Just thought I would clear out a few photographs of the once mighty fleet of orange Australian Iron & Steel diesel fleet. Most of these photos date from either the late 1980s or early 1990s, when the first thinning of the ranks started. Seems strange to think that there are still a few of the original fleet kicking around in 2016, in among the 82s, 81s and PBs.
As most of the following shots come from around the Steelhaven diesel shop, lets start with D35 and D20. The third loco is anyone's guess.
Always loved the little ones, like D6.
Only thing better than D6 is D6 and D7.
And keeping with the consecutive counts, D20 (I think) and D21.
And a better shot of D21....
And going up the count, D32...
Around this time, D40 and D26 got out of the Works on a special passenger train.
And to finish up,a number of the original fleet got to spend years on the storage line.
Cheers!
Don
Two civilised ways to get out of NSW disappeared on 8 February 1990, 26 years ago this week.
The first way was the Brisbane Limited Express. On the last occasion the Limited ran 8605 and 8639 led the train out of platform 3. A fellow traveller/photographer stepped up to give the photo that special touch.... hmmm.
At least he didn't run interference in the next shot. These are the best shots possible without breaching various statutes. Sorry.
Always liked the iron angles of the MBY. Here is one of my art shots... I call it mail-van though MBY arch. Snort.
Of course the other way out of Sydney was the Gold Coast Motorail. Here's a couple of snaps of 7350 hooked up the wagons which lent their names to the train, while 8154 and 8173 look on. I suspect these were the train locos instead of the more usual 86s, but didn't stick around to find out. At least we can be pretty certain the 73 didn't take the train north.
Civilised? Well, I will finish up with a couple of shots to support that contention. Dining car ABS 2306 was in the consist to service the sleeping and first car patrons, while buffet car RDS 2263 was two slots further down the consist to deliver food and victuals to economy class passengers.
Civilised, indeed!
Cheers,
Don
