Reds Are Gone Part 1

This video, originally produced by Greg Oates in 1993 features a very different view of the retirement of Sydney's red Rattlers and subsequent rebirth into heritage operations a few years later. He later released this vid using copyright free music - however IMO this original version portrays the mood much better. Included is the only known footage of "the claw" cutting up a carriage at Redfern. Warning to all rail fans and especially spark fans.. this one will make your heart bleed. The sight and sounds are guaranteed to leave you determined to "do something about it".

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• sydney
• red
• rattlers
• greg
• oates
• single
• decker
• deck
• train
• electric
• video

[zordmaker]

Not gonna happen laddie. I created HET.. and I know far more about it than you can possibly imagine..

[zordmaker]

Actually they are in the custody of a group known as Historic Electric Traction. Sadly, they don't seem very interested in running them and would rather just have sunday afternoon picnics.

[RockMarine]

OK, what's the attachment? I don't get it. They're just red squares with windows :-S

[zordmaker]

Yeah, agreed. I call em Rusty Old Trains.

That is until you put the pan up, Put it on a track, Hit the Go lever,Stand by the door and ride 50 tons of screaming steel down the track at 110kph. I guess for someone who hasnt done that (and lest face it, these things have been off the track now for 16 years) there can be no attachment.

[CosmoKramer82]

Hey does anyone know what the tune playing is?

[zordmaker]

Tommy Emmanuel

[DC4916]

I was there as a bystander on the scrap roads in 1992, watching the destruction of these fine trains. It was a very sad sight, and even 18 years later is still chilling. :-(

We can thank the Media and our guttless Politicians for this. :-(

[Bennyboy1985]

It's hard watching 60 years of history and millions of kilometres of railway service just get destroyed like that. Mind you, the day they start cutting up the Tangaras should be a public celebration with free viewing!

[zapper067]

4:19 the trollolo claw of destruction

[m1isKa]

@TheMysterio01 Yes it is! Just watched the dvd recently

[MrChowTheTroll]

The L.R and S sets will go this year until 2014, then the V's will go around 2021

[TheMysterio01]

would the song in these clips be the theme from Local Hero by mark Knopfler ... cause it sure sounds alot like it

[gregbassace1]

@rdrogel Just think about how much room there is in a silver double deck. Once you remove the seats, imagine this:

The former driver/guards compartment converted to bathroom with toilet inside the former drivers cab

Upstairs is your loungeroom

Downstairs is your bedroom

Other end is your kitchen

At best, the scrap value of these cars minus wheelsets is about $2000ea. With wheelsets, perhaps $5000ea. There's the crane & semi to get your car to your property - about $10000. Still, cheap living.

[gregbassace1]

@zordmaker You have a chance to ride'em again.

There's some cars being restored for mainline operations & currently there are volunteer crews willing to be trained to drive them. Historic Electric Traction is gearing up now to accept new volunteer recruits & probably within 2-3 years, the return of the Red Rattler will beckon a new tourist travel for Sydney.

[gregbassace1]

@rulestherails Actually, you can!!

The Sydney Electric Train Society & Historic Electric Traction are both restoring a good number of red cars for future mainline operations. You can become a volunteer with either or both of these societies...both with one goal:

To preserve & restore the vintage electric rollingstock back to the mainline.

Check out their websites & be surprised!!