Under perfect weather conditions, Junee’s latest rail attraction, “Pete’s Hobby Railway”, was officially opened on Monday last (6th February). Approximately 60 friends of Peter, some local, others from as far away as Sydney, made the journey to Junee to be present at the opening and also help celebrate his 75th birthday. Over the previous two …
Continue reading "Progress Report 25: Grand Opening of Pete’s Hobby Railway"
Loftus 1975-2015 Before undertaking a tree-change relocation to Junee in early 2015, I had resided at suburban Loftus in the Sutherland Shire since 1955. This was on a double 44-ft block at 26-28 First Avenue, in the centre of which was located a typical 1950s style fibro-asbestos dwelling with a simple single car lock-up garage. …
Continue reading "Weavering Light Railway"
G’day. I thought you would be interested in this plan of the proposed Pete’s Hobby Railway. It has been prepared by Bob Stack, to whom I am most grateful!
Continue reading "Progress Report 07"
The short version Progress Report 50 of 1st March this year discussed the background story to the selection of the final design for the engine shed and storage facility for Pete’s Hobby Railway. Following initial site clearing, there was some delay until work commenced in earnest in mid-June. As early July, the servicing pit itself …
Continue reading "Progress Report 53: Shed Construction Finally Under Way — After Delays"
The short version Wonderful News! At long last, work has commenced on the construction of the engine shed and storage facility for Pete’s Hobby Railway. Following the levelling of the depot site and the approval by Council of structural plans, initial construction of the 14m long by 10m wide concrete floor commenced on Friday 8th …
Continue reading "Progress Report 50: Engine Shed Construction Commences – Finally!"
When Pete’s Hobby Railway was officially opened in February last year as part of my 75th Birthday celebrations, the only infrastructure (apart from the initial section of track itself) was a very basic station or platform. What is the difference between a platform and a station? I don’t know… is it the lack of supporting …
Continue reading "Progress Report 42: Waiting Shed for Loftus — What type of Building?"
Preliminary works to allow for the construction of the 1914 era NSWGR Unattended Platform Waiting Shed commenced on Thursday 9th November. As has been covered previously in various Progress Reports, Junee Shire Council gave its Development Consent some months ago for the construction of this simple structure – a replica of what existed (at least …
Continue reading "Progress Report No. 37 – Platform Waiting Room Construction Works Commence (Plus Updates)"
As part of the 2017 Junee Rhythm n Rail Festival, Pete’s Hobby Railway conducted our first two publicised Operating Days, where we operated the trains and had the public visitors to the Rhythm n Rail Festival viewing, from the street, the Hunslet steam locomotive and the Ruston Diesel locomotive hauling our passenger carriages. We even …
Continue reading "Progress Report 27 – Our First Public Viewing Days"
Adverse weather conditions continue to preclude any construction work on Pete’s Hobby Railway. There has been continuing rain or steady showers for the past six to eight weeks, with only a couple of days of cool sunshine – not enough to dry out the ground which in many places is either waterlogged or very spongey …
Continue reading "Progress Report 14"
Media and Web Page With Pete’s Hobby Railway having received the approval of Junee Shire Council (see Progress Report No. 10), and in view of the local interest shown in the project, I considered that the time was now opportune to give it some publicity. A Media Release was prepared and sent to the local …
Continue reading "Progress Report 13"