A tootin’ great day out
On the first Sunday of the month, a park tucked away in the ‘burbs of Blaxland comes alive with the sounds of trains click-clacking along tracks and the squeals of delight from children. With shady grounds, picnic tables and the lure of miniature train rides, this is the perfect spot for family gatherings and kids birthday parties. Pack your picnic, buy snacks and drinks from the kiosk, or use the BBQ facilities. Just get there early to secure your spot, as it’s a popular day out!
The Wascoe Siding Train Park is located on the site of the main western railway line which ran between the original Glenbrook Station (which was then adjacent to Glenbrook oval) and Blaxland station. Until 1879, the area was known as Wascoe, named to honour the family of John Outrim Wascoe, the licensee of the second Pilgrim Inn. Blaxland Station went by the name Wascoe’s Platform and Glenbrook Station was Wascoe Siding. The train line was used between 1913 and 1935, after which the site became a popular, if swampy spot to dump wrecked cars. Mr John Green, the founder of the Blue Mountains Railway Society, bought the site in 1966 for use as the Society’s permanent location.
Members of the Blue Mountains Railway Society operate their own miniature locomotives, including electric, diesel and steam engines, which are hitched to the carriages owned by the Society. Passengers board at the station and do three laps of the park, including two laps through the tunnel, before returning to the station.
For all you trainspotters out there, here are the nitty gritty details: the train rides cover a system which boasts 300 metres of five inch (127 mm) gauge mainline ground level inner and outer track, 21 sets of points, fully operational colour light signals, and a large marshalling yard. In addition, in the Steaming Bay Area where the locomotives are serviced, there is a three metre diameter turntable.
Wascoe Siding is open to the public on the first Sunday of every month, except January. The trains operate from 10am to 4pm. There is no charge for entry into the grounds or use of the facilities. Train rides cost $2 per person and tickets can be purchased from the ticket office adjacent to the kiosk. For safety reasons, make sure you wear fully enclosed footwear or you won’t be able to ride the rails.
WORDS AND IMAGES BY KELLIE HAMMON
Wascoe Siding
15 Grahame Street
Blaxland
T. 02 4739 2677
W. infobluemountains.net.au/rail/wascoe/
hey i was just wondering if it was open this weekend
Hi Daniel, Wascoe Siding is open on the first Sunday of every month, except January. For more information you can call the Model Railway Society on 02 4739 2677.