9 2008 Double-headed J class at VGR. 26/7/08 http://martin-bennet.fotopic.net/c1551879.html Victorian Goldfields Railway organised a day of special running between Maldon and Castlemaine with oil burner J541 and coal burner J515. This was the first time J class has double-headed since 1970. Saturday 26 July 2008: Victorian Goldfields Railway organised a day of special running between Maldon and Castlemaine with oil burner J541 and coal burner J515. This was the first time J class has double-headed since 1970.

NR58 in Steelink grey livery, but stripped of logos, prepares to lead the Overland out of Southern Cross. J515-J541 cross the Winters Flat trestle near Castlemaine with the first train of the day. J541-J515 running around at Castlemaine. J541-J515 running around at Castlemaine. J541's crew at Castlemaine. J541's driver looks back along the train at Castlemaine. J541-J515 after having arrived at Maldon, stopped almost in the loco depot because of the unusually long train. J541-J515 power up grade into Maldon as part of a 'false arrival' photo run. J541-J515 power up grade past the Maldon home signal as part of a 'false arrival' photo run. J541-J515 power up grade past the Maldon home signal as part of a 'false arrival' photo run. J541-J515 power up grade past the Maldon home signal as part of a 'false arrival' photo run. J515 takes water as J541 is turned at Maldon. J541 rests on the turntable at Maldon, as F212 and 61RM watch on. J541 and J515 being serviced at Maldon. Recently re-painted DERM 61RM stabled at the turntable at Maldon. J515 moves towards the turntable at Maldon. J515 positions on the turntable at Maldon. A crew member prepares to turn J515 at Maldon. J515 being turned at Maldon. J515 takes a short break at Maldon loco depot. J515 shunts the cars clear of the run-around at Maldon. K160 watches on as J515-J541 move out of the depot towards the station at Maldon. Motorcaders sprint back to their cars at Muckleford. J515-J541 between Muckleford and Castlemaine. J541-J515 climb up-grade through the forest out of Castlemaine, with the last down run of the day. J541-J515 climb up-grade through the forest out of Castlemaine, with the last down run of the day.

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]]> Sat Jul 26 2008 SRHC Tocumwal Centenary train. 12/7/08 http://martin-bennet.fotopic.net/c1543703.html SRHC ran a special from Seymour to Tocumwal to celebrate 100 years since the line's opening. Due to the unavailability of T378 & B74, N468 (In the new V/Line livery) assisted T320 to haul a consist of 10 cars. A push-pull shuttle was run from Tocumwal to Strathmerton, which clocked up 491 passengers. Saturday 12 July 2008: SRHC ran a special from Seymour to Tocumwal to celebrate 100 years since the line's opening. Due to the unavailability of T378 & B74, N468 (In the new V/Line livery) assisted T320 to haul a consist of 10 cars. A push-pull shuttle was run from Tocumwal to Strathmerton, which clocked up 491 passengers.

N468's new livery is already very grubby as it sits at Seymour loco, waiting to drop onto the special. N468-T320 preparing to depart from Seymour station. The train shortly after arriving at Tocumwal. N468-T320, shortly after arriving at Tocumwal. T320 prepares to run around the train at Tocumwal, to lead a push-pull shuttle to Strathmerton. T320 running around at Tocumwal. N468 drops back onto the train at Tocumwal to trail the push-pull shuttle to Strathmerton. N468 sits in the platform while T320 runs around to take the up end of the shuttle, at Tocumwal. N468 at Tocumwal. N468 coupled to Parlor Car 'Yarra' at Tocumwal. Celebrations on the platform at Tocumwal. Crowds on the platform at Tocumwal, while T320 waits with the shuttle. On-lookers crowd around T320 at Tocumwal. On-lookers inspect T320 and State Car No.4 at Tocumwal. The train waiting at Tocumwal. Tocumwal station, showing the former SG platform on the left. N468-T320 ready to lead the special back to Seymour at Tocumwal. N468-T320 ready to lead the special back to Seymour at Tocumwal. N468-T320 ready to lead the special back to Seymour at Tocumwal. The unlikely combination of N468 and T320 in the platform at Tocumwal, ready to lead the special back to Seymour.

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]]> Sat Jul 12 2008 Bellarine Peninsula Railway. 29/8/04 http://martin-bennet.fotopic.net/c1530731.html My first outing with a digital camera- photos from the Bellarine Peninsula Railway. Sunday 29 August 2004: My first outing with a digital camera- photos from the Bellarine Peninsula Railway.

Tasmanian railcar DP28 awaiting restoration at Queenscliff. Originally used on the construction of the Hume Dam, then at a Queensland sugar mill, 'Klondyke' is seen here at the depot at Queenscliff. Built in the US, Vulcan No.4 was used on the Fyansford cement line in Geelong until 1966, and is now in full running order on the Bellarine Peninsular Railway, seen here stabled at Queenscliff. Tasmanian loco X20 hauls a tourist train towards Queenscliff. X20 at Queenscliff. Inside X20's cab at Queenscliff. X20 running around at Drysdale. South Geelong-Queenscliff staff in X20 at Drysdale.

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]]> Sun Aug 29 2004 Heathcote Junction. 14/6/08 http://martin-bennet.fotopic.net/c1527646.html Photographs taken near the top of the grade at Heathcote Junction, including D3 658(D3 639) and R761 double-heading on the last broad gauge steam to Albury, with gauge conversion looming in the near future. Video from this day can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylvaKSr-Jn4 Saturday 14 June 2008: Photographs taken near the top of the grade at Heathcote Junction, including D3 658(D3 639) and R761 double-heading on the last broad gauge steam to Albury, with gauge conversion looming in the near future. Video from this day can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylvaKSr-Jn4

N465 drops down grade from Heathcote Junction with the up Shepp'. N466 leads the down Albury up Heathcote Junction. Down Sydney-bound XPT climbing Heathcote Junction. N459 begins the decent of Heathcote Junction with the up Albury. N459 leads a very grubby N set down grade from Heathcote Junction, on the up Albury. Class leader N451 hauls the down Shepp' up Heathcote Junction, with power van PCO2 in the consist for reasons unknown. D3 658-R761 storm the grade to Heathcote Junction with the last BG steam to Albury, in freezing temperatures and a light rain. D3 658-R761 storm the grade to Heathcote Junction with the last BG steam to Albury, in freezing temperatures and a light rain. D3 658-R761 storm the grade to Heathcote Junction with the last BG steam to Albury, in freezing temperatures and a light rain. D3 658-R761 storm the grade to Heathcote Junction with the last BG steam to Albury, in freezing temperatures and a light rain. Sprinters 7012-7020 arrive at Heathcote Junction with an up.

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]]> Sat Jun 14 2008 Lower Frankston line. 8/6/08 http://martin-bennet.fotopic.net/c1524559.html Photos showing unique coastal scenery on the Frankston line between Chelsea and Carrum, then at Mordialloc, including the Mordialloc Creek and Patterson River bridges. Sunday 8 June 2008: Photos showing unique coastal scenery on the Frankston line between Chelsea and Carrum, then at Mordialloc, including the Mordialloc Creek and Patterson River bridges.

Chelsea station, looking up. Unusual bus-stop style shelters at Chelsea. Disused signal box on the up platform at Chelsea. Up Comeng arriving at Chelsea. Comeng M car with remains of full-height side graffiti at Chelsea. Comeng T car with remains of full-height side graffiti at Chelsea. Up Comeng departing Chelsea. Up Siemens set, incorrectly showing 'Frankston' on the desto, at Bonbeach. Down Siemens on a level crossing between Bonbeach and Carrum. Patterson River bridge, near Carrum. Unfortunatly the high fence on the pedestrian bridge makes shooting a train here near impossible. Carrum station looking down, showing the dis-used signal box. Preserved water tower in the carpark at Mordialloc. Plaque on the preserved water tower in the carpark at Mordialloc. Up Comeng crossing the Mordialloc Creek. Up Comeng crossing the Mordialloc Creek. This is a great spot if you like mud. Down Comeng crossing the Mordialloc Creek. Down Comeng crossing the Mordialloc Creek. Down Comeng crossing the Mordialloc Creek. Bridges for the down and up lines over Mordialloc Creek. Up Comeng with moored boats at Mordialloc Creek. Up Comeng with moored boats at Mordialloc Creek.

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]]> Sun Jun 8 2008 Fairfield APM siding remains. 1/6/08 http://martin-bennet.fotopic.net/c1521782.html Photographs of remaining infrastructure on the Fairfield APM siding, and the Chandler Hwy bridge. Originally part of the Outer Circle Railway, this short section remained in use as a siding until the 1990's. Sunday 1 June 2008: Photographs of remaining infrastructure on the Fairfield APM siding, and the Chandler Hwy bridge. Originally part of the Outer Circle Railway, this short section remained in use as a siding until the 1990's.

Site of the former junction for the APM siding, between Fairfield and Alphington. Site of the former junction for the APM siding, between Fairfield and Alphington. Part of the former alignment of the Fairfield APM siding. Part of the former alignment of the Fairfield APM siding, looking back towards the mainline. Part of the former alignment of the Fairfield APM siding, looking towards the APM mill. Part of the former alignment of the Fairfield APM siding, looking towards the APM mill. Remains of a set of points on the Faifield APM siding. The Heidelberg Rd/Grange Rd/Chandler Hwy intersection, Fairfield. The siding crossed straight through the middle from the bottom left of the picture, to the gate visable near the right-hand corner of the factory. Just inside the factory fence on the Fairfield APM siding, the departure signal still remains. The point where the Fairfield APM siding entered the factory, showing an overgrown right of way, and a remaining overhead structure. The point where the Fairfield APM siding entered the factory, showing an overgrown right of way, and a remaining overhead structure. The point where the Fairfield APM siding entered the factory, showing an overgrown right of way, and a remaining overhead structure. A now disused footbridge for crossing over the siding within the Fairfield APM mill. The Chandler Hwy Yarra river bridge, formerly a rail bridge as part of the Outer Circle. Remaining track within the Fairfield APM mill. Remaining track within the Fairfield APM mill, note the track entering the brick bulding, and the railway crossing sign attached to the side. The Chandler Hwy Yarra river bridge, formerly a rail bridge as part of the Outer Circle. The Chandler Hwy Yarra river bridge, formerly a rail bridge as part of the Outer Circle. The Chandler Hwy Yarra river bridge, formerly a rail bridge as part of the Outer Circle. The Chandler Hwy Yarra river bridge, formerly a rail bridge as part of the Outer Circle. Looking towards Fairfield station, near the junction for the former APM mill. The statically restored signal box at Fairfield. Fairfield station, looking down. Down Comeng approaching Fairfield.

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]]> Sun Jun 1 2008 SRHC Blue Train charter. 10/5/08 http://martin-bennet.fotopic.net/c1508486.html The SRHC Blue Train was chartered by 'The Lodge Of The Golden Fleece,' to run Melbourne-Seymour and return. (With the train running empty to and from Seymour before and after.) The train consisted of several Spirit of Progress cars, dining car Avoca, and crew car Mitta Mitta, and was hauled by three different N class locos hired from V/line: N470, N458 & N457. Saturday 10 May 2008: The SRHC Blue Train was chartered by 'The Lodge Of The Golden Fleece,' to run Melbourne-Seymour and return. (With the train running empty to and from Seymour before and after.) The train consisted of several Spirit of Progress cars, dining car Avoca, and crew car Mitta Mitta, and was hauled by three different N class locos hired from V/line: N470, N458 & N457.

Moon setting behind the water tower in the SRHC depot. El Zorro's Y145 being repainted in the SRHC depot. El Zorro's Y145 being repainted in the SRHC depot, with T320. 1, 2 & 3 roads in the SRHC depot. Y145-T320 in the SRHC depot. T341, Y145 & T320 in the SRHC depot. T320 looks out of the shed as a down pass passes, Seymour. T320, Y145 & T341 in the SRHC depot. T378 with the moon, SRHC depot. B74 under the yard lights at SRHC. B74 and T333 in the SRHC depot. B74 in the SRHC depot. B74 in the SRHC depot. B74 in the SRHC depot. B74's nose. B74, seen through fog on the lens. B74 in the SRHC depot. F202 in the SRHC depot. T378 has a mini number plate next to the fuel tank. N470, VL14, B74 & T333 at Seymour. N456 brings an up Albury into Seymour. Seymour station, with crossing Albury passes. N455 takes the down Albury pass out of Seymour. T378 with 1CS next to B box in the SRHC depot. N470 enters the SRHC depot. N470 enters the SRHC depot. N470 approaches 3BS in the SRHC depot. N470 couples to 3BS in the SRHC depot. N470 in the SRHC depot, about to shunt out the charter train. N470 in the SRHC depot, about to shunt out the charter train. N470 in the SRHC depot, about to shunt out the charter train. N470 in the SRHC depot, about to shunt out the charter train. Track works in the SRHC depot, featuring T378. N470 as seen from Parlor Car, as it shunts the train out of the SRHC depot, Seymour. SRHC Blue Train in platform 2 at Seymour, the passengers having gone inside. After swapping locos with the down Albury pass due to a VC failure, N458 prepares to lead the charter back to Melbourne, at Seymour. The third loco for the day, N457, with the charter train at Southern Cross. N457 with the SRHC charter at Southern Cross. Misplaced panels on N457. N457 with the SRHC charter at Southern Cross. Looking out the back of Parlor Car, somewhere on the Broady line. Looking out the back of Parlor Car at Newmarket, junction for the Flemington Racecourse line. Looking out the back of Parlor Car, somewhere on the Broady line. Looking out the back of Parlor Car, somewhere on the Broady line. N457 approaches the train after running around at Seymour. N457 about to couple to Parlor Car at Seymour. N457 coupling to Parlor Car at Seymour. N457 viewed from Parlor Car at Seymour. The charter train being shunted back into the SRHC depot. The charter train being shunted back into the SRHC depot, with some passing Sprinters.

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]]> Sat May 10 2008 Diamond Creek. 4/5/08 http://martin-bennet.fotopic.net/c1504216.html Photos of signalling works around Diamond Creek. Auto colour light signals are replacing the mechanical safeworking. Sunday 4 May 2008: Photos of signalling works around Diamond Creek. Auto colour light signals are replacing the mechanical safeworking.

Up Comeng in the bush near Diamond Creek. Comeng crossing Diamond Creek, near Diamond Creek. Note the new signalling conduits on the side of the bridge. Comeng crossing Diamond Creek, near Diamond Creek. Note the new signalling conduits on the side of the bridge. Yet to be commisioned colour light signal on the up side of Diamond Creek. Yet to be commisioned colour light signal on the up side of Diamond Creek. Up Comeng approaching the soon to be replaced semaphore home signal at Diamond Creek. Up Comeng passing the soon to be replaced semaphore home signal at Diamond Creek. Down Comeng departing Diamond Creek, with new signalling equipment visable. Down Comeng departing Diamond Creek. Soon to be replaced mechanical point and signal levers at Diamond Creek. Plunger locked points at the down end of Diamond Creek. Diamond Creek from the down end, with soon to be commisioned colour light signals. Soon to be commisioned colour light signals at Diamond Creek. New train trip at Diamond Creek. Up Comeng between Diamond Creek and Eltham. Up Comeng between Diamond Creek and Eltham.

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]]> Sun May 4 2008 Kilmore East. 1/4/08 http://martin-bennet.fotopic.net/c1486324.html A mix of BG & SG trains near Kilmore East on the NE line on a sunny Tuesday afternoon, including a nice 5-loco lash-up! For video of this day, see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ANytunjgNE (No April fools joke included) Tuesday 1 April 2008: A mix of BG & SG trains near Kilmore East on the NE line on a sunny Tuesday afternoon, including a nice 5-loco lash-up! For video of this day, see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ANytunjgNE (No April fools joke included)

N451 decked out with reflective moustache and yellow-tipped pilot, about to depart Southern Cross. VLocity sets led by VL02, VL39 & VL20 and a VN set at Southern Cross. N451 departs Southern Cross. N451 departs Southern Cross. BCH128 is looking a bit weathered at Southern Cross. VLocity sets led by VL02 & VL39 at Southern Cross. VL02, VL39 and an N set at Southern Cross. G530-G529-G522-G541-T390 form an impressive lash-up on MC2 as they prepare to stop for a works site at Kilmore East. G530-G529-G522-G541-T390 form an impressive lash-up on MC2 as they prepare to stop for a works site at Kilmore East. A container full of mouldy carrots on MC2. Sprinter 7001 races away from Kilmore East with an up from Seymour. Sprinter 7001 races away from Kilmore East with an up from Seymour. CLP10-X54-X apporach Kilmore East. Looking up at Kilmore East. Sprinters 7020-7018 on an up at Kilmore East. Sprinters 7020-7018 on an up at Kilmore East. N454 blasts away from Kilmore East with the evening up Shepp'. N454 blasts away from Kilmore East with the evening up Shepp'. N454 blasts away from Kilmore East with the evening up Shepp'. N454 with the up Shepp' passes a stabled track machine at Kilmore East. Kilmore East, showing the winding SG alignment. Up XPT races through Kilmore East. Up XPT races through Kilmore East. Sprinters 7012-7010 on the down at Kilmore East. A Comeng set shunts to the platform at Craigieburn to form an up service.

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]]> Tue Apr 1 2008 Lake Mokoan & Canberra, Easter 2008. http://martin-bennet.fotopic.net/c1481852.html A handfull of photos taken over the Easter weekend 2008. The first few are taken at Lake Mokoan on the NE line, then a few from Canberra, A.C.T. Thursday 20 March 2008: A handfull of photos taken over the Easter weekend 2008. The first few are taken at Lake Mokoan on the NE line, then a few from Canberra, A.C.T.

A Countrylink XPT set races north at Lake Mokoan, near Glenrowan. A Countrylink XPT set races north with Lake Mokoan forming an impressive backdrop, near Glenrowan. A Countrylink XPT set races north with Lake Mokoan forming an impressive backdrop, near Glenrowan. A Countrylink XPT set races north with Lake Mokoan forming an impressive backdrop, near Glenrowan. A Countrylink XPT set races north with Lake Mokoan forming an impressive backdrop, near Glenrowan. Explorer railcar stabled at Canberra, A.CT. Canberra station is a hole. (A.C.T.) End of the line at Canberra, with a stabled Explorer set. (A.C.T.) Dodgy track near Canberra, A.C.T. Steamer 3016 nears Canberra on a local shutle. (A.C.T.) Steamer 3016 nears Canberra on a local shutle. (A.C.T.) 3016 powers away from Canberra with a local shuttle. Parliament house can just be seen in the background. (A.C.T.) 3016 powers away from Canberra with a local shuttle. (A.C.T.) 3016 powers away from Canberra with a local shuttle. (A.C.T.) 3016 powers away from Canberra with a local shuttle. (A.C.T.)

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]]> Thu Mar 20 2008 Stony Point line. 16/2/08 http://martin-bennet.fotopic.net/c1460037.html We walked from Leawarra to Baxter, photographing the area around Langwarrin bank, then went to Tyabb to get the return of the Long Island steel. These photos were taken just over two months before the end of loco-hauled pass on this line. Video from this day can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGoRAEDYPp4 Saturday 16 February 2008: We walked from Leawarra to Baxter, photographing the area around Langwarrin bank, then went to Tyabb to get the return of the Long Island steel. These photos were taken just over two months before the end of loco-hauled pass on this line. Video from this day can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGoRAEDYPp4

A60 drops down grade towards Leawarra with the up pass. A60 nears the top of the grade near the site of Langwarrin. A60 nears the top of the grade near the site of Langwarrin. A60 nears the top of the grade near the site of Langwarrin. A60 with two MTH cars near the site of Langwarrin. BL34-XR551 lead the down Long Island steel down Langwarrin bank. BL34-XR551 lead the down Long Island steel down Langwarrin bank. BL34-XR551 lead the down Long Island steel down Langwarrin bank. A60 in the platform at Baxter, about to climb the Langwarrin bank. A60 climbing the Langwarrin bank. A60 roars up the Langwarrin bank. A60 roars up the Langwarrin bank. XR551-BL34 round the curve into Tyabb with the up steel. XR551-BL34 round the curve into Tyabb with the up steel.

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]]> Sat Feb 16 2008 City & Newport Workshops. 9/2/08 http://martin-bennet.fotopic.net/c1456135.html A few shots on the Flinders Street viaduct in the city, then around Newport Workshops. Saturday 9 February 2008: A few shots on the Flinders Street viaduct in the city, then around Newport Workshops.

A Comeng set crossing the viaduct. Wide angle of a Comeng set crossing the viaduct. N472 on the up Gippslander passes the immigration museum on the viaduct. N472 on the up Gippslander on the viaduct. Down VLocity unit VL24 on the viaduct. Comeng on the viaduct. Down Comeng at Champion rd, Newport. Down Comeng at Champion rd, Newport. J102-J103 round the curve at Newport with the QRN shuttle. J102-J103 round the curve at Newport with the QRN shuttle. NR5-DL48-NR55 round the curve at Newport with an inbound freight. NR5-DL48-NR55 pass Newport station with an inbound freight. Double-ended Tait motor 470M inside Newport Workshops. Tait trailer 241T under restoration inside Newport Workshops. Dogbox motors 107M-137M at Newport Workshops. Dogbox driving-trailer 24D awaiting restoration at Newport Workshops. D3658 (D3639) and B72 in Newport Workshops. E1109 awaiting restoration inside Newport Workshops. K190 in the Newport Workshops. B72 undergoing restoration at Newport Workshops. R761 and 14CW inside Newport Workshops. T364 inside Newport Workshops. R766's former broad gauge wheelsets at Newport Workshops. L1160, L1162 and Siemens sets at Newport Workshops. L1160, L1162, Comeng and Siemens sets at Newport Workshops. DRC42 at Newport Workshops. DRC42-DRC41 at Newport Workshops. A stored Z class tram and Comeng T car at Newport Workshops. Protoype refurbished Comeng M car 672M inside Newport Workshops. Comeng 462M undergoing repairs at Newport Workshops after colliding with a sand truck at Nunawading. Comeng 462M undergoing repairs at Newport Workshops after colliding with a sand truck at Nunawading. Comeng car 1186T in a partially completed prototype refurbishment, at Newport Workshops. Comeng car 1186T in a partially completed prototype refurbishment, at Newport Workshops. Comeng car 1186T in a partially completed prototype refurbishment, at Newport Workshops. Steam S class tender at Newport Workshops. Elecrail Hitachi cars at Newport Workshops. Elecrail Hitachi cars 80M-222M at Newport Workshops. Elecrail Hitachi cars 222M-80M at Newport Workshops. Stored Hitachi cars at Newport Workshops. BIH181 at Newport Workshops. D van fitted with screw couplings and buffers for use in the overhead greasing train, Newport workshops. S313 in a special livery for use in the film production 'The Pacific,' Newport Workshops. S313 in a special livery for use in the film production 'The Pacific,' Newport Workshops.

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]]> Sat Feb 9 2008 Puffing Billy: Gembrook Mixed. 12/1/08 http://martin-bennet.fotopic.net/c1440438.html Puff' ran an evening 'mixed' special to Gembrook and return with loco 7A. The train was recreating a typical mixed consist from the 1920's. Many of the later shots were lightened from almost black, so please excuse the poor quality. Saturday 12 January 2008: Puff' ran an evening 'mixed' special to Gembrook and return with loco 7A. The train was recreating a typical mixed consist from the 1920's. Many of the later shots were lightened from almost black, so please excuse the poor quality.

8A arrives into Belgrave with the last regular up of the day. 7A leads the mixed consist over the Monbulk creek trestle. 7A leads a mixed consist over the Monbulk creek trestle. 7A leads the mixed consist over the Monbulk creek trestle. 7A leads the mixed consist over the Monbulk creek trestle. 7A powering up grade near Selby. 7A approaching Menzies Creek. The loco crew inspect 7A at Menzies Creek. 7A with the mixed at Menzies Creek. Mixed special at Menzies Creek. 7A departing Menzies Creek. 7A nearing Clematis. 7A stopped at Clematis, about to shunt on another NQR wagon. 7A at Clematis, with an NQR wagon about to be added to the train. 7A moves forwad, about to shunt another NQR onto the train at Clematis. 7A coupling to an NQR wagon at Clematis, about to add it to the train. 7A shunts back onto the rest of the train at Clematis. 7A shunts at Clematis. 7A climbs Emerald Bank. 7A climbs Emerald Bank. 7A climbs Emerald Bank. 7A just after leaving Emerald. 7A just after leaving Emerald. 7A just after leaving Emerald. 7A leads the mixed special over a small trestle near Wright. 7A leads the mixed special over a small trestle near Wright. Light from the firebox illuminates 7A's cab. 7A nearing Fielder. 7A climbs through Fielder station. 7A is silhouetted against the late evening sky, near the top of Fielder bank. 7A is silhouetted against the late evening sky, near the top of Fielder bank. 7A at Gembrook. 7A at Gembrook. 7A shunts at Gembrook. 7A shunts at Gembrook. 7A shunts at Gembrook.

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]]> Sat Jan 12 2008 Albury-Wodonga. 15/12/07 http://martin-bennet.fotopic.net/c1424499.html Photos taken between Albury and Wodonga, including the Murray river bridge. Saturday 15 December 2007: Photos taken between Albury and Wodonga, including the Murray river bridge.

Due to platform works in Melbourne, the XPT was originating at Albury, with a connecting bus. N463 stands in the BG platform. XPT power car XP2002 is looking a little worse for wear at Albury. N463 and an XPT set at Albury. N463 and an XPT set at Albury. N463 and an XPT set at Albury. N463 at Albury. N463 running around at Albury. N463 running around at Albury. Power van PCJ491 is in the consist at Albury as back-up for aircon in the hot weather. N463 running around at Albury. N463 prepares to couple to the PCJ van at Albury. N463 ready to depart Albury for Melbourne. Albury station, with an XPT. XPT at Albury. XPT at Albury. SG turntable at Albury. XPT departing Albury. XPT departing Albury. XPT departing Albury. Underneath the Murray river bridge. The causeway approaching the Murray river, near Albury. The Murray river bridge. The Murray river bridge. The Murray river bridge, showing the wooden trestle section. The Murray river bridge. The Murray river bridge, showing where the SG side has been reinforced, with the BG side still supported by a wooden trestle. The soon to be eliminated 40 curve at Wodonga. N457 departing Wodonga. N457 departing Wodonga. Power van PCO2 trails the down pass out of Wodonga. Goods shed at Wodonga. N457 rolls into Wodonga. N457 rolls into Wodonga.

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]]> Sat Dec 15 2007 Shots from the Eureka tower. 13/12/07 http://martin-bennet.fotopic.net/c1423619.html Shots taken from the 88th floor of Melbourne's Eureka tower, including some shots taken through binoculars. Thursday 13 December 2007: Shots taken from the 88th floor of Melbourne's Eureka tower, including some shots taken through binoculars.

Flinders Street station, with X'trapolis and Comeng trains in the platforms. X'trapolis set departing Flinders Street. X'trapolis and Comeng sets crossing on the viaduct. An A class leads two T/H classes on the Maryvale paper train, as they parallel a Comeng set across the viaduct. An A class leads two T/H classes on the Maryvale paper train, as they parallel a Comeng set across the viaduct. An A class leads two T/H classes on the Maryvale paper train, as they parallel a Comeng set across the viaduct. Shot showing the entire FLinders Street viaduct, and the entire Maryvale paper train. An A class and two T/H classes approach Flinders Street, with an X'trapolis and Comeng sets. An ex-gippsland VLocity set crosses the viaduct. VLocity Siemens and Comeng sets on the viaduct. X39 leads S301 on the APEX quarry train, on the viaduct. X'trapolis and Comeng sets between Flinders Street and Richmond. X'trapolis and Comeng sets between Flinders Street and Richmond. Richmond station, with Siemens and X'trapolis sets. X'trapolis approaching Flinders Street. A Comeng set can just be seen stabled at Victoria Park. V/locity crossing Siemens near FLinders Street. V/locity and X'trap near Flinders Street.

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]]> Thu Dec 13 2007 SRHC Blue Train to Ballarat. 8/12/07 http://martin-bennet.fotopic.net/c1421280.html SRHC ran the 'Blue Train' to Ballarat via Melbourne, with T357 and B74. Saturday 8 December 2007: SRHC ran the 'Blue Train' to Ballarat via Melbourne, with T357 and B74.

Silhouette of B74 at Southern Cross. B74-T357 running around next to VL13 at Southern Cross. B74-T357 running around at Southern Cross. T357-B74 at Southern Cross. VL24 shunting to the platform at Southern Cross. Re-furbished Sprinter car 7002 at Southern Cross. VLocity VL30 and refurb Sprinter 7002 at Southern Cross. T357-B74 after arriving at Ballarat. T357-B74 after arriving at Ballarat. T357-B74 running around through the Lydiard street gates at Ballarat. B74 running around through the Lydiard street gates at Ballarat. B74-T357 running around at Ballarat. B74-T357 running around at Ballarat. SRHC Blue Train at Ballarat. VL34 arrivies into Ballarat from Ararat. B74-T357 at Ballarat. B74-T357 at Ballarat. B74-T357 at Ballarat. Extremely outdated political poster at Ballarat. B74 under the semaphore gantry at Ballarat. B74-T357 under the semaphore gantry at Ballarat. B74-T357 under the semaphore gantry at Ballarat. B74 and Ballarat yard pilot Y119. VL01-VL33 departing Ballarat for Ararat. VL01-VL33 departing Ballarat for Ararat. VL01-VL33 departing Ballarat for Ararat. Ballarat station looking up. Sun setting near Bungaree. T357 moves away from Parlor Car at Southern Cross.

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]]> Sat Dec 8 2007 Puffing Billy around Emerald. 4/12/07 http://martin-bennet.fotopic.net/c1419379.html Photographs taken of the Puffing Billy Railway in and around Emerald, including shots of recently returned to service loco, 7A. Video from this day can be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOqWd3lSjlo Tuesday 4 December 2007: Photographs taken of the Puffing Billy Railway in and around Emerald, including shots of recently returned to service loco, 7A. Video from this day can be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOqWd3lSjlo

6A and 7A shunt into the Belgrave platform next to stabled DH31. 6A-7A at Belgrave about to depart on the 10:30 pass. Recently returned to service 7A trails 6A at Belgrave. Intirior of 2NBD at Belgrave. Passing through tree ferns near Belgrave. 6A-7A on the Monbulk creek trestle. 6A-7A on the Monbulk creek trestle. Looking back along the train on the Monbulk creek trestle. 6A-7A slowly power away from a stop at Emerald. Emerald station. G42 climbs up Emerald bank with the lunch train. G42 climbs up Emerald bank with the lunch train. G42 climbs up Emerald bank with the lunch train. Clematis station. Clematis station, looking down. G42 approaching Clematis station. G42 rolls slowly through Clematis station. 6A begins the climb of Emerald bank, near Clematis. 6A begins the climb of Emerald bank, near Clematis. 6A begins the climb of Emerald bank, near Clematis. 7A powering up grade past Nobelius siding. 7A's new paint job looks supurb as she climbs past Nobelius siding. 6A rolls into Emerald with the last train of the day. 6A near Selby. 6A crossing the Monbulk creek trestle. 6A at Belgrave, having just arrived on the last train of the day. 6A running around at Belgrave.

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]]> Tue Dec 4 2007 Spirit of Progress 70th anniversary tour. 25/11/07 http://martin-bennet.fotopic.net/c1414557.html Seymour Railway Heritage Centre, in association with V/line, DoI and Victrack, ran a special train to Albury and return to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Spirit of Progress. A large amount of rollingstock was restored in very little time for this trip, including the CS brake van, Parlor Car, Dining Car, and locos B74 and S303. Sunday 25 November 2007: Seymour Railway Heritage Centre, in association with V/line, DoI and Victrack, ran a special train to Albury and return to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Spirit of Progress. A large amount of rollingstock was restored in very little time for this trip, including the CS brake van, Parlor Car, Dining Car, and locos B74 and S303.

Cab view of B74 at the SRHC depot in Seymour. Down XPT seen from the cab of B74 at Seymour. S303 and 1CS recieve final touches at Seymour. B74 recieving final touches at Seymour. B74's brass number plates, ready to be returned to the loco at Seymour. N453 seen from B74's cab at Seymour. B74's numberplate has just been re-attached at Seymour. 1CS with no doors fitted at Seymour. S303's name board about to be re-attached at Seymour. S303 is almost finished at Seymour. Yours truly in the cab of S303 at Seymour. (Photo courtesy of Ivan Hon) Doors of 1CS before being re-fitted. Portable generator inside 1CS. 1CS recieving side doors at Seymour. 1CS, now with doors fitted, at Seymour. N460 stabled at Seymour with re-furbished FSH25. Newly re-furbished FSH25 at Seymour. S303 being turned, as C501 looks on, Seymour. S303 being turned, with C501, Seymour. S303 on the Seymour turntable. S303 on the Seymour turntable. C501 recieving work at Seymour. C501 recieving work at Seymour. C501 recieving work at Seymour. GM36 at Seymour loco. Re-furbished and non-re-furbished H sets at Seymour. Newly re-furbished FSH25 at Seymour. S303 getting a windscreen wash at Seymour. B74 re-fueling from a tank wagon at Seymour. B74 re-fueling from a tank wagon at Seymour. B74-S303 in the evening light at Seymour. VL12 stabled at Seymour. T376 stabled on a ballast train at Seymour. T376-T413-T357 stabled on a ballast train at Seymour. T376-T413-T357 stabled on a ballast train at Seymour. A VLocity sits in the platform with T376 in the yard. Historic display of Spirit of Progress items inside Dining Car. B74 and S303 after arrival at Southern Cross. B74-S303 with the SoP at Southern Cross. Y163 shunts the SoP consist at Southern Cross. Parlor Car at Southern Cross. Parlor Car at Southern Cross. B74-S303 ready to lead the SoP away from Southern Cross. B74-S303 after arrival at Seymour. B74-S303 after arrival at Seymour. T376 from the window of the SoP at Seymour. T376-T413-T357 at Seymour. Out the back window of Parlor car. Crossing the Murray river bridge, into NSW. B74-S303 pose for photos at Albury.

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]]> Sun Nov 25 2007