Our next social outing will be to The Rail Motor Society, Paterson on Sunday 19th May 2024 (please note – SUNDAY) – see attached maps.

This organization was established to preserve the heritage rail motors that were built to service the NSW country branch lines initially, and later the Hunter Region, South Coast and outer Sydney suburban lines. The first of these were the CPH models, built during the 1920’s and providing sterling service for over 60 years until their withdrawal from active duty. These units were supplemented briefly with the 400 Class rail motors (late 1930’s) and then followed the 600/620 class railcars which first saw service in the early ’60’s and have also been retired.

The day will be highlighted by a ride on one of these classic trains to Dungog and return, where you can experience rail travel from ‘way back when’. You will also be able to observe at the Depot the current workings to preserve, maintain and service these rail motors and static infrastructure. Also, there is the old Station Masters Cottage containing numerous rail memorabilia. Details for the day are as follows;

Date: Sunday 19th May 2024
Time: 10.00am (Depot opens, train ride around 11.00am)
Cost: $15.00

As this train trip is required to fit in with regular service timetables, please ensure you are ready to assemble by 10.40am for boarding. Please also note that as the Depot is a working railway yard, fully closed-in shoes with low heels are required to be worn (no thongs, open sandals etc.). We would also advise that there are some limitations on access to the various exhibits for the mobility impaired who use walkers or scooters, including steps, trip hazards and some unpaved areas.

Please click here to download the attendance form, complete the details and submit. If you have notified us that you are coming, and then for some reason you are unable to attend, please advise me as early as possible so seating may be re-allocated. As I will be on duty at TRMS (I am a member), I will arrange for a leader on the day once I know who is available (TBA), and see you there.

Things to note:

1. As mentioned in my previous email, I will be on duty at TRMS. As such, Lindsay Threadgate has kindly agreed to be your leader on the day, and will have the attendance list, lanyards/name badges etc. 

2. Parking is available in Webbers Creek Rd. (see map with previous email) with entrance through the main gate. 

3. Payment for the trip on the Rail Motors/Depot inspection is to be paid directly to TRMS on the day. 

4. For those wanting their coffee ‘fix’ before the outing, there are 2 cafes, Paterson Country Cafe and Riverview Deck (part of service station – can recommend this one). Also, for those wanting to lunch in Paterson, there are 2 hotels (The Court House Hotel and Paterson Tavern), while both the cafes offer light meals.

5. One of our members, Roland Millbank, has had recent surgery and is unable to drive for the present. If anyone going has a spare seat and is able to assist, we would be most grateful if you could contact Roland on 0408 – 033795 (he lives at Adamstown).

6. For those coming, please remember that the train must depart on time due to scheduling with regular services etc., so please ensure you are at the Depot ready for boarding by 10.40am.

Brenton Elsey
Social Secretary
0438 997 310
https://www.computerpals.org.au
computerpals2010@gmail.com