Northern Mail Explained

Northern Mail
Type:Passenger train
Status:Ceased
Last:27 November 1988
Formeroperator:State Rail Authority
Start:Sydney
End:Tenterfield
Moree
Distance:774 km (Tenterfield)
666 km (Moree)
Frequency:daily in each direction
Trainnumber:NL7/NL8
Line Used:Main North
Mungindi

The Northern Mail was an Australian passenger train that ran from Sydney to Armidale, Glen Innes, Tenterfield and Moree from the 1870s until November 1988.

The service ran overnight from Sydney via the Main North line to Werris Creek where the train divided. One portion continued to Moree while the other continued until Armidale. This latter service continued to Glen Innes and Tenterfield on certain nights.

From January 1960, the Sydney to Gosford portion of the trip was hauled by 46 class electric locomotives and from June 1984 this was extended to Broadmeadow following electrification.

The Northern Mail ceased operating in November 1988.[1] [2] [3]

Notes and References

  1. "Requiem for a Mail" Railway Digest January 1989 page 14
  2. "Last Passengers" Railway Digest January 1989 page 20
  3. "Melbourne-Sydney Standard Gauge Relief Trains" Australian Railway History April 2012