Friend and ex NSWGR driver Colin came down to Yackandandah to escort me back to his home via Goulburn, Liverpool and Hexam. We drove my new Everest on its first trip, with 102 km on clock to start us off.
These new cars almost drive themselves. Supposedly will when I know how to work all the gadgets Ha Ha.
About Ettamogah I asked Colin to watch the road whilst I tried to work out how to set the cruise control. Got the lane limit control working, seemed to find a speed limit device, which accidently got set at 65 kph (on the Hume Freeway !!!!) and could not find out how to turn that off (Or on again for that matter ??) Whilst I was staring at the controls we moved across the lane several times and was pushed back into middle by lane watch technology. Finally the car spat the dummy, accused me of falling asleep, and reduced throttle steering me into the verge and ordered me to take a break!!
Ok we sort of sorted the controls out, ie switched everything off, except cruise control, which I found out how to use. Cruise is just fine, but when you drive at the legal limit plus 3km :), you get passed all the time! Seems like NSW drivers run up to 120kph. As they pull in front of you, my car quickly brakes (on its own) maintaining a car and a half space between it and car ahead. Then powers off at 113 as the passing car pulls ahead. Don't like this, but cant seem to turn it off.
Eventually I got to relax and let Colin work out how it all works...and he did :)
Here I present some of the pictures taken on this trip. You have all seen the hundreds of Liverpool pics, so I will only include some Coolum Models buildings, that might find a place on my layout in the future.
First Stop Goulburn Shed.
Wonder if anybody makes these? nice running lamps for several of my NSW engines.
I guess this is what a real 30 Class looks like. Interesting weathering :)
They just saved one of these and it will be restored
Nice little tank.
Would have loved to see one of these running, but too late for this one, I guess.
EDIT Ok This picture was taken at Rothbury and of course matches the engine waiting for wheels.
I did look at another 59 at Goulburn, but did not get a picture of it as in the shed, behind the round house, it was too dark to see it. (Thanks Col)
This one is looking much better, however our guide was not hopeful that it would run again, anytime soon, if ever.
Liverpool, was pretty ordinary this year. So much so, that I came away with only 6 sheets of cork and a magazine. Some nice layouts, however plenty of videos out there from others.
Stuart from Coolum Beach interested me, with a few buildings though.
We then stayed the night at Colins and saw his new house being built. This is Colins new inside train room.
traditionally Roger drives up with me, however it was not possible this year. So we met up at Liverpool and travelled up North as we usually do.
I bet Roger wished he was not so far away from Maitland, eh?
This is a huge room and knowing Colin, will soon have an enlarged version of his existing railway up and running, long before mine ever is.
It was not far to travel, to visit the home of R which is now fully converted to SG and awaaiting accreditation (I believe) She is running!!
The team of restorers are doing fantastic work here.
Face Book NSWGR 900/800/750 Class "DEB" Sets
https://www.facebook.com/groups/debsetrestoration/
I was here the week before the team in the post above arrived for a clean up. You are doing a great job boys and girls.
This 59 Class has been repaired. New wheels are ready to go underneath. This one will soon return to service. Cant wait to get behind it soon.
5917's tender in the shed at Rothbury (Wrongly posted in Goulburn section. Thanks Colin)
THE VICTORIAN RAILWAYS R CLASS R766
And there she is! Completed and ready for the main line, just needs the paint and numbers! But that is the easy part, the worst has all been completed. All praise to the guys at Rothbury.
Damn, I am getting too old for this.
Don't be surprised if you see this run on NSW metals unpainted, or was I being steered away from their real plans?
Thinking of my Father as I hang out the fireman's window. Would love to have fired for him, and wish he was sitton on the left hand side.
Cheers
Rod Young
