Garratt tour

On 15 March 1964, 6027 worked an early Rail Transport Museum tour to Wyong. The purpose of the tour (if one was needed) was to travel across the old and new rail bridges at Ourimbah Creek.  While the Creek may not be one of the great waterways one thinks of immediately, but according to the Railway Digest's report of the event 'approximately 370 persons travelled on an eleven car (527 tons) special train... worked by Beyer Garratt 6027 (fitted with dual control).' Several members of my family were included in the 370 souls interested in the creek, the bridges and/or the Garratt.

This first shot shows 6027 cruising along the banks of Mullet Creek.

According to the Digest a 'highlight of the tour was the fact that the train travelled
over both the old and the new rail bridges at Ourimbah Creek...'. I have carefully edited out those highly excited patrons from these next two shots so as to protect the innocent.

I am more inclined to accept the Digest's correspondent who noted that the 'sound of the 60
climbing Cowan Bank was a joy to listen to and brought back many memories of the past.' This last photo conveys some of this feeling.

Until next time!
Don