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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Clarence Station - Zig Zag
Image: bluemountainsaustralia.com
The Lithgow Zig Zag is a heritage-listed former zig zag railway line built near Lithgow on the Great Western Line of New South Wales. The Zig Zag line operated between 1869 and 1910, to overcome an otherwise insurmountable climb and descent on the western side of the Blue Mountains.
John Whitton
Image: State Library of NSW
The Zig Zag was designed by the Engineer-in-Charge of New South Wales Government Railways, John Whitton, and built from 1863 to 1869 by Patrick Higgins as contractor. The property is owned by the NSW State Government. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.
The original plan had been to build a 2-mile (3.2 km) tunnel. However, this was beyond the resources of the Colonial Government at the time. In 1866 the tunnel was estimated to cost $800,000 for the construction. However, due to this enormous cost, construction time and, as John Whitton reported at the time, it would have been difficult to get a contractor to undertake such difficult work, John Whitton selected the zig zag method of ascent and descent.
Image: Wikipedia
The zig zag alternative still required several short tunnels and some viaducts. After consideration of several alternate routes the Great Western Railway was extended along the high ridge of the Darling Causeway from Mount Victoria to link up with the zig-zag section.
The old Clarence Station is now used as the upper passenger connection point for the Zig Zag Railway which runs heritage steam trains for visitors.
Image: Dennis Rittson - Flickr
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All the answers to the following can be found from the carpark side of the black chain fencing. There is no need to go onto railway property.
A = Total number of windows (with or without glass) on the two carriages facing the carpark.
B = Number of yellow light poles, with or without light fittings, on the station platform.
C = Number of rubber carpark stoppers adjacent to black chain fence on the Lithgow side of the pedestrian station entrance gate.
D = Number of brown vertical posts supporting station building verandahs. (both of them)
E = Concrete power pole in carpark opposite station building. Number of kg. Add the four digits together.
F = Summit (in feet) above sea level. Add the four digits together.
Checksum (numbers above): South = 93, East = 39
The cache is located at:
S33° 28. (A-35)(B-1)(C-36)
E150° 13.(D-6)(E-3)(F-20)
Lachlan Valley Railway steam locomotive 5917 returns to Sydney hauling the 'Cockatoo Run/Illawarra Tree-top Flyer' on Sunday, 14 December 2008, pictured east of Robertson.
Image: Robertson Heritage Railway Station Inc
FTF Honours
lee737 and Samuel737
Super Sedulous SideTrackers
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.