The Lapstone Zig Zag Railway - Part 1

The Lapstone Zig Zag Railway 1867 - 1892
Part 1 - The Ascent to Bottom Points
Recorded in 4K Video
Directed by Graham J Clarke
Produced by Jeffrey Coulton
After the railway on the Sydney plain reached Penrith in 1862, plans for an extension over the Mountains to the developing grazing, agricultural and mining areas of the west, accelerated. The route was approved and the necessary land acquired by the end of 1864. The ascent of the Lapstone Monocline was the first major problem. Chief Engineer, John Whitton, decided to build a Zig Zag, as he did later, for the descent into Lithgow Valley on the other side of the Mountains.
The Lapstone Zig Zag has been understated as it was the first ZigZag constructed on any main-line railway anywhere in the world. Whitton built on an idea that came from the developing Indian railway at Bhore Ghat on the Moombai to Poona line.
More: qvideop.com/blog-5.html#057

[@johnstaring3210]

I just loive looking at the viaduct, having cycled over it and climbed under it for photos during my visits from WA to family in the BM. What a magnificent construction, as was the whole railway in its many iterations. Some great mountain bike trails around there too, so hoping by the time I next visit the tunnel is cleared and open for walkers and cyclists.

[@Linda2]

I have viewed your video for the 2nd time. What a great history lesson. Wonderful Historic Information. You have done a great job in making it. I love hearing the Steam Engines in the background. Times they have changed, thankfully there are gentleman like you guys that let us learn about some history. Thankyou once again.

[@GrahamClarkeQVP]

It's our pleasure to bring this to you. Enjoy.

[@Jeff034]

Just brilliant guys! Not heard anyone mention Blaxland, Wentworth and Lawson or Cox since I was in Primary School. We totally fail to comprehend and celebrate the immense difficulties that were overcome by our forefathers in opening up and building this great country. It’s nice to know there are still a few who desire to record this.

[@GrahamClarkeQVP]

All who attempted and failed to cross the mountains did so by exploring up the valleys. I must have taken some abstract thinking to climb the first hill and succede.

[@adamjacksonmedia]

Wow! This video is a treasure!!

[@GrahamClarkeQVP]

Thanks Adam. What did you like about it the most?

[@adamjacksonmedia]

I spent a lot of my childhood learning about NSW rail, from my father who worked for the railway. I remember spending a lot of time at Lucasville Station, when it was in good condtion. I love learning about the history. I live in Emu Plains.

[@tedvandermale2597]

Wow! So interesting. Thanks for sharing.

[@ClamTram96]

Good video! Learnt something new about the line

[@Linda2]

Excellent video and history lesson, thankyou so much. I remember Lapstone Hill from my childhood days. My dad raced an open wheeler, named, the "So-Cal Special". Dad raced heaps at Catalina Park. We travelled up Lapstone Hill many times and dad would always say "pray we don't get stuck behind a cabbage truck " it seemed we always did! It was a very slow climb to the summit. Watching this video flooded me with memories. I recognise the single box building and the bridge. It brought tears to my eyes, happy tears. Thank God we have folks like you to show us how it was in days gone by and for some of us wonderful memories. Can't wait for Part 3. Thanks again. PS the sound of the Steam Engines was awesome. 👋

[@GrahamClarkeQVP]

Thanks Linda, We enjoyed make it and glad you found it nostalgic.

[@GRclass]

awsome

[@jacobjones6253]

The vids are getting better good job lads :)

[@nathanmurphy5]

Fantastic video!

[@ralfkluin6387]

Thanks for sharing.

[@ISCDESIGNAustralia]

great video THANKYOU

[@BlokeWithTheWRX]

Bloody well done video mate.

[@23smokeybear]

The lapstone zig zag was bypassesd by the first glenbrook tunnel.

[@markgriffin4888]

What am easy job I had driving freight trains and later inner-city trains over the mountains