Jordans Crossing Gazette

Just to clarify… I am not a train spotter! But I am a photographer, who some weeks ago joined a group of friends from the Bundanoon Photography Group on a trip to the rather extraordinary Thirlmere Rail Museum. What we found was a treasure trove of beautifully maintained rail memorabilia, all lovingly restored and displayed on a large, well laid out site. This museum is only an hour from Bundanoon along the Hume Highway, through Hill Top and on to Thirlmere, then follow the museum signs (10 Barbour Thirlmere Rail Museum Rd, Thirlmere, NSW 2572 for GPS users). Easy parking and a short walk will take you to the entrance. Allow yourself plenty of time to wander through the expansive exhibits. There is a fine collection of old steam engines and unique carriages, all faithfully restored true to period, giving the feeling that you have stepped back in time. The Great Train Hall houses the biggest collection of rolling stock in Australia. A significant portion of the collection has been steadily refurbished and restored over the years by volunteers, but there are many other carriages patiently awaiting the money and labour required to be returned to their former glory. A five minute walk to Loop Line Pies on Westbourne Ave is where we debriefed with delicious pies, cakes and several cups of good coffee, discussing the wonderful surprise of this remarkable museum. Here’s a link to the Rail Museum’s web page: www.nswrailmuseum.com.au/the-museum  — Peter Gray day breaks several times a year Thomas the Tank Engine and friends come to Thirlmere to meet their fans. For those with littlies it's a great family day out. Have your photo taken with Thomas, say hello to Henry the green engine or experience a 45 minute train ride on Donald the black engine. There is a mini train ride, face painting and jumping castles all well-organised by an efficient team of volunteers. You can bring a picnic, enjoy a sausage sizzle, gelato, coffee and a variety of food from the cafe. Adults $38, concession $33 and children over 2 years $28: includes all activities and all proceeds support the restoration work of Transport Heritage NSW. See www.nswrailmuseum.com.au/events for details; next dates are 17–18 March. Thomas the Tank Engine at Thirlmere The 6040 Beyer-Garratt: the heaviest and most powerful steam locomotive to ever turn a wheel in Australia. It’s massive, powerful and a sight to behold. Mail Van: an important example of the Travelling Post Offices, which enabled the speedy delivery of mail, newspapers and parcels to communities across the state December 2017 27 jcg www.bca.asn.au