Saturday afternoon, 30th June, saw the official opening of the just-completed 1914 era replica waiting shed at Pete’s Hobby Railway. We were honoured to have the opening undertaken by our local State Member of Parliament, Steph Cooke MP, Member for Cootamundra. Weather conditions were, to say the least, a little cool, but at least the forecast showers held off. I extend my thanks to the volunteers involved – and while they all enjoyed themselves as well, they “made” the day!
The platform and the waiting shed are the culmination of construction in two stages over a two year period by volunteer Josh Burke, ably guided (and sometimes assisted) by his father who does not wish to take the credit for his input. Construction of the Shed was covered in the previous Progress Report.
My thanks also to volunteer Dave Johnston, who had been allocated the job of official photographer for the occasion as I was otherwise more than occupied. It was with considerable difficulty that Dave’s several hundred images of both the afternoon’s activities and the evening bon-fire have been reduced to a manageable size for inclusion this Report.
Our guest-of-honour, our local Member of Parliament, Steph Cooke, arrived a few minutes early. As I bade her welcome, she was more-than-surprised at the magnitude of Pete’s Hobby Railway, expecting something more the size of the live-steamers at Willans Hill in Wagga.
Image 1. Car parked outside my front fence immediately prior to the commencement of proceedings. Other vehicles were parked inside my premises.
Image 2. Despite the weak sun, there was a cold wind blowing. Those friends who attended were well rugged up.
Image 3. Nick, my Events Co-ordinator (on right) extends a warm welcome to both my friends who could make it and to our guest of honour, local Member of Parliament Steph Cooke.
Image 4. Steph and I officially open the new waiting shed. Partially visible on an internal wall is a nameplate from the existing Loftus station in Sydney.
Image 5. Steph and I unveil the plaque commemorating the building of the station platform and waiting shed by Josh Burke.
Image 6. Steph congratulates me and Pete’s Hobby Railway. The plaque was later placed on permanent display within the waiting shed.
Image 7. The green banner is used by Steph to officially stop the first train to pick up passengers at this “unattended” platform. “Unattended” means that there were no staff allocated to the station and that (on the “big railway”) trains would only stop if signalled to do so by intending passengers.
Image 8. Once the train had come to a stand, my guest-friends were invited to join the first train for a ride. Using a white flag, I am indicating to the train’s guard that that the train can depart. Lenny, the guard, gives the green flag to the driver.
Image 9. Steph, who is very pro-rail, couldn’t resist the offer to join Matt and Josh in the cab of the Hunslet steam locomotive… even having a short drive (under Matt’s close supervision!).
Image 10. Steph, Josh and Matt in the cab of the Hunslet steam locomotive
Image 11. Despite a later appointment, it was ni-impossible to get Steph off “Torpedo”. Here, she can be seen on the Hunslet, watching as Ben brings the Ruston diesel with the carriages back to the top terminus. Once at a stand, the Hunslet will follow and couple to the rear of the carriages.
All too soon (for Steph!), it was time for her next appointment!
Bonfire Night
Being only a few days after the shortest day in the year, it was dark by 1730 hours and time for my annual bonfire. Within Junee Shire (and doubtless at other country areas), one is able to have burn-offs of surplus bush waste, etc. Not during summer, however, so it is normally stockpiled until the cooler months of the year.
Images 13-16 (slideshow below) are amongst the many captured by Dave, whose results were far better than mine!
Steph’s Comments
I have the feeling that Steph actually enjoyed herself, subsequently posting on her Facebook page:
With gleeful delight, I officially opened the Unattended Waiting Shed in Junee this afternoon in front of a wonderful gathering of rail enthusiast friends. I then got on board the steam locomotive AND got to drive it under the close eye of Chief driver Matt (with co-driver Josh watching on nervously!!). Completely caught up in the excitement of this amazing place, I FORGOT to advise my Boss, DEPUTY PREMIER John Barilaro of my successful endorsement to stand for the Cootamundra electorate next March. Ooops, sorry dp. For those who haven’t seen PHR, let me tell you, it’s FANTASTIC. THANKS so much Peter, Nicholas, Matt, Dave, Josh, and everyone who made my day so special. Love. Sx
Okay, that’s your lot for this Progress Report.
Cheers,
Pete
SM Loftus.
Media Coverage of the Waiting Shed Opening
A number of articles covering Pete’s Hobby Railway, appeared in local newspapers and on a local television news show during the following week, including;
- Junee Southern Cross: Peter brings love of railway to his home
- Win News Riverina: Waiting Shed Opening
- Torque: Four Pages of Coverage, includes Live Stream by Wagga Weekly.
- Pete’s Hobby Railway: Our own Livestream
(originally streamed live to Facebook, now available on YouTube with orientation corrected)
Further Reading…
This article forms part of a series about the building of the Unattended Waiting Shed on Loftus Platform at Pete’s Hobby Railway.
The rest of the series can be found at;
Progress Report 37:
Platform Waiting Room Construction Works Commence (Plus Updates)
Progress Report 42:
Waiting Shed for Loftus — What type of Building?
Progress Report 43:
Waiting Shed for Loftus — the Construction
Progress Report 44:
Waiting Shed — Official Opening [This article]