Oberon Tarana Heritage Railway (OTHR) has turned to the crowd-funding platform “GoFundMe” as a means of raising funds to complete stage one of the Oberon to Tarana rail project.
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This is a fantastic opportunity not only for train enthusiasts worldwide but the local community to make a contribution to getting trains running in Oberon again.
So many locals have wondered why it’s taking so long to finish the project, but few realise that a tremendous amount of work has been undertaken without fuss or fanfare.
The big shed and the level crossings at Albion Street and Lowes Mount Road are visible signs of activity that may have been overlooked by some in the community.
OTHR president Tim Arnison said all this activity has put OTHR within cooee of getting trains running again and for all those folk who have expressed frustration over the years, this is your chance to help get the track back to the timetable.
“Let’s not lose a most important part of our local history. Your donation, no matter how small, will get OTHR one step closer to bringing back the Oberon-Tarana line to the way it was in the decades of the 1920s to the 1970s,” Mr Arnison said.
In 1923, steam engines began hauling Oberon’s plentiful produce down the line from Oberon to Tarana and hence on to destinations far and wide.
Timber, potatoes, peas, sheep and cattle were hauled down the mountain to Tarana approximately 13 miles or 24 kilometres away.
Paying passenger services ceased in 1971 and freight services finally ended in 1979.
The Oberon to Tarana rail line lay dormant for more than 25 years when, in 2006, the Oberon Tarana Heritage Railway Association Inc was formed to restore the line to its prior glory.
OTHR is a totally volunteer group of enthusiasts with a vision to restore the Oberon branch railway from NSW on the main western line to Oberon – for the purpose of operating a tourist railway.
The railway is to be completed in three stages during the next 10 years.
Stage one calls for restoration of the line to Hazelgrove and the station precinct.
Stage two calls for restoration of the line from Hazelgrove to Carlwood.
Stage three calls for restoration of the line from Carlwood to Tarana.
The Oberon to Tarana rail line passes through some of the most spectacular countryside in NSW.
The line contains some of the sharpest curves and steepest grades to be found anywhere.
“Our association has been active since 2006 and during that time we have restored approximately 5.6 kilometres of heritage railway line from Oberon to Hazelgrove,” Mr Arnison said.
“The heritage-listed Oberon Station and surrounds have been mostly restored and we have accumulated many pieces of rolling stock as well as two locomotives.
“In fact, OTHR has already spent approximately $2,500,000 in cash and in-kind to get the project to this point.
“OTHR is keen to get the project running as soon as possible and our target is $600,000.
“Although OTHR needs the target funding as soon as possible we would envisage all funds would be raised within 12 months.
“If all rail enthusiasts and members of our local community support us with small donations, even $1, then our target funding will be achieved.”
Initially, OTHR plans to operate two tours daily on weekends. Special restaurant tours and music tours would operate monthly and group tours at other times would be by appointment.
OTHR has a business plan forecasting operations for the next 10 years and that plan indicates what is feasible and will be self-funding in due course.
The volunteers at OTHR are very keen to see the target of $600,000 raised to allow them to fulfil their vision of 10 years.
Mr Arnison said the project will provide direct and indirect employment for many locals and will help Oberon continue to prosper.
“It goes without saying that OTHR will be extremely grateful to receive your financial support.
“Our challenge is to get your support and your challenge is to support this worthwhile long-term project for the benefit of Oberon and district.”
OTHR has set up a GoFundMe account: https://www.gofundme.com.2mhftk44
OTHR encourages supporters to browse the website http://othr.com.au/
Donations may also be made by post to PO Box 299, Oberon, NSW, 2787.