Cab Ride Endeavour Set Muswellbrook Newcastle

18 Minutes. Even by 2005 there was talk about closing the Newcastle branch so the entire stretch likely to be affected was videoed. I am disgusted at the official vandalism of the line and nothing will replace its speed of service.

[@brucewilliams8714]

Many vivid memories there, videoing the coal trains, the loading loops at the mines, pizzas on Maitland platforms while watching the coal lines and passenger lines, especially after dark, the footbridge at Maitland East. Ah me, so many great times with my mates.

[@tressteleg1]

Yes, an interesting place. A few trees have got in the way since then. I took more video at the time of the coal trains but as better quality can be taken today, I won’t post them.

[@russellanderson3298]

Just plain crazy to close a heavy rail line to the heart of a major city!!

[@TransportBuff]

I totally agree! I still don't understand how Light Rail could replace Trains, for only a pitiful 2kms that the Light Rail will run from Newcastle Interchange and Newcastle CBD!

[@jameslipscomb4916]

I think having light rail would probably be a better option in a major city, considering the train line didn’t even go that much further.

[@jameslipscomb4916]

Aiden Teszke It’s common sense city planning. In order to have well integrated transport above ground, it isn’t good enough to have a heavy rail line where the corridor could be used for business, as well as have a transport link.

[@russellanderson3298]

@@jameslipscomb4916 I guess that you have never travelled to Newcastle from Sydney or points west by train ?

[@jameslipscomb4916]

Russell Anderson I certainly have, as well as Newcastle Interchange and all the stops on the light rail. The 2.5kms isn’t something to cry over.

[@robertcameron2808]

Thanks for the memories a great little video I had years driving those endeavour

[@tressteleg1]

I’m pleased you liked it, from the good old days when a driver could invite a passenger into the cab area without too much risk of being chastised.

[@TrickyMario7654]

Ridiculous that they closed the line because it was 'blocking their nice views of the river'. Maybe putting a skyrail in will make them shut up.

[@tressteleg1]

+TrickyMario7654 I think we will have to wait and see what the real motive was for closing the line. The NSW government has promised a tram line to replace the trains, and running in the street. I won't believe that before I see the first tram run.

[@tramwayjohn]

I am only part way though his video, so far. Great to see some drivers eye views.i LIKE commentary rather than subtitles. Thanks for that.

[@tressteleg1]

+John Coyle Too often I found that the commentator was rabbiting on just when you want to hear the steam loco tackle the grade or whatever. I expect that these Driver's View videos, especially from trains, are popular with fans who like to see the line ahead but are now forbidden from riding in the cab. Even placing a camera in the cab is no longer permitted. So anything that comes to hand is much appreciated by everyone.

[@dberk71]

another awesome video. Thank you.

[@ozdazz]

Fantastic video! I've never been on that line but it is a shame that it was closed.

[@tressteleg1]

+Aiden Teszke Captions in the video make that quite clear.

[@tressteleg1]

+ozdazz Thanks! Kind words like yours keep me going!

[@tressteleg1]

+Aiden Teszke My captions add a lot of info which I hope enhances the video. People who skim them are likely to miss a lot. But time is of the essence for some people.

[@tressteleg1]

+Aiden Teszke It's good to hear that the video captions are of use. I soon get bored with some other videos where you have no idea where the tram/train is, or what is happening. Sometimes it takes me a lot of time to find the names of streets, for example on a future pineapple train video on the Mary Valley line in the Gympie region of Qld in 1994.' But your comments suggest that the time spent is worth it.

[@robertkennedy1087]

As always a great video .I would love to get a cab ride , how did you get permission?

[@tressteleg1]

+Robert Kennedy It was easy in those days, and in this case it was the driver who probably saw my camera and invited me in. Rail safety laws now prohibit anybody riding in the cab with the driver, and even just a camera is forbidden in cabs. Madness.

[@robertkennedy1087]

So true I have always wanted to cab ride since i was a child and was fortunate enough to get a go at it on the Zig Zag in Lithgow before they ran the line all the way up to Clarence Junction. The old steam engine was great and i think i got to blow the whistle which for me at that time was a great thrill but obviously back then no video cameras so it it is all fond memories .Keep the movies coming i love them

[@tressteleg1]

+Robert Kennedy The vintage Aussie video will eventually run out. In the meantime I'll keep going, especially since it brings back happy memories for quite a few people. I have heaps form overseas but it is hard to know what appeals.

[@robertkennedy1087]

Anyone that likes trains will be find appeal in anything you post. The more the better. I love looking at these as i live near the main line and i get sick of looking at all the coal trains but saying that they are still fascinating.

[@tressteleg1]

+Robert Kennedy Don't forget to get plenty of video and photos of these boring common trains because one day all those locos will be gone, and who knows what future coal wagon might look like? Many of my videos were of what was then boring ordinary trains.

[@mauromorganti2563]

I bet that the ar same privet commercial and industrial transport involve on the closure reason of this rail line

[@tressteleg1]

+Mauro Morganti The cynics believe that the state government and Newcastle City council wanted the line closed so they could sell the land for housing. Certainly there was, if I recall correctly, legal action against at least one politician over that.

[@vibezwithando1041]

Cool video!

[@tressteleg1]

😊👍

[@mattwakefield4147]

How old is this footage

[@tressteleg1]

I think you will find that I dated it, as I usually do, at the start and from memory, 2005.

[@mattwakefield4147]

Jeez calm down I didn’t see it

[@regionaltrainvlogstrains638]

That’s soo cool

[@tressteleg1]

Riding with the driver used to be quite easy years ago, but the bureaucrats have put an to that unfortunately.

[@regionaltrainvlogstrains638]

@@tressteleg1 yeah NSW Trainlink what let things like that happen any more

[@tressteleg1]

It goes further than Trainlink. The Rail Safety Act now covers Australia and includes rules against many things including unauthorised people in the cab. On that trip I’m fairly certain that it was the driver who invited me in upon seeing the camera. I believe that at least some enjoyed a chat, helping them to stay alert. But tell that to the lawmakers…

[@regionaltrainvlogstrains638]

@@tressteleg1 yeah

[@tressteleg1]

😊

[@paulwilliams5208]

WTF!!! "the rail line is cutting off views of the river" this justifies moving the train line 2.5km back (logical as the trees are blocking my view

[@tressteleg1]

Yeah, exactly. Think in terms of selling off some of the railway land which possibly has no old mines under it.

[@paulwilliams5208]

@@tressteleg1 ??? mines (a) so close to the ocean (b) IN Town (c)as if there will be a mine UNDER your house

[@tressteleg1]

YES! Much of Newcastle is riddled with ancient coal mines all over the place. Mining was started there around 200 years ago. www.newcastleherald.com.au/story/204584/more-light-shed-on-old-mines-under-newcastle/

[@jeffkitney39]

What boring jog train driver

[@tressteleg1]

There are many much worse jobs such as making the same thing over and over in a factory. And some people actually enjoy driving trains as much as some people enjoy driving cars which are so mundane to me.

[@tressteleg1]

😊