On Saturday, August 5th, Peter and I took Jake and Flynn to Central Station to take a steam train ride. Although these are a somewhat regular event organised by the Transport Heritage NSW today's event was to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Central Station.
We caught the train from Sutherland into Central, where I bought the tickets for the next available steam train journey, which happened to be in about 10 minutes! And it went along the way we came in, being from Central to Hurstville and return.
Peter holding Flynn and Jake while checking out the steam engine. There was a locomotive at each end of the train.
The carriage for which we had tickets. The logo on the back wall says "The Cockatoo Run". I hope there were none on board - they are very noisy!
All seated and ready for departure.
We're Off! With a friendly little girl waving us goodbye.
There were quite a few enthusiasts waiting to capture our departure. That very long platform had many watchers and photographers.
The old Mortuary Station - used to load coffins and mourners on their way to burial at Rookwood Cemetery in western Sydney (now closer to 'central' Sydney as the city grows west).
Jake looking proud of himself
Flynn looking curious
After Redfern the train enters a tunnel to cross under the main Western line to join the Illawarra line. The windows were open, and so, as expected, smoke came in, and you can see some of it in the background of this photo. The glowing red item is a heater.
A look of suspicious surprise on Jake's face as we travel along.
Passing the other pair of the two trains on its way back to Central.
Two happy little boys.
One happy little boy.
Some of the crowd around the steam engine - they are certainly much more appealing than other types of trains!
Some people inspect more intensively than others! Checking out the valve gear.
Peter with Jake and Flynn, who appears to be trying to catch the steam!
People were even allowed up into the cab! I would have done so, but by now, the boy's patience was wearing thin, so it was time to head home.
The main concourse at Central was quite busy with many people here to celebrate the anniversary.
From here we headed down and caught the train back to Sutherland. We dropped Jake and Flynn back at their home, and then Peter shouted me lunch at Menai. All in all, a pleasant experience.
2006