The chaos surrounding Sydney’s train system on Saturday even delayed the arrival in Kiama of ‘Chumster’, the 1966 diesel electric locomotive.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Newly restored to the classic “candy” colour scheme from the 1980s, 42103 was scheduled to pick up passengers from Sydney’s Central Station before stopping at Hurstville, Sutherland and Kiama, then depart from the South Coast later that day.
Owner Craig ‘Chum’ Prior, 53, bought the vintage train from Goulburn last year to save it from the scrap-heap.
The public were also able to join the ride on Saturday.
The Chumster 42103 took about 200 passengers on its South Coast trip, with profits from the journey going to the restoration efforts of its cousin 42305.
Mr Prior said the trip raised approximately $5000.
The train was scheduled to depart from Sydney at 10.05am and arrive at Kiama at 12.30pm, although Sydney resident Mr Prior said they were delayed due to the city’s train system chaos.
“We had passengers who had booked and missed the train,” Mr Prior said.
“We had people stuck on trains in Green Square ringing us saying, ‘we can’t get there’, because the trains just weren’t moving.
“They were getting off the train at Green Square and catching taxis to get back to Hurstville to meet us.
“We were delayed out of Central by 10-15 minutes, and from there we got delayed all the way… Once we got past Hurstville we were pretty well right, but it was chaotic.
“We actually did a couple of extra stops at Erskineville and Redfern (to pick up passengers who had booked)… It was a mess there yesterday.”
The return journey from Kiama was scheduled to depart at 4.15pm.
Mr Prior said the trip home only ran a couple of minutes late.
Despite the delays, Mr Prior said the trip had been a success.
“It went great, people really enjoyed it,” he said.
“People were trackside everywhere, taking photographs… It was a great trip.”
Chumster is currently housed in Lithgow.
Mr Prior said he planned to conduct further rides, including to Kiama, to raise funds for restoration work.
Brendan Crabb
I'm a member of ACM's national property team, covering the Illawarra and South Coast. Based in Albion Park, NSW, I write about exciting, interesting or just downright quirky properties that have been listed for sale, major sales, market trends, auctions and more. One of my favourite aspects of being a journalist is I believe everyone has a story to tell. What's yours?
I'm a member of ACM's national property team, covering the Illawarra and South Coast. Based in Albion Park, NSW, I write about exciting, interesting or just downright quirky properties that have been listed for sale, major sales, market trends, auctions and more. One of my favourite aspects of being a journalist is I believe everyone has a story to tell. What's yours?
