According to the ARTC train alteration notice a passenger train departing Thirlmere at 03:00 on Friday 12 April will proceed from Chullora via the Metropolitan Goods line arriving at Meeks Road Junction at 05:19 before passing onto the Sydney Trains network. As it is not due though Islington Junction (north of Broadmeadow) until 13:45, is this possibly operating via Central as passenger carrying service?

The 07:50 support train from Thirlmere is operating via the more normal route for these trains via Chullora and Flemington passing Islington Junction at 13:19.

https://extranet.artc.com.au/docman/DocManFiles/DocTypes/TAA/Files/0241-2019.PDF?722132886

According to the ARTC train alteration notice a passenger train departing Thirlmere at 03:00 on Friday 12 April will proceed from Chullora via the Metropolitan Goods line arriving at Meeks Road Junction at 05:19 before passing onto the Sydney Trains network. As it is not due though Islington Junction (north of Broadmeadow) until 13:45, is this possibly operating via Central as passenger carrying service?

The 07:50 support train from Thirlmere is operating via the more normal route for these trains via Chullora and Flemington passing Islington Junction at 13:19.

https://extranet.artc.com.au/docman/DocManFiles/DocTypes/TAA/Files/0241-2019.PDF?722132886

In answer to your question. YES. They run the train into Central and then Passengers can enjoy a 1 way journey on a Steam Train as far as Maitland on the Friday. and either return to Sydney on an Ordinary Passenger Service.Or use it as their form of Transport to get them to Maitland for the weekend. And then return back to Sydney- as far as North Strathfield on the Monday- as the Train then continues back to THIRLMERE. empty. If you look at the STEAMFEST Timetable it will give you more details.

Dave.   Menangle.N.S.W.

Thanks for that, possibly the first passenger train to use platform 1 at Concord West that was built as part of the up freight line a few years ago.

Did they announce any Communist propaganda?

Presumably the coronavirus ban on gatherings of over 500 will see the 2020 event cancelled.

Presumably the coronavirus ban on gatherings of over 500 will see the 2020 event cancelled.

Just needs some tweaking, a better market strategy, tax free status and a name change.

Suggesting, Hunterhill song and steam festival, leave credit card details at the door.

How good is that?

Presumably the coronavirus ban on gatherings of over 500 will see the 2020 event cancelled.

The Maitland Taste Festival which was meant to be held last weekend was cancelled as soon as the ban was announced. I'm sure Steamfest will as well...I'm surprised no announcement has been made about it yet.

-edit- just got the email...Steamfest cancelled

STEAMFEST 2020 CANCELLED It is with great disappointment today that we announce the cancellation of Burton Automotive Hunter Valley Steamfest 2020. We support the advice from the Australian Government and agree that the safety of the community is our number one priority. Whilst we all acknowledge this is a necessary step, it doesn’t make it any easier for the hundreds of people, and thousands of visitors, that are involved with the organisation of Steamfest or look forward to coming to the event each year. So, this is a shout out to you all. Firstly, to our incredibly generous sponsors and partners, most notably Burton Automotive, who have supported us now for nine consecutive years, as well as the many small businesses who annually contribute to Steamfest and rely on the benefits it brings to our community. To the antique machinery and show ‘n’ shine communities, whose dedication keeps the incredible machines that annually descend upon Maitland alive. To the volunteers, community groups and staff who spend countless hours making Steamfest happen each year, we thank you all. Most importantly we’re disappointed that this year we won’t see you. The smiles on kids’ faces as the locos steam in and out of Maitland, the stories from parents and grandparents of days gone by when steam was king, and the snapping of camera from vantage points all over the city, trying to capture that perfect shot... we’ll miss you all. But Steamfest will be back. 2021 marks our 35th anniversary, and we promise we’ll do everything we can to deliver you an extraordinary program. We hope to see you then. Be the first to hear about train announcements and tickets for the 2021 festival by clicking on the below and updating your details.