There are many train model stores in Sydney that can help you find what you need to build a beautiful model railroad. While some of them are well-known names, you can also check out a number of smaller and unique stores that may not be on everyone’s radar.
Hornby
Hornby trains are not only good looking but are also a lot of fun. They come in various styles and a train set can be the stepping stone to a model railway paradise. The best place to find a Hornby train set is Mr Toys. These guys aren’t stingy when it comes to Hornby trains and accessories. If you are lucky, you might even score a deal on a brand new Hornby train set. There are a number of Hornby stores in Sydney if you are looking to browse through a plethora of the best in the business.
The ol’ reliable and ubiquitous Hornby has long since been the poster child of the British model train industry. The brand has been in the model trains business for nearly a century. This has resulted in a slew of models, from the simplest of hulks to the most elaborate of affairs. Whether you are an enthusiast, a novice or just plain curious, Hornby trains will have something for you. Whether you are looking to purchase a Hornby train set or just a Hornby train for a gift, you have come to the right place. Besides, they aren’t as pricey as they used to be.
Chullora Railway Workshops
Chullora Railway Workshops are located in Sydney. This relic of Sydney’s past is a heritage listed site. It was built in the late 1920s. The workshop serviced trains operated by Sydney Trains.
The workshops are now closed. However, visitors can view a small war memorial that commemorates those who served in the railways during war. In addition, a large area of plantings surrounds the west side of the Power House.
The workshops also house a large collection of Victorian blacksmith machinery. A 20cwt heavy steam hammer, a 1500T Davy Press, and numerous small hammers are among the machines in the Blacksmith’s Workshops. These tools help to maintain the character of the Workshops.
A smaller war memorial is located within the boundary of the Chullora Railway Yard. The memorial is comprised of a marble monument and a flagpole. The memorial is a part of a larger section of plantings.
An old RTA building and a stormwater drain are found near the site. Access to the storage network was through a steel door that was bolted into the stormwater drain.
Chullora is a suburb of Sydney. It is located 15 kilometres west of the Sydney CBD. Today, the town is mainly an industrial district. There are several printing plants for Sydney newspapers and magazines in the area. Another major feature of the town is Tip Top Bakeries, which has restored the town to its roots.
Waratah
The Waratah train, also known as the CityRail A set, is an electric multiple unit train that has been built for Sydney Trains. These trains are the current class of electric multiple units on the Sydney Trains network.
They replace the old Goninan-built cars from the early 1980s. In June 2014, the first batch of 78 trains were delivered. They replaced the 498 non-air-conditioned carriages.
This is the largest order of rolling stock ever in Australia. According to the McKell Institute, the contract was worth $2.6billion. However, the private-public partnership that built the trains was plagued by the 2008 Global Financial Crisis.
The new trains will provide additional passenger capacity, advanced information systems and communication systems. They will display details of train stopping patterns and approaching stations on electronic display screens. There are two sets of trains, A and B. Each set is equipped with an auto-levelling airbag.
Waratah trains are operated by Downer EDI Limited, a company which maintains the fleet of trains in NSW. They also manufacture new trains.
As of June 2021, 78 A sets and 41 B sets are in service on the Sydney Trains network. An extra 24 sets of B sets will be in service in the coming months.
Waratah trains can be monitored by the Transport for NSW’s Rail Operations Centre (ROC) as well as by the rail controllers. It is possible for passengers to call up the ROC for help. During an emergency, Waratahs can also send the status of airbags to a server.
Outer-Suburban CARs
The New South Wales railways are home to a wide variety of rolling stock. Some of these trains are steam power, while others are modern electric cars.
Trains can be a great way to travel around Sydney. They are a cheap form of transport for short trips, and the long distance journeys are often very economical. Aside from the train, Sydney also has a number of buses.
For more information on transport in Sydney, visit Transport NSW. Their website offers maps and timetables. You can also book rail journeys on heritage trains.
For children, there are fun rail safety learning sessions every 15 minutes between 8am and 3pm. Children can also enjoy a ride on vintage trains or a horse and carriage. There are a number of stations across the city where you can park your car for free.
To see the history of the railways in Sydney, check out the exhibition at the Transport Museum. Here you can see a range of models including locomotives, trams, and space craft. Kids can also step on Locomotive 1243. This 19th-century passenger locomotive is one of the oldest in the state.
Another great place to explore is the Sydney Live Steam Locomotive Society. It’s located in North West Sydney. These public running days are a popular activity for small groups. Tickets cost $4 for adults.
The NSW Government runs the TrackSAFE Foundation, which is a fun family activity. Its facilities are suited to kids from 2 to 5 years old.
Bradfield power-cars
As a train fan, I’ve always loved the Bradfield power-cars. They’re a great symbol of Sydney’s rail history.
The last motor car built by Bradfield, C3045, is currently on display at the Rail Transport Museum in Thirlmere. It’s the only surviving car from the S and R sets. Other cars from these sets are still stored in western New South Wales.
In the 1920s, a program to electrify the Sydney trunk railways began. This required the introduction of electric passenger stock. Electrification of trains was also accompanied by the installation of toilets and amenity.
Despite this, the Sydney network never reached the frequencies that Bradfield envisaged. By the 1970s, the last trailers were retired. Nevertheless, Bradfield’s plans have relevance today.
Ultimately, a system with tiered services is necessary for Sydney. There is a need for a long-distance interurban commuter tier and an inner suburban tier. Each tier has to be optimised with rollingstock.
The City Railway would have carried 40 trains per hour during peak in each direction. In addition, there would have been automatic train stops and an electronic signalling system. The lines would have been built gradually, with a smaller fleet and a gradual expansion.
Bradfield was always thinking big. Besides his vision for the City Railway, he also proposed building rail lines across the Sydney Harbour Bridge. He studied the systems of other cities. His studies inspired hundreds of urban rail systems around the world.
