The Rail Motor Society
 
LAST TRIP TO THE ABATTOIRS LINE
9th November, 1984

The last passenger train to the Abattoirs Line ran on the afternoon of Friday, 9th November, 1984. The employee's train at that time had been reduced to a single rail motor No. 18. This line has since been extensively upgraded and will provide access for the many passenger trains to service the Sydney 2000 Olympics site.

As the last train to the Abattoirs Line left Lidcombe station it was immediately diverted off the Main Line through Flemington Goods Junction to Pippita station. After the station stop at Pippita the rail motor proceeded across the long concrete bridges spanning Parramatta Road and the M4 Freeway. The train then passed over the Sale yards loop track as we continued on this historic journey. Soon the first junction is encountered which provides access to the Stock Sale yards. Passing this junction brings the train to the Metropolitan Meat Platforms where a station stop is required before setting off through the second junction which provides access to the Abattoirs. Passing througn this junction puts our train on a heading towards the Brickworks and the train line now shrinks to a single track as we pass alongside Centennial Park with its radio masts and high tension power lines drapping the landscape. Continuing on the train passes the Brickworks Signal Box and then encounters the large open pit which was once the source of material for the State Brick Yards. The track curves to the left and we pass through the final level crossing and into the Abattoirs station with its wooden platform. This journey is marking the end of historic era which once saw many employees travelling to and from work in this once busy industrial site. As this area is transformed into a public entertainment arena which is the site to house the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games the trains in their new form will once again move thousands of people bringing new life to an area with has laid idle for many years.

Rail Motor No. 18 at rest in Sydney Terminal Station

Rail Motor No. at Rosehill Station

Rail Motor No. 18 passing Centenial Park

Rail Motor No. 18 at Brickworks level crossing

Rail Motor No. 18 at Abattoirs platform

Rail Motors stored

Rail Motor No. 18 in Brickworks area

Rail Motor No. 18 departing on Up track passing a waiting freight

Rail Motor No. 18 crossing M4 and Parramatta Rd on concrete bridge.

last modified 12th January, 2000.