This two-stage multi geocache is part of the SideTracked series that is popular in the UK and throughout the world. It is designed to be a relatively quick cache find around train stations for travellers but, of course, anyone else can find it too! There's a small pencil included but it's always good to bring your own writing implement to sign the log.
To learn more about the series, visit the website at the following link...
SideTracked Series
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Capertee Station
Capertee Station, when still in use. Note the ganger's vehicle paying a visit. (1984)
Image: Graeme Skeet - NSWrail.net
This historic railway station was built in 1882. It is a typical type 4 ‘standard roadside station’, a design introduced from the late 1870s by the New South Wales Government Railway (NSWGR), Engineer-in-Chief, John Whitton (1820-98).
John Whitton
Image: State Library of NSW
The design drawings for Capertee station were signed by Whitton on 17th February 1882. The plans were exhibited in Sydney from 28th February to 14th March 1882. John Briton and William Cameron won the tender to build the railway station, the nearby goods warehouse (since demolished), and the still existing Station Master’s House.
Station Master's Cottage
Image: Capertee Heritage
This station was the terminus for stage one of the Wallerawang to Gwabegar branch line. Stage one opened in May 1882, with a 23 mile section of track from Wallerawang (on the main western line) to Capertee Camp (as Capertee was then known). The 330 feet long railway station platform at Capertee Camp (and stage one of the railway) was opened on 15th May 1882. The line was opened prior to completion of construction of the railway station building. Capertee Camp was renamed Capertee one month after the line opened. The Capertee railway station building was completed on 26th June 1882.
Sign on station platform
Image: Capertee Heritage Website
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**Please Note**
No longer are there passenger services to Capertee however the railway line is still in use with coal trains travelling through periodically, day or night. Please do not venture onto the tracks.
To find this cache, look around the Capertee Station precinct for the following:
A = Number of brown, vertical palings on picket fence, eastern end of platform.
B = Total number of chimneys on all roofs.
C = Total number of upwardly pointing points on the end of all roof ridges.
D = Total number of decorative holes in both ends of the verandah. Count carefully. Don't include the two small holes at both ends.
E = Total number of white electrical insulators attached to both ends of the verandah.
F = Total number of air vents, at shin height or lower, around all the station buildings. Include the one with the black pipe coming out of it.
Checksum (digits above) = 110
S33° 08.(A-43)(B-2)(C-5)
E149° 59.(D-31)(E-4)(F-10)
Lachlan Valley Railway's 4204 at the head of a heritage train at Capertee, 2019
Image: Pete_W - dpreview.com
FTF Honours
Irondale
A Superb SideTracker
Did you know that NSW has a geocaching association? Geocaching NSW aims to enhance and improve the activity of geocaching and holds regular events where geocachers meet to enjoy their common interests. Visit the association website here.