Drivers view, Western Australia, North Quay to Cockburn East, Apr 2024

Travel on this Watco frieight train from the port in Fremantle, Western Australia (North Quay) on a route past the site of the 1987 America's Cup as far as Cockburn East on the first half of this trip to the freight yard at Forrestfield.
With thanks to Watco for allowing this video to be filmed.
watcoaustralia...
#train #driverseyeview #driversview #traindriversview

[@thesootyowl]

Was really cool to see how all these rail lines that I've seen for decades connect up to each other from the driver's view. Thanks for sharing. The bit from North Quay past the Freo Esplanade is interesting considering it is such a busy (and picturesque) tourist area. Part of the charm.

[@driver667]

@@thesootyowl very happy you enjoyed the views of the line from this drivers perspective. 👍😀

[@philsymons9614]

Honestly mate, you are definitely on the right track with your vids, pun intended. No annoying backing sounds just real world sounds. Keep up the great work.

[@driver667]

Thank you very much 😊 I am very happy to hear you enjoy them. 👍😀

[@RobertB56]

I started my career as a Trainee engineman at North Fremantle loco sheds in 1977 they have long since gone,I used to go over to Robb Jetty as an acting fireman in those days it was a very busy yard for both standard and narrow gauge,we used to shunt the old wool sheds in Fremantle,Dingo flour mill,Cottesloe flour mill,the wharf with livestock and the wool stores in Spearwood,I retired in 2020 as a Pacific National driver at Kewdale after 43 years as a locomotive driver great job,great memories and great workmates.

[@driver667]

I could see the tell tale signs of all the sidings that used to be around the area. A lot of memories you have there. It is a great career. Glad you enjoyed the video 👍 😀

[@RobertB56]

@@driver667 it was a great career I consider myself lucky to do a job I enjoyed mind you the retirement roster is pretty good to especially every night in bed great video brought back along of memories

[@driver667]

@@RobertB56 it is a great career, for sure. The retirement roster sounds enjoyable also 🤣🤣 👍

[@allychat8496]

This is brilliant, I have always enjoyed viewing your videos but to have one in WA is just awesome. Only thing you missed was site of Robbs Jetty yard.

[@driver667]

You are correct. Well spotted. Glad you enjoyed the ride 👍 😀

[@darrenstanleysmith5207]

Thanks Driver667. This satisfies all of my train-driving childhood dreams.

[@driver667]

You're welcome. Very happy you are enjoying the videos 👍😀

[@DomQuartuccio]

Cool video, love the GML! Some interesting track work along this section.

[@driver667]

It is interesting along the track. Glad you enjoyed it 👍 😀

[@peterharms3851]

Just came across your channel, great and I’ll be watching your other trips, thanks for sharing!

[@driver667]

Welcome to the channel. Very happy you enjoyed the video. 👍😀

[@lachlanbaker2031]

Love the picturesque beach precinct with an active freight line going through it. Truly paradise

[@driver667]

Very different that's for sure. Glad you enjoyed it 👍 😀

[@wence25games89]

Has anyone noticed the narrow gauge line still there? That used to be part of an old route Fremantle-Armadale. I remember the station at esplanade park was demolished around 2017-2018.

[@driver667]

There have been a few changes over the years along here. 👍😀

[@skippymaster57]

Interesting to see the rails I rode over 30 years ago as a Standard Gauge Shunter, seeing it from the cab, instead of a Guards Van. I am somewhat disappointed that you didn't show the rest of the run as it goes through and crosses under the new section under Kwinana Freeway through Forrestfield and Midland. About 10 years ago I proposed a suggestion to Rita Saffiotti (WA Minister for Transport), that the rail we travelled here would be linked up from Fremantle with dual gauge and dual lines through the section behind the Roundhouse and complete the loop for passengers travelling from Fremantle through to Cockburn Central and also through to Midland via Kewdale and Forrestfield. Most of these lines still exist and can be utilised for dual purposes. Part of this proposal became the Metronet. Some of this is in the process of coming to pass, but I would really like to see the rest of the loops connected, so that all passenger traffic doesn't have to pass through the centre of Perth CBD, in order for people to travel from West and East to South and East to Northern Destinations. The time savings for travel would make it viable and reduce dependency on road transport.

[@vsvnrg3263]

ive written letters about railways to mp's. its pointless. i talked to one potential mp, considered to be a rising star, about railways and he didnt even know there are rail gauge differences. sometimes common sense breaks through, like you mention. the lines to kwinana are screaming out for electrification and duplication. it will happen. just not yet.

[@skippymaster57]

@@vsvnrg3263 I actually first contacted MP Quigly in my local area before the first time Labor became Govt in 2014 and he promoted me to Rita who received my proposal and we had a short but meaningful talk for about 30 minutes. Since this meeting I haven't heard from her directly, but the Metronet, which is in full project build mode, has some of the features I suggested. I'm pleased that some of the suggestions were implemented. I would like to see the loop from Freo through to Midland and then from Midland through to Ellenbrook via Millendon. I also suggested a line from Ellenbrook to the Joondalup line making a complete loop around the city so people would not have to traverse through the CBD to get to any other part of the city.. I think that's a long way off, but the time to look at it is now, not later, when it's all built out. I also came up with the concept of a variable height catenerary connection using a laser to make possible the use of existing double height container Freight lines running into Perth from the East. I still have a Word document of the plan

[@driver667]

Lots of interesting ideas. The next section of the video to Forrestfield is coming. 👍😀

[@ianmorris7485]

You would also think that with the obvious residential growth along the existing line as we saw would have made it obvious to do Cockburn Central to Fremantle as part of Metronet. Not everyone wants/needs to travel to Perth and given the terrible road connections into Fremantle proper, would be more than useful.

[@driver667]

@@ianmorris7485 maybe one day it might happen. 🤞👍😀

[@embracedmadness]

I watch you quite often from my apartment balcony. Thanks for posting the route 👌

[@driver667]

You're welcome. Glad you enjoyed the video 👍 😀

[@J1mmyWA]

Thank you for this great video. Loved the trip through Freo - amazing!

[@driver667]

@@J1mmyWA thank you. Very happy you enjoyed it 👍 😀

[@CyBerCat6410]

31:42 yeah this is where I walk the dog! I will occasionally catch the train rolling by

[@driver667]

@@CyBerCat6410 nice. Walk the dog and watch the trains. Sounds like a good idea 👍😀

[@Leo-hv9mm]

Looks like no narrow gauge trains use that route anymore (?).

[@driver667]

@@Leo-hv9mm I think you are right. I believe it has been a few years now. 👍😀

[@vlinenclasstrains]

Well if the V/Line Network starts bringing more and more New Vlocity Trains in the next hundred years they gonna waste too much storage and there won't be enough room. so it's best to not bring more and more Vlocity trains to V/Line. because Vlocity I'm not really in my style.

[@vlinenclasstrains]

I love the Sound of the Leslie RS5T Horn!!😁😁😁

[@N.I.R.A.T.I.A.S.]

4:11 Nobody's powering up towards a red signal, are they?

[@driver667]

@@N.I.R.A.T.I.A.S. 😂😂 I think they needed to keep it going or they wouldn't have got there. 😂👍😀

[@driver667]

@@N.I.R.A.T.I.A.S. seems you have answered the question already. Good job. 👍😀

[@Fronzel.Neekburm]

My wife and I saw one today when we had lunch at Kailis bro's around 2pm. We went for a walk along the line and saw something we had not noticed before and its clear as day in this video too. Whats the water pipe for that runs down the middle of the track from about bathers beach to the port authority? I’m thinking its to cool something. We noticed a sign that said “Predictor” is it something to do with that? Thanks for an awesome vid too, is there a time table for ppl to do railfanning? When I saw the train today, this vid was the first thing that came too mind.

[@driver667]

The water pipe wets the track and cuts down the squealing from the wheels on the curve. The predictor board lets the crew know that the next level crossing predicts the speed of the train and activates the crossing in appropriate time so as to not hold up motorists for longer than needed. I'm not sure about the times the train will pass by. Glad you enjoyed the video. 👍😀

[@Fronzel.Neekburm]

​@@driver667ah that makes sense, more of a lubricate. Learn something new every day. I watched the video again and saw the Predictor sign a lot more this time around. Thanks mate for all the info.

[@driver667]

@@Fronzel.Neekburm you're welcome 😊 👍

[@RaymondTindall-q1m]

Hi. I've never noticed that sprinkler system before and wondering what it does? 12:24 to 13:00 is it weed control or just rail cleaner?

[@driver667]

@@RaymondTindall-q1m it wets the rails and cuts the squealing of the wheels on the curve right down. 👍😀

[@RaymondTindall-q1m]

@driver667 Oh, ok. Thanks. I live right next to a rail crossing in midvale. Morrison Road one.

[@driver667]

@@RaymondTindall-q1m 👍😀

[@downunderrob]

Well that was a side of Fremantle and the coastal suburbs I'd never seen before. Far from exciting, but bloody interesting.

[@driver667]

It's something not many people get to see. Very happy you found it interesting. 👍😀

[@vlinenclasstrains]

This is a different Type of Level Crossing in Western Australia

[@driver667]

👍😀

[@tomhenry6440]

The second WA AFL team

[@martythemartian99]

I've never been to WA. The section beyond Freemantle looked wonderful. Indeed, thanks Watco for allowing this and thanks driver667. Well, off to Forrestfield then. 😁

[@driver667]

It certainly is a big thanks to Watco for making this possible. It is great to see the view along this line from the front of a Watco freight service. Glad you enjoyed it 👍 😀

[@Ice.wall7]

Wow, amazing views of places I've seen so many times but from a unique perspective. I never realised that the railway swapped from dual gauge to separate tracks and back again. I am honestly astounded that there is only one passing loop for the railway that connects out major port to industry. I guess we don't need too much capacity because so much of our freight is transported via trucks. Amazing video THANKS! 😁😁

[@driver667]

You're welcome. Very happy to hear you enjoyed the ride 👍 😀

[@paulwilliams5208]

I could see the old DMU's run this line branching off on sidings/station (DMU still running in Adelaide)

[@driver667]

It's been a while for DMU'S in Perth. 👍😄

[@beasts4life_99]

What is the usual track gauge in WA? Is it narrow gauge?

[@NR29pacnat]

NG and SG

[@driver667]

As stated, narrow gauge 1067mm is the normal state gauge with the interstate standard gauge 1435mm running into the state also. This train is running on standard gauge. 👍😀

[@MrBlack-24]

Thanks for sharing. It's a significant and beautiful part of the West Coast right there. 🤔What is the standard process behind the sprinklers on the tracks?

[@vsvnrg3263]

i saw about this on a current affairs program. the locals were whingeing about the squealing wheels. i felt no sympathy for them until one of the complainers said they bought their place not just for the view but also to watch trains. the noise was just too much for a house full of rail fans.

[@driver667]

As stated, it's cuts down the flange sqeal noise. 👍😀

[@Greensleeves94]

Something rather different in this one, nicely done!

[@driver667]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it 👍 😀

[@gregwilson9372]

What was the purpose of the sprinkler system on the rails just before Cicerello's....anti squeel?

[@driver667]

Correct. Cuts the squeal down. 👍😀

[@vlinenclasstrains]

Qube GML10 is only used for Freight on the Standard Gauge in Australia

[@driver667]

👍😀

[@gregthompson3274]

More freight train videos would be great if possible, always love seeing freight train movements

[@driver667]

I'll see what I can do. Glad you enjoyed it 👍 😀

[@Laurie473]

Straight Past my work, upstairs at Bathers beach Club, Freo ! Thanks Driver 667

[@driver667]

You're welcome. Glad you enjoyed it 👍 😀 👋

[@TheAntipedy]

Absolutely Brilliant -- Thank so much Driver 667

[@driver667]

You're welcome. Very happy you enjoyed the ride 👍 😀

[@TheAntipedy]

@@driver667 Its a whole different perspective on freo that most dont know and will never see. My grand father was a train driver on the puffin billy and my mum was born in a train drivers tin shack in que on the milly soak road.. So for me it has a lot of value.

[@driver667]

@@TheAntipedy sounds like a good connection and a lot of memories. Glad I have been able to bring this to you and you enjoyed it as well as the memories. 👍😀

[@paul.-jj6yh]

Dis looks a view from d viewscreen. Kindly upload a vid show lever and brake movements with a view of the road ahead

[@driver667]

👍😀

[@vlinenclasstrains]

Qube GML10 is only on the Standard Gauge

[@driver667]

Correct 👍 😀

[@vlinenclasstrains]

This is on the Standard Gauge and Narrow Gauge Tracks

[@driver667]

The GML is standard gauge. 👍😀

[@vlinenclasstrains]

I just wish the N Class Locomotives were Upgraded to mach the GML Class Locomotives

[@driver667]

I don't think that will happen 🤔 👍😀

[@vlinenclasstrains]

@@driver667 well, I'm thinking it, that it might have to happen who knows because I love V/Line N Class Locomotive Hauled Passenger Trains to Bairnsdale, Swan Hill and Warrnambool.🥺

[@driver667]

@@vlinenclasstrains 👍😀

[@davidbaker5185]

I grew up down there. Great to see lots of familiar landmarks from a different view:)

[@driver667]

You're welcome. Very happy you enjoyed the ride 👍 😀

[@vlinenclasstrains]

I love seeing Freight Trains

[@vlinenclasstrains]

You weren’t Driving were you Colin or was there a Freight Train Driver driving the GML10.?

[@driver667]

I'm not qualified to drive in Western Australia. Someone else was driving this one. 👍😀

[@vlinenclasstrains]

@@driver667 Oh right

[@driver667]

@@vlinenclasstrains 👍😀

[@drb1979]

Great video. What do the "Predictor" signs mean?

[@driver667]

The level crossing the train is approaching predicts the speed of the train and activates the crossing accordingly. The driver should not speed up till the crossing is reached. 👍😀

[@bigman4225]

She's a Good loco GML10. Enjoyed my time on Grainy's with her and the Alco's

[@driver667]

I never spent time on the GML. Everything looked familiar though when I had a look at it in WA. 👍😀

[@wence25games89]

Add a speedometer would be the final touch!

[@driver667]

A few people have asked for this but I don't record the speed and keeping up with making the videos is a lot of work already. 🤔👍😀

[@wence25games89]

@@driver667 Loved studying the remains of narrow guage beyond Fremantle. Left a comment explaining

[@driver667]

It is interesting delving into the history of what once was. 👍😀

[@wence25games89]

@@driver667 If you check Google earth thr old station at esplanadr park is still there!

[@driver667]

Must be an older image from Google earth. The station was demolished in 2018. 😀👍

[@anthonymccaw2844]

Can you please get a hl203 to Kwinana from the port

[@driver667]

I would try but I'm back in Victoria now. 👍😀

[@PurpleHusky1994]

I hope in the future they reopen the line for passenger, when they build the new container port

[@driver667]

I guess time will tell. 🤔🤔👍😀

[@vlinenclasstrains]

That’s the EMD 12-645E3C Engine Sound they have it on the N Class, G Class & XR Class 4:00

[@lachlanbaker2031]

The GMLs, G’s and XRs all have 16-645 engines. Only N’s and A’s have the 12 cylinders

[@Greensleeves94]

The GML has a 12-710G3 engine for 3000hp

[@lachlanbaker2031]

@@Greensleeves94 interesting! Didn’t realise it actually did have 12 cylinders

[@Greensleeves94]

@@lachlanbaker2031 Yeah was built just after the DL's and ended up being a prelude to the 82's

[@vlinenclasstrains]

What days can I get to see Qube GML10 because I haven’t seen this locomotive before because I only been seeing the V/Line N Class Locomotives in Melbourne

[@NR29pacnat]

Mon-Friday and sometimes on Weekends.

[@driver667]

I'm not sure when you will see it. It is currently leased to Watco in Western Australia. 👍😀

[@NR29pacnat]

@@driver667 Leaves Monday-Saturday and Sunday(if it's running) around 5am from North Quay and arrives in Forrestfield around 6am or before then leave Forrestfield around 830-930am then arrived in North Quay around 930-1030am then leave North Quay around 1-1.30pm then due back at 2-230pm and leave Forrestfield around 5-6pm.

[@vlinenclasstrains]

@@driver667 Okay

[@driver667]

@@NR29pacnat he won't see it in Victoria for the foreseeable future next to an N class. 👍😀

[@cthart]

Interesting to see at least one old Westrail sign at 34:00

[@driver667]

There are still a few around the system. Nice to see. 👍😀

[@LadyRickie]

I like the maps you show the routes.

[@driver667]

Slowly looking at a few more maps over time. Glad you liked it 👍 😀

[@geoffreymartin2764]

I think Freo needs a track grinder.

[@driver667]

The squeal is normal for the curves. More sprinklers would be nice to cut the noise down. 🤣👍😀

[@josephkarl2061]

Is the dual gauge 1435 / 1067mm?

[@garygeorge7035]

you guessed correctly

[@driver667]

That is correct. 👍😀

[@vlinenclasstrains]

Qube GML10 it’s the same size as the V/Line N Class

[@driver667]

Similar looking, bigger engine. 👍😀

[@vlinenclasstrains]

@@driver667 Yeah they are one of my Favourite Locomotives

[@driver667]

@@vlinenclasstrains 👍😀

[@bigman4225]

@@vlinenclasstrains WRONG AGAIN. the GML Is BIGGER THAN THE N CLASS. Dopey Gunzels who don't know jack all!

[@AbsintheBabe]

What are they spraying in the track at 12:10 onwards?

[@NR29pacnat]

To stop the wheel flange squeal.

[@driver667]

As stated. To stop the flange squeal. 👍😀

[@geoffreymartin2764]

How often is the WA narrow gauge used?

[@NR29pacnat]

Not for atleast a decade or more.

[@driver667]

The narrow gauge into the docks looks like its been quite a while. I would say that @NR29pacnat is right. 👍😀

[@vsvnrg3263]

a very interesting journey. ive got some questions. what are 'predictor' signs for? what does the black horizontal line mean? what about the no standing signs? and the little black spot sign at 29:08? i also noted the road sign within the railway reserve, 'macafferty' or something like that. i think you missed pointing out the site of the robb jetty station and the site of where the woodman point/old kwinana line split off.

[@NR29pacnat]

Predictor sign is a device that predict how long it takes from the device to the crossing at your speed, so the crossing knows when to activate.

[@driver667]

Predictor board lets the driver know the crossing will predict the speed of the train and activate accordingly. The black horizontal line through the speed indicates the end of that speed restriction. The black dot on yellow means approaching a controlled location. Basically be ready for the signal coming up and obey it. You are correct, I didn't put the Robb Jetty site in but I didn't know about the old line off to Kwinana. Being based in Victoria, I'm still learning more about WA.. Glad you enjoyed the video. 👍 😀

[@vsvnrg3263]

@@driver667 , did you know about the old line between armadale to freo? neither did i until i found a 1960 map that showed it. there was nothing on the internet about it either. i rang up the railway museum and told them they will know more about it than me and they should put it on wikipedia. weston langford has pikkys on his site about the conversion to sg. that man got everywhere and took pikkies of everything, thank god. so i expect you will annotate your part 2 showing where the armadale line peels off. can hardly wait!

[@driver667]

@@vsvnrg3263 I only found the old line on an earlier map also but a little late to put any reference to it in the video. Interesting looking at the history of the network. Weston certainly got around everywhere. 👍😄

[@vsvnrg3263]

@@driver667 , i estimate the woodman point and kwinana line separated and ran straight ahead where the dg line curves east at 25:00. the line to woodman point was still there about 20 years ago. 31:42, the diversion to bibra lake was the remnant of the old armadale to freo line. its path crossed the modern line at around forrest road then followed that road and armadale road to armadale. all this work and the yards at kewdale and forrestfield and all the ng sidings that filled kewdale and welshpool were all done for the coming of the sg line from kalgoorlie in 1970. few of the sidings still exist. the reserves are mostly still there.

[@adamdixon1685]

Finally my local line👍

[@driver667]

Glad you enjoyed it 👍 😀

[@adamdixon1685]

Enjoy all of em ,some more WA freight would be 👍

[@driver667]

@@adamdixon1685 I'll see what I can do in the future. 👍😀

[@thomasrobinson8336]

Very nice views

[@driver667]

Very happy to hear you enjoyed the ride 👍 😀

[@Trainspottervic]

This is so cool! GML locomotives are upgraded n classes

[@driver667]

Glad you enjoyed it 👍 😀

[@bigman4225]

GML Is not an Upgraded N. It is entirely Different!

[@driver667]

@@bigman4225 yes, the shape is about as close as it gets 👍😀

[@bigman4225]

@@driver667 Indeed mate. And the Interior is somewhat resemblant too.

[@driver667]

@@bigman4225 it is. When I jumped up in the cab, it looked pretty familiar. 😀😀👍

[@mihailoarsic5716]

👍

[@driver667]

Glad you enjoyed it 👍 😀

[@dennycrane3192]

HOW BORRING!!!

[@driver667]

@@dennycrane3192 not to a lot of other people here. 😀😀👍

[@dennycrane3192]

@@driver667 MUST BE SOME VERY VERY BORRING PEOPLE THEN.

[@driver667]

Different people appreciate different things. You can watch plenty of other subjects on youtube instead of trains and no one here will call you out. 👍😀