Wondering about train (NSW)

[mattm]

Hi all,

I was wondering if any NSW rail buffs out there could provide me with a few details about this train:



I snapped it yesterday evening, about 7:00pm, south-bound through Wondabyne. I've seen it a few times the last year(?) or so and never managed to get a picture, as it always manages to surprise me, and i can't get to a camera quick enough. I got lucky last night, though, as i just missed it Tuesday, and kept an eye out for it the rest of the week. My diligence paid off, though, as the, not-so-professional:hehe:, shot above can attest to. Apologies for the poor quality; I nearly missed it this time as well.

The consist is normally a half dozen or so grain wagons with the addition of a half dozen or so cement wagons behind (don't know what happened this time), plus I think I've seen the odd container wagons mixed in on occasion. It has me interested, as cement wagons (I'm assuming that's what they are) aren't normally seen (by me, anyway) on the Short North.

So, can anyone enlighten me as to the origin/destination of this train, and the loading in each direction? Also when/where it runs on the return leg, as I've never seen a north-bound counterpart for this train.

Any details provided would be much appreciated.

Cheers,

Matt.

 

[Ghostryder]

Matt
I am guessing that it Originated in Port Waratah. Also 8144 must have had a busy night as it returned to Port Waratah to Work 4621 freight Port Waratah to Grafton on Saturday Morning returning back to Port Waratah on Sunday. Now you mention Grain Hoppers i have a question did they look like the ones behind the NRs on these shots of BW4.

http://scott158.fotopic.net/p64367824.html

http://scott158.fotopic.net/p54022833.html

http://scott158.fotopic.net/p54022929.html

http://scott158.fotopic.net/p66360732.html

ghosty

 

[mattm]

Ghosty,

Thanks for the info. The hoppers in the pics you linked to do look similar to the ones I see. I'll keep an eye out tonight and see if i can get a better picture for you.

Any idea as to where the train would likely have been headed?

Matt.

 

[Ghostryder]

Matt
I would hazard a guess a destination in Sydney for transfer further south. If the hoppers looked like the ones in the shots i linked Matt they are Grain Hoppers that were converted for the haulage of sugar. They are coded NGGF they are transported North of Newcastle on either WB3 (empties) /BW4 (loaded) steel freight during the week or on weekends on 4621/6422 which leaves Port Waratah on Saturdays usually and returns on Sunday and are deposited at Grafton for loading at South Grafton. Grafton has a resident shunter normally a 48 class but has been a 81 class pending unit avaialbility.

ghosty

 

[Petan]

The consist is normally a half dozen or so grain wagons with the addition of a half dozen or so cement wagons behind Cheers,Matt.

Cement hoppers, as shown in the initial picture, may be flyash hoppers which is used in the manufacturer of cement. The flyash could come from places like power stations' boilers.

The flyash/cement hoppers used to go to places like Murwillumbah, Coffs Harbour, Wauchope, Grafton and Casino. Ghosty would see them go past on the Saturday and return empties on Sunday [4621/6422] so he would know how much still travels north.

 

[mattm]

Cement hoppers, as shown in the initial picture, may be flyash hoppers which is used in the manufacturer of cement. The flyash could come from places like power stations' boilers.

The flyash/cement hoppers used to go to places like Murwillumbah, Coffs Harbour, Wauchope, Grafton and Casino. Ghosty would see them go past on the Saturday and return empties on Sunday [4621/6422] so he would know how much still travels north.

Petan,

Thanks for the additional info. As I said in my earlier post, i'll keep an eye out for the train this week, and try for a better shot. If i can, I'll get a bit closer to the train, and try for a close up of the wagons.

Cheers,

Matt.

 

[Ghostryder]

All
4621N still delivers to places like Wauchope and Coffs Harbour, it arrives in Coffs from 6pm onwards, The train has at times gone to Casino but lately has not gone much past Grafton. 4621N is worked North by either a Port Waratah or Grafton Crew with a crew change being carried out while it shunts at Coffs Harbour. Motive power is drawn from the 81/G/BL classes though X class and 48 class have also made appearances as second units. 4621 is used as a means of swapping the yard shunter at Grafton as required. Loading can vary and has run to suit trackwork and other operational issues. Here are a few shots to show what loading can be like. the shot with a 81/48/81 was from when the Highway further north was being upgraded to dual concrete carriageway.

6422 http://scott158.fotopic.net/p66357712.html
6422 http://scott158.fotopic.net/p66844231.html
6422 http://scott158.fotopic.net/p51279099.html
6422 http://scott158.fotopic.net/p51345849.html

4621 http://scott158.fotopic.net/p60268952.html
4621 http://scott158.fotopic.net/p64367814.html
4621 http://scott158.fotopic.net/p67854079.html

ghosty

 

[mattm]

All
4621N still delivers to places like Wauchope and Coffs Harbour, it arrives in Coffs from 6pm onwards, The train has at times gone to Casino but lately has not gone much past Grafton. 4621N is worked North by either a Port Waratah or Grafton Crew with a crew change being carried out while it shunts at Coffs Harbour. Motive power is drawn from the 81/G/BL classes though X class and 48 class have also made appearances as second units. 4621 is used as a means of swapping the yard shunter at Grafton as required. Loading can vary and has run to suit trackwork and other operational issues.
ghosty

Ghosty, thank you, again, for the info. It is very much appreciated. The pictures you linked to are similar to what I see heading south of an evening.

Thanks,

Matt

 

[Puffingbilly]

Hi Matt,

Quite often see those wagons on my way home from work at Parramatta, standing in the yards at Clyde, or being pushed for loading :wave:

Cheers

Ron