For over four decades I have been a rail and bus photographer.
However, during this time I have aimed the lens at other subjects, be they different transportation, scenery, buildings and other bollocks.
Given these do not really fit the scope of my other sites, I felt compelled to set up a new site so as to inflict my other photographic garbage upon the world. While primarily Philippine and Australian content, there will be the occasional forays into Fiji and Hong Kong. Perhaps other locations should the current pandemic ever allow it.
So sit back and enjoy, or hate, even be indifferent. That choice is purely up to you.
The air was thick with the sounds of bustling engines, horns, and the distant hum of chatter as we made our way to SM North on North Avenue, cameras in hand and excitement on high alert.
This wasn’t just another day in Manila—it was a mission to capture what is quickly becoming a rare sight: the iconic traditional jeepneys, a staple of Philippine streets for generations.
With each visit, the need to record the traditional jeepney, the Philippines' heart and soul, becomes increasingly urgent.
It was only the start of a four-week holiday, and 'Brad and Virls' were already immersed in Manila’s vibrant energy, cameras clicking away.
This Philippine trip promised to be a journey across the islands, with adventures on Negros and Panay still to appear here on the blog, and our YouTube channel. But today, the mission was clear: capture the spirit of Manila’s street icons—traditional jeepneys, their modern counterparts, and the bustling local buses.
These photos, along with more tales from the islands, will soon find a place on this blog, along with our main railway site, sharing every kilometre of this fun adventure.
The Otford Tunnel in New South Wales, Australia, is a disused railway tunnel that used to be part of the Illawarra line down to Bomaderry, amongst other locales. Built in
the late 19th century, it is just under two kilometres in length and runs beneath the seaside cliffs near the suburb of Otford.
The tunnel was used until 1920 but was closed following the duplication of the line which saw it deviate away from this original route. Over the years, it has become a site of interest for urban explorers and history enthusiasts, with remnants of its past still visible.
If I recall correctly, it was used to grow mushrooms for some time. This is something that has occurred in several abandoned railway tunnels.
The surrounding area is known for its stunning scenery I can totally recommend the lookout at Stanwell Tops), and I've read discussions around the concept of repurposing the tunnel or incorporating it into walking and cycling trails.
It's a unique experience that reflects the region's railway history and offers a glimpse into the past. I recommend it before something happens that sees some official close it off.
Regretfully, the tunnel mouth at the Stanwell Park end has attracted the attention of graffiti vandals, as has a lot of the lining inside.
Photo: Brad Peadon
The adventure begins :-)
Photo: Brad Peadon
Virls looks a wee bit hesitant.
Photo: Brad Peadon
It wasn't the brightest light, but it would have been hard to get along the rough surface without it.
Water erosion seems to have made the ground far less easy to negotiate compared to a visit many years back.
Slow and easy would be recommended to anyone wanting to do it.
Photo: Brad Peadon
No shortage of graffiti all the way through.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Always a relief to get past the pitch-black section and see the light at the end of the tunnel.
There had been a lot of recent rain and the water was becoming more regular and widespread, so we decided not to keep going and return at a later date.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Hope that this isn't a representation of some tunnel wildlife :-)
Photo: Brad Peadon
A repaired section of the tunnel where the army detonated some explosives in 1942/43.
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