It would totally be amiss of us not to have some pictures and video of the Garratt Steam Engine visiting the district. More importantly passing right next to us.
President Phil is a closet steam engine driver and so he got his trusted camera and pointed as best he could in that direction.

The Canberra Railway Museum houses many a steam engine and it was wonderful to hear around town the toot toot toot of that whistle blowing. Reminds me of the Seekers song, you know the one - Morningtown Ride.

And who doesn't like a ride on an old fashion steam train? With the Lithgow Scenic Railway burnt to the ground we're left with these magnificent old engines to pay us visit. Thanks to the crew and whoever paid to bring this beautiful old iron beast to town.

It is vehicles like these that opened up this great brown land and made it the mighty nation that it is.
Why, without these piston pumping demons of strength the coal, cattle, wheat, barley, sugar cane, iron ore, gold, and many other fine farming and mineral products would never have seen the light of day.

Yes my friend it is the steam train and the sober crews that worked these trains - cleaned them, washed them. loaded them and generally took good care of them in their old age that the Country is where it is today.

I know what you're thinking, it's just steel and metal. But these engines have personality, charm, integrity and the need to survive the harsh environment of being neglected. Why think of the children who will never see a steam train except on youtube.

Look at that, that's Australian steel. You can't get better steel than Australian steel. It's stronger. Last longer, and has a smell all of its own. Matter-a-fact I'm off to but some now.