https://www.theherald.com.au/story/5857 ... n/?cs=7573
NSW government brings train back to Newcastle Station
Michael Parris January 19 2019 - 8:00AM
What is this space missing?
If you’re a member of the state government’s transport and urban planning apparatus, the answer is obvious: a train.
In an act of political bravado that Topics can only sit back and admire, the government will drop a 6500-kilogram replica of the Newcastle Flyer onto the platform of Newcastle Station on Tuesday morning.
The “public arts installation” is 17 metres long, has cost $169,200 (art is expensive, isn’t it) and has been funded mostly by a Newcastle Port Community Contribution Fund grant. It comprises a Flyer “front end”, timber seats and a stainless steel recreation of an old timetable.
Topics would like to think the government, which closed the inner-city rail line three years ago in the face of spirited opposition, is doubling down on that decision by erecting such an edifice two months before an election.
Planning documents prepared for Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation say the replica train will be “fully reversible and removable”.
For those keen on technicalities, the documents also say the installation is “modelled on the fuselage of a C38 Class Steam Locomotive which used to pull the Newcastle express passenger service between Newcastle and Sydney – known as ‘The Flyer’, and in particular engine No. 3820 which was the last to run this route before being decommissioned”.
“The arts installation will be located on the former rail tracks adjacent to Platform 1 where the train originally departed … promoting conversations about the role and history of this place.”
On Tuesday morning, a crane will deposit the scaled version of a Flyer front end onto the concrete slab that now covers the tracks. The train, made by Picton-based company Gray Design Space, will have buttons for the kids which trigger trainy sounds and lights.
Topics has heard that Transport Minister Andrew Constance could be in town on Wednesday to unveil the replica.
The possible ministerial presence has set tongues wagging that he could also announce an early start to light rail services. There’s maybe not enough tram vehicles ready to get the entire service running, but what about a limited outing carrying punters to the foreshore on Australia Day?
Come on, Andrew, fire ’er up!
