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TheMerriwa railway line in theHunter Valley of northernNew South Wales, Australia, branches from theMain North line atMuswellbrook and travels south west toDenman then generally north west throughSandy Hollow toMerriwa, a distance of approximately 80 kilometres (50 mi). The line opened to Denman on 26 April 1915, and to Merriwa on 29 October 1917.[1]CPH railmotor operated passenger service ceased on 7 July 1973.[2]
The first 38 kilometres was rebuilt to main line standards in the early 1980s as part of the construction of theSandy Hollow - Gulgong railway line.[3] The section north west of Sandy Hollow closed with the last grain train hauled by four48 class locomotives running on 8 May 1987.[4] The Merriwa line was severed at on 11 December 1996.[5]
There are three mines, Bengalla and Mount Pleasant, just south west and west of Muswellbrook and Mangoola, half way to Denman withballoon loops of this line and a number ofpassing sidings have been built with the traffic to/from the three mines atUlan.[6][7][8]
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A small group tried to form a preservation society (which was to be calledMerriwa Railway Museum) to restore the station and goods shed to their original condition, as well as the railway yard including the historic steam era turntable and steam locomotive water column. The aim was to restore the line and have a steam locomotive run on it again using historicNew South Wales Government Railways rolling stock. It was intended for tourists and train enthusiasts alike. This group was started in early 2002 but failed to progress.
A new railway society,The Merriwa Railway Society Incorporated (MRS), was officially launched in Merriwa on 24 October 2009, with more than 42 locals and rail enthusiasts in attendance.[9] Consultation has been undertaken withUpper Hunter Shire Council, theAustralian Rail Track Corporation and the Independent Transport Safety and Reliability Regulator.
Since August 2009, the intentions and plans of MRS have been reported in five regional and Sydney based newspapers and on theABC Upper Hunter radio station, increasing local residents' awareness of the heritage railway restoration plans. Of recent times the appearance of the station has improved with painting.
Media related toMerriwa railway line at Wikimedia Commons
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