LVR Newcastle transfer/ Gosford Flyers- 22,30,31 July 2011

ive decided to do my first real blog update, yes i know my event im blogging about happened a little while ago, but i want to at least get something on this blog to read. as the title suggests, im talking about my day and weekend chasing the LVR trains hauled by 3237 on the transfer from Lithgow to Broadmedow, then the Gosford Flyers between Gosford and Broadmedow. Quite a hectic few days out, but i did enjoy chasing the train as it made a good break from my studying

On the 22nd of July, the train was run from Lithgow to Broadmedow. i didnt have any school that day but due to musical commitments, i believed i was going to miss the train which i would have been annoyed about. however, i finished in time and headed down to Tascott Railway Station just south of Gosford for my first shots. although the train ran quite late, i didnt mind waiting at all. i was annoyed, however, by the rain. every time i moved my camera under the footbrige, the rain would change direction and hit me again. this photo can give you an idea of the rain i was experiencing as i waited at Tascott

however, the rain managed to go away as i heard 3237 coming. it was quite a relief as i was thinking about packing up and going to Gosford to ask if the train had gone through already. as the train came around the corner at tascott managed to get 2 good photos and some filming. the crew decided it would be funny to blow the whistle right next to me (which i though was pretty funny too actually). after the train headed through, i packed up and started to think about my next spot. i stopped multiple times at different spots, but i finally decided on a hill past Lisarow Station near the Road overbrigde. the rain came pounding down and affected my shot, but i still managed to get a few photos and a good video. Quite a good day if i should say so myself



however it was the 30th and the 31st of july that i was most looking forward to. i decided to concentrate my efforts around the Gosford area again as it would be the easiest thing to do. on the 30th, my first  location was near the narara firestation. i managed to get my video camera to sit in a spot in the gates where it could film the train easy, however i moved the gates by accident and it spoilt the shot. i decided to move up to the road bridge. a camera angle gone wrong completly ruined my video shot, but i managed to get a good photo that i am proud of. unfortunatly i then had to head up to Wyong to get my brother from soccer. i brought my gear just in case i got a chance to see the locomotive, and i managed to get to the station in time to see it pass through. i got both video and photos, but i will note the engine was so quiet coming into Gosford and through Wyong i almost missed it both times. luckly i didnt as my brother was on hand as lookout to make sure i didnt miss it. it was great also getting a wave from the crew as they passed through Wyong

the 31st of July gave me the opportunity to stay with the 32 all day. i got a tracking video and photos around Paddy Clifton Oval at Narara where 3237 decided to almost blow its whistle off with the amount of whistling it was doing. i wasnt complaining though as it made for great video, but the photos didnt turn out too well because its hard to film perfectly and photograph at the same time. i then headed down to Gosford to watch the train turn and service on the turntable, when i got an idea to stand on the footbridge and get 3237 moving in the yards when it was almost time to return. i managed to get some great photos and video which i am quite proud of. However, it was the departure i am most proud of. I decided to head down Showground Rd abit to get the train passing under Gosford Road bridge and head down towards Narara, but right next to Gosford High School, there was a access road to the railway line that, placing the camera on a small hill, allowed me to look straight over the fence with no assitance required. this lead to spectacular video and photos of the train departing Gosford, truly the best shots of the weekend for me

Finally, id like to thank LVR for running these shuttles this weekend. its not often we get steam action on the Central Coast so a big thankyou to all that were involved with the shuttles. it was an absolutly fantastic weekend for me personally and i enjoyed every minute of it.

Untill next time, thanks for reading

Benjamin Murch (BM3801)

soooo....a blog huh?

well this is me going into the unknown here. never had a blog before, so we will see how this goes huh?

a bit about me first
My name is Benjamin Murch. my interest in trains began due to my grandfather. he was involved with creating the first Double Deck electric trains in the Sydney Suburban area. He had alot of train videos that used to keep me interested, and he makes absolutly amazing wooden models of trains (he made a 3801 model that he said i could have). i grew up loving trains, especially 3801, which i loved to go on any trip she was hauling (my first trip was at 2 years old) and i always enjoyed seeing steam locomotives. As the years have gone on, ive been to the Puffing Billy Railway, the Pichi Richi Railway, Don River Railway, and a few Japanese steam trains when i visited Japan in 2006 and 2010. Ive been on Japanese Bullet Trains, and many trains from America, Singapore and New Zealand. For me, Trains have always been a major part of my life and it dosnt matter if its Steam or Diesel or Electric.

the purpose of this blog is to update my happenings on the railways, wherever i am. i live in Gosford, but i do travel to other places, even states and countrys, where i can get a look at the railways. Unfortunaly, the HSC is coming up soon so my updating of this blog may be limited until it is all over (thank god when it is)

All trains are good to me, but i typically follow Steam trips, mainly on the north and western lines. i havnt ventured south yet but i plan to eventually. there are 3 more steam trips i plan to see this year. The Newcastle Flyer is coming through on Sepember the 10th, an LVR train is traveling through heading north in the next school holiday, and im heading down to Thilmere on the Flyer after the HSC is done to FINALLY have a look around and gather an opinion of the new upgrade myself. Ill be posting photos off all trips, because im just that nice :)  however, dont just think this blog is only on Steam trips. ill be taking photos of Freight movements and electric trains as well

just remember, send me a message if you have a question. ill be happy to answer it :)

a few photos that ive taken, just to start things rolling . hope you enjoy