These photographs are provided as a background to the restoration of the branch line and for the information of historians and enthusiasts.
Where possible, sources have been acknowledged. The Copyright of these photographs remains with the source / photographer and these photographs may not be reproduced without their permission. If you have any photographs or additional information you would like to make available for public viewing could you please contact Rick at:  Likewise if you have any additional information about errors, sources or captions, please let me know. |
A carriage that should be restored and running at Oberon - probably too late now.
| Photos taken at RTM 1 Mar 09
Comments by Rick Fletcher - photos 1 to 9 by ©Rick Fletcher |
| CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FULL SIZE | ||
 1 |
 2 |
 3 |
| General viewof HS 36 which is the carriage originally used on the Oberon line. It was a "composite" carriage (ie. has a passenger compartment and a guard's compartment). The carriage design is side-loading, commonly called "dog boxes". | There is a lot of woodwork restoration required. We are likely to sign an agreement with RTM to care for this carriage. | |
 4 |
 5 |
 6 |
|
The end and sides were of "matchboard" construction which is not a difficult replacement task. The critical issue is the unknown state of the timber frame behind this. |
The side panelling has been re-sheeted forward of the guard's compartment with masonite sheeting (or ply) which would need replacing. All of the matchboarding would need replacing. | Pressed metal (?) ceilings in the 1st class compartment. |
 7 |
 8 |
 9 |
| Some original luggage racks have survived along with some mirrors and picture frames above the seats. | The interior of this 1st class compartment is surprisingly intact. Unfortunately this was the only compartment we could see. We understand that the carriage has new glazing available. My guesstimate is that this would be a 5 to 10 year restoration project for a voluteer team. |
|
 |
||
| HS36 left out in the open at Broadmeadow after it was hauledout of the RTM - a disgrace. | ||
 10 |
 11 |
 12 |
| RBR 1049 is a First class corridor sitting and buffet carriage. It was in the original ORH listing and may possibly be available. The roof style on this carriage is known as "Mansard". These "R" class cars are light weight (approx 27tons?) and would suit our operations. They have a vestibule connection which would allow passengers & crew to move between the compartments and carriages. Note - this is not possible in the HS dog box style as each compartment can only be accessed at the station (security, OH&S & vandalism issues). | ||
 13 |
 14 |
 15 |
| RBR 1049 - note the rotten corner post. | "LIV 1865 was the Laboratory test car and was converted from a BSR sitter/buffet S type steel car. It was was fitted with some bunks (6?) and I think meal room, kitchen, etc. At approx 44tons it wouldn't provide the best passenger/weight ratio available for regular passenger services" (S. Preston) |
HFL 420 is a second class "L" type sitting car with a guards compartment at one end. HFL's were the terminal cars for CUB sets used on trains like the early Newcastle Flyer service) and general passenger trains throughout th state. It has a steel underframe and timber body and is similar in many ways to the RBR. (S. Preston) |
 16 |
 17 |
 18 |
| More on HFL 420 - this was donated to RTM and as far as we know, nothing has been done to it. It may or may not be available but it would be a good match to the RBR above. Vestibule connections allow passengers or crew to move between the cars. | ||
| CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FULL SIZE | ||
 19 |
20 |
21 |