Gosford, part 2

Hmmm... This post is being prepared from inside a lift which has been my prison cell for the past 45 minutes. At least it is time spent profitably!

Figured it was worth posting a few more shots around Gosford post the steam days. First up is 4606 (truly) under the wires, heading north in the late 1970s with a mixed freight.

That photo was taken from a carpark which is still adjacent to the line. This location gave an excellent view of the timber railway buildings which perched awkwardly on the hill opposite. 

The car park also presented an unimpeded view of the Way & Works sheds at the southern end of the station. Here 4612 winds up for the run south with a passenger service. Love that bug!

In the mid 1980s there was some kind of celebration at Gosford. Amongst it all arrived a dilapidated 4438.

It also brought out a candy two car set, seen basking in the late afternoon light.

Onto modern times... And they are 'changing....

One is most likely to encounter a V set interurban these days, though more recently even these venerable sets have been usurped by the dreaded oscars.

Another stalwart, the NR class, has trod the rails like NR94 is seen doing in the next shot. These too are succumbing to newer models.

Intrastate freight services are still dominated by 81 class locos, but the receding incidence of such services may make 81s and 48s like the following mill grain service less likely to be seen on the Short North.

Of the other ubiquitous visitors to Gosford, the XP must rank high. Until now these locos have run under the Countrylink monicker. This month a new entity, NSW Trains, has assumed responsibility. So it may mean that XPs are seen in a new livery sometime soon. The following three photos show liveries carried in recent times.

But regardless of the changes, Gosford will always likely not to disappoint. The odd arrival of a tour adds to the exotic nature of the beating heart of the central NSW coast... Trips like 3801 Ltd's 4908 and an IRA 'Helga' 1432 will make sure of this.

Until next time!