Oberon railway line
| Oberon railway line | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Overview | |||
| Other name(s) | Oberon branch | ||
| Status | closed | ||
| Termini |
Tarana Oberon |
||
| Stations | 4 | ||
| Operation | |||
| Opened | 3 October 1923 | ||
| Closed | 1979 | ||
| Technical | |||
| Line length | 15 miles 7 chains (24.3 km) | ||
| Number of tracks | 1 | ||
| Track gauge | 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) | ||
| Minimum radius | 5 chains (330 ft; 100 m) | ||
| Highest elevation | 1,106 m (3,629 ft) | ||
| Maximum incline | 4% | ||
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The Oberon railway line is a short, disused branch railway line in western New South Wales, Australia. The line branches from the Main West at Tarana and heads in a southerly direction to the town of Oberon. It was earlier put forward as a line from Tarana to Burraga to benefit the Burraga copper mine. It opened on 3 October 1923. The line was lightly constructed with steep grades (1 in 25) and tight curves, and was operated by lightweight steam and then diesel locomotives. It transported local seasonal vegetables, timber and livestock. Passenger services ended in 1971, and goods services were suspended in 1979 with the line effectively closing. The line is currently being restored by a volunteer association to allow heritage and tourist operation.
The early history of the line is contained in an article appearing in Australian Railway Historical Society Bulletin, July, 1958.
Since 2007, the Oberon Tarana Heritage Railway Inc (OTHR) have been steadily restoring the track between Oberon station and Hazelgrove. Two end platform carriages (on loan from NSWRTM) and some smaller wagons have been delivered and are on the tracks in Oberon station. Two 73 class diesel locos have moved and CPH 13 is awaiting shipment to Oberon to form the OTHR's motive power. It is the long-term goal of the association to run trains all the way to the mainline at Tarana.
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