Train geeks might enjoy this series. Sydney has an extensive electric rail network; with over 2000 km of intercity lines electrified to Newcastle in the north, Kiama in the south and Lithgow in the west. Almost all the trains are double-decker designs with the exception of the long distance trains like Canberra Explorer and the XPT. Australia has no true high speed trains.
This is the intercity and interstate section of Central. The suburban lines pass through platforms behind where this photo was taken. The long distance lines terminate to the left. On the right are a restaurant and offices, and a light rail to the inner harbour can be boarded beyond the restaurant. Normally the air in Sydney is much cleaner - at the moment there is thick smoke from bushfires.
Sydney Central by
RobGeraghty, on Flickr
This is one of the few station clocks still in operation. All the modern LCD displays on platforms now show the time, so station clocks are redundant. The railway master clock used to be synchronised with all the station clocks using an electrical signal sent every thirty seconds. Even the huge clock in the Central Station tower was synchronised to the master clock.
Station clock by
RobGeraghty, on Flickr
Central Clock Tower by
RobGeraghty, on Flickr
The very dirty intercity train I took from Parramatta to Central. I think it came from Penrith.
Sydney Intercity by
RobGeraghty, on Flickr
Train sets A46 and H35. The A46 set is a "Waratah" type which was partly built in China and finished in Newcastle Australia. The H35 is an OSCAR (Outer Suburban CAR) type built by UGL and in this case used on the long run to Kiama.
Sydney interurban trains by
RobGeraghty, on Flickr
Sydney Trains Waratah train set A46 by
RobGeraghty, on Flickr
Mermec Track Inspection Vehicle by
RobGeraghty, on Flickr
Canberra Xplorer by
RobGeraghty, on Flickr
It was a bit clearer in Canberra before I went to Sydney.
Canberra Explorer by
RobGeraghty, on Flickr
This is what the interior of the first class car looks like.
Canberra Xplorer First Class by
RobGeraghty, on Flickr
There is a bus service between Canberra and Sydney, but I actually prefer having a bit more space on the train, a food service and the ability to get up and take a walk around. The train can be slower than the bus, but on the other hand it never gets caught in traffic!