Railway Digest Magazine September 2019 Back Issue

SSR water train comes to Centennial Coal’s rescue
In a modern-day version of the water trains that once operated between Menindee and Broken Hill during times of drought, Southern Shorthaul Railroad (SSR) has commenced running a water train to ensure Centennial Coal can maintain production at its Airly Mine, five kilometres north of Capertee, on the Wallerawang – Rylstone (formerly Mudgee) line.

Sydney farewells the S Sets with style
Sydney Trains, Transport Heritage NSW, Historic Electric Traction (HET) and the Sydney Electric Train Society (SETS) came together on Sunday 21 July to operate two events intended to formally retire and farewell the Comeng/Goninan S Set double-deck trains from Sydney Trains service. Chris Walters was there.

Northern Territory Report
During a recent caravan holiday David Campbell managed to observe some railway workings within the Northern Territory. While he had little way of knowing what was operating on a regular basis – although some assistance was provided later by a friend – his observations do provide an interesting glimpse into what goes on in this under-reported area.

QR farewells its first electric train
In a surprise move welcomed by rail enthusiasts, especially younger people, Queensland Rail hosted a series of special services On Saturday 10 August to farewell EMU set 01, the pioneering electric train for the Brisbane suburban network when the first portion of the city’s electrification project was commissioned in 1979. John Hoyle reports.

The Australasian Rail Industry Awards Gala Dinner
Individuals and organisations from the Australasian rail industry were recognised for their outstanding achievements and innovations at the 2019 Australasian Rail Industry Awards event, the biggest ever, held in the Grand Ballroom of Sydney’s Four Seasons Hotel.