Railway Digest Magazine July 2025 Back Issue

Perth's new southern east-west suburban line
Sunday 8 June saw significant changes to Perth’s rail network with the opening of the new Cockburn Central – Thornlie suburban railway, the re-opening of the now double-track Thornlie – Beckenham line and the rebuilt Beckenham – Victoria Park section of the Armadale line, including long sections of elevated railway. Official timetabled services commenced the next day. David and Donald Whiteford were there for the big event.

A Perth visit, with a side outing to Kellerberrin
In April this year, Phil Melling and family decided to head down to Perth, form their home in Geraldton, to visit family and to check out the current rail scene there. Not only did they find a great deal of rail-related activity going on around Perth, but also captured plenty of action on a side trip east to Kellerberrin.

CAF Urbos Trams, Parramatta
Construcciones y Auxiliar Ferrocarriles was founded in Spain during 1892 when the former iron works at Beasain was rebuilt to become a railway rollingstock builder. CAF's first of four ventures of trams for Australian cities was the leasing of four Urbos 2 trams for the Dulwich Hill tram line in Sydney. This was only a four-month lease in late 2013 before the delivery of 12 Urbos 3 trams which replaced the Urbos 2. CAF also built six Urbos 3 trams for Newcastle and 14 Urbos 3 trams for Canberra. John Beckhaus takes a detailed look at the latest batch of CAF Urbos trams to arrive in Australia, the 13 units now operating on the Parramatta Light Rail.