To celebrate the return of the iconic 3801 steam train to Bathurst, a local photographer will stage a display of photographs at Tremain's Mill this weekend documenting the later years of steam locomotives in continuous service across NSW.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Graham Palmer spent time in the 1960s photographing a vast variety of steam trains across NSW, with a particular focus on Central West locomotives.
Mr Palmer eventually published his work into the 160-page book, Steam: Gone But Not Forgotten, which he will have for sale over the weekend alongside the display.
"There will be large prints of my favourite photographs from the era on display, including the 3801 as it used to operate back in the 1960s," he said.
"I've been fascinated by steam engines ever since I was a little kid and in my mid-teens, I sought out to take photographs of the few remaining engines before they were retired."
Mr Palmer's display will complement the 3801's visit to Bathurst, where 90-minute return trips between Bathurst railway station and Wimbledon will run for passengers across Saturday and Sunday.
He said the popularity of steam engines, such as the 3801, are highlighted by their intrinsic historical significance.
"There's a lot of people who are genuinely interested in what happened in the past," Mr Palmer said.
In my mid-teens, I sought out to take photographs of the few remaining engines before they were retired.
- Graham Palmer
"The 3801 engine visiting Bathurst this weekend is not quite what it used to be like, but it still has the sound, smell and traditional carriages that were commonplace during their years of service."
Mr Palmer said it's quite remarkable to see steam engines attract such a diverse audience; from senior citizens to younger folk who might have discovered steam engines via Thomas the Tank Engine.
"There's so many factors about steam engines that pique a person's interest, and once you catch that 'train bug', it's hard to let it go," he said.
Mr Palmer's display will be set up within the Tremain's Mill precinct from 9am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting.
He will be located next to Pain Et Tartinade's outdoor dining area.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content:
- Bookmark www.westernadvocate.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News
Sam Bolt
"I'm not in the business of telling people what to do. I'm much more in the business of describing things, situations and stuff like that and leaving them out there, and you can make up your minds about them." -Nick Cave
"I'm not in the business of telling people what to do. I'm much more in the business of describing things, situations and stuff like that and leaving them out there, and you can make up your minds about them." -Nick Cave
