BNV ABANDONED OTFORD RAILWAY TUNNEL 28-4-2024

 

  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.

Photo: Brad Peadon

Virls doing her own POV video which will also appear on the Semi-Retired Foamer Youtube Channel.

Photo: Brad Peadon

Nearly at the end of the walk.

Photo: Brad Peadon

Theres that light at the end of the tunnel.

Photo: Brad Peadon

Proud of having made it out alive, we prepare to walk back southwards along the formation.

Next, we would visit an even more waterlogged tunnel at Helensburgh.

Photo: Brad Peadon

Virls smiling after an attempt to scare her failed quite dismally.

Photo: Brad Peadon

Give me that flamin camera.

Photo: Brad Peadon

Coming forthwith, we visit a tunnel at Helensburgh, then the Sydney Tramway Museum at Loftus.

The tramway museum will be on our main blog.

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Virl Virls.

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Semi-Retired Foamer - Main Blogsite.

NSW Railways - Past & Present

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How To Get To Otford Tunnel

Malabar Headland WW2 Railway

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Negros/Panay Sugar Tramways & Industry!

Our newest group exploring the fascinating rail operations on these islands, and the industry they serve.

BNV: SILAY TRUCKERS (PHILIPPINES) PART 2

 

Silay City, Negros Occidental

Philippines

Part 2

Silay Truckers Part 1

Welcome back.

Let me first start this blog entry by admitting that, for the most part, I really have little idea of what I am talking about HERE.

Unlike a few self-proclaimed 'experts on everything' in the Aussie railfan community, I don't wish to insult your intelligence by pretending otherwise.

If you have further information on any of the trucks below, please make contact. We will add it, plus credit you for the help.

As a lifelong rail fan, trucks have rarely come onto my radar. Occasionally I've photographed them, either because their old like me or while I'm bored waiting on the next train.

However, recently a 25-year dream of visiting the island of Negros Occidental came true, and I quickly set about looking for any surviving relics of the former railways of the sugar industry there.

A new research forum for people interested in the sugarcane railways and industry on Negros and Panay Islands (Philippines)
We are always seeking new members to join in.

Probably the most important part of the trip was a visit to the Hawaiian-Philippine Company's sugarmill in Silay City.

A huge mill that was established in 1918 and the oldest operational mill in the city.

Actually, unknown at the time of visiting due to scarce information, the Hawaiian-Philippine mill has the last bit of operational cane railway known to still exist in the country. Not only does this short section still haul cane, but two of their surviving 'operational' (there are another four stored) steam locomotives are available for hire by tour groups.

The mill itself, including the railways, is to be covered on our other blog.

Philippine Railway Historical Society blog.

Our visit to the mill started when we first turned off the main road north of Silay City, and onto what I think is called Hawaiian Tanza Road which leads to the mill.

 I wanted to first check out the railway remains at the 'Hawaiian Luguay Transloading Station' where, back in better days, the trucks would dump their load, and rail would shuttle it to the mill on a section of line that parallels the road.

While the track is still intact, including a small section that continued westward towards the canefields (see link above), it is in a very bad condition and the trucks seem to now wait here for their turn to go directly to the mill.

At the mill, they are tilted backward for unloading. Something we were not allowed to photograph at the time. :-(

I hope the following selection of photos is at least marginally as interesting as the sight of these old beasts was for me on the day.

Stay tuned, for more Hawaiian-Philippine excitement!

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This awesome looking old clapper had no numberplate on it for identification :-(

Photo: Brad Peadon

Isuzu MAZ-4851 waiting its turn to have a dump. 

Photo: Brad Peadon

YGU-288 waiting near the old transloader.
No idea what make these unusual beasts are. 

Photo: Brad Peadon

FUSO (Mitsubishi) FOX-509 waiting near the old transloader.

Photo: Brad Peadon

An already emptied FAH-819.

Photo: Brad Peadon

That beautiful clunker without the license plate again.

Photo: Brad Peadon

FEV-905 also waiting near the old transloader.

Photo: Brad Peadon

Isuzu MAZ-4851.

Photo: Brad Peadon

Above and Below

Wider views of the parking area outside the former transloader.

Photo: Brad Peadon

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Silay City, located in Negros Occidental, Philippines, is often referred to locally as the "Paris of Negros" due to its amazing cultural heritage and well-preserved ancestral homes, many of which can be seen while driving through while driving through en route to the mill.

 Known for its busy sugarcane industry, Silay played a significant role in the development of Negros Occidental's economy.

One of the city's highlights is the San Diego Pro-Cathedral (also on the main road through town), a beautiful structure showcasing neo-Gothic architecture. The city is also home to various heritage sites and museums, like the Balay Ni Mayang, which display the local history and culture.

Silay, like so many Filipino cities, hosts several festivals, including the Sinulog sa Silay, which celebrates the city's patron saint, San Diego de Alcala.

 The blend of tradition, history, and local festivities makes Silay a charming destination for both locals and tourists.

The sugar industry also makes it a terrific destination for those of us with an interest in both it and the associated transport history.

 Additionally, its proximity to natural attractions, such as the nearby mountains and beaches, adds to that appeal.

Nhing Nhings, Virl Virls & Chris our driver.

The security guard who eventually offered to take us through to the railway area.

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Philippine Railway Historical Society blog.

Philippine Railway Historical Society Group.

Negros/Panay Sugar Tramway & Industry
Past and Present

Negros Steam Hunt 2023 - Bacolod to Sagay.

La Carlota #108 - A Baldwin in Bacolod.

Hawaiian-Philippines Company Website.

TICCIH: Hawaiian Philippines Company

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I just asked my 9-year-old son what he learned in school today

He said, “Apparently not enough because I have to go back tomorrow”.

I’m so very proud of him.

A new research forum for people interested in the sugarcane railways and industry on Negros and Panay Islands (Philippines)
We are always seeking new members to join in.