South Coast Daylight Express Explained

South Coast Daylight Express
Type:Passenger train
Status:Ceased
First:1933
Last:20 January 1991
Formeroperator:New South Wales Government Railways Public Transport Commission State Rail Authority CityRail
Start:Sydney
End:Bomaderry
Distance:153 kilometres
Frequency:Daily
Line Used:Illawarra

The South Coast Daylight Express was a limited stops passenger train operated by the New South Wales Government Railways and its successors between Sydney and Bomaderry from 1933 until January 1991.

History

After departing Sydney Central it travelled via the Illawarra line calling at Hurstville, Wollongong, Kiama, Gerringong, Berry and Bomaderry. It continued to operate after the line was electrified to Wollongong in January 1986 but was withdrawn in January 1991 with DEB set railcars connecting with V set electrics at Wollongong.[1]

Rolling stock

It was originally formed of R set carriages painted green and cream.[2] From 1949 until 1957 it was formed of air-conditioned HUB carriages.

In March 1961, the 1100 class Budd diesel railcars took over.[3] From the late 1970s they were joined by the 1200 class Tulloch diesel railcars. Following a derailment at Erskineville in February 1983, they began to have their engines removed and became locomotive hauled stock with a 44, 421 or 422 class diesel usually hauling the sets. At various times DEB railcar, HUB and RUB stock operated the service.

Notes and References

  1. "The last Daylight" Railway Digest April 1991 page 118
  2. Book: Grunbach, Alex. A Compendium of New South Wales Steam Locomotives. 1989. Australian Railway Historical Society, NSW Division. Sydney. 0 909650 27 6. 122.
  3. Book: Cooke, David. Railmotors and XPTs. 1984. Australian Railway Historical Society, NSW Division. Sydney. 0 909650 23 3.