Two virgin C class and a VR B class locomotive were selected today after an offer for a run on 'The Main North" layout of Marcus Ammann. They were all in the blue and gold Victorian Railways livery. Previously C501 and C504 were part of a 'sound off' with their other eight brothers around the turntable. So it was felt they needed to stretch their legs.
C501 and C504 were taken out of the boxes, placed on the track and made into a consist via the NCE system. The startup sound came on and then it commenced its familiar GM sound and settled down into idle. They were put on the track at Werris Creek. Not sure if the two real ones have ever ventured this far away from Victoria. They then backed onto a stabled freight train and headed off towards Tamworth where a reverse loop halted their northerly trip and soon had them pointing in a southerly direction.The Main North layout is an incredible layout supporting multiple drivers who often are out of site from each other following their trains. Many stations are represented on the long journey from Tamworth to the return balloon loop of Sydney which resides under the location of Broadmeadow. The scenery is excellent and all locations are easy to recognise if you are familiar with them. I suggest if you want a more in depth view of this layout you can click the link above and see more.
Here are a few photos of the day:
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| Werris Creek Coal stage |
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| Werris Creek loco depot |
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| Passing through Murrurundi |
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| Arriving Gosford |
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| Crossing Hawkesbury River bridge |
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| On the bridge |
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| Passing Adamstown Signal Box |
The day ended with a short run of B74 from Werris Creek to Tamworth and return with the same consist. So a good morning was had by all, thanks again Marcus.
