Really SideTracked - Thornleigh Zig Zag Railway
The Thornleigh Zig Zag Railway was the third and last in NSW. It was built in 1883 by Amos & Co and opened in 1884. It was a branch line of the Northern Line, starting just north of Thornleigh Station. The line descended about 35 metres to a quarry on Hall's Creek (later named Zig Zag Creek).
Present day quarry
There were two reversing stations and crushed sandstone was hauled up to Thornleigh Station, where it was used as ballast for railway sleepers on the main line construction. The zig zag made it easier to ascend and descend the steep grade. This branch line was short lived and closed before 1900. Evidence of the line can still be found in a cutting near Thornleigh Station and embankments in the bush. The line was 1.2 kilometres long and a lot of the route has now been covered by residential development.
A railway zig zag (like a letter Z) is used when a train is required to change direction so it can continue its journey. A zig zag or switch back solves the problem of steep gradients and means less earthworks are needed.
Now for the cache. You must sign the log to claim the find.
This cache is not located at the listed co-ordinates. To find the new co-ordinates you need to find the following information. No spoiler photos please.
At the listed co-ordinates you will see a sign.
A. How many letters are in the 3rd word of the title (above the text)? Subtract 2.
B. How many attachments are used to fix the top of the sign to the post? Add 1.
C. How many letters are in the name of the park mentioned on the sign? Subtract 3.
D. How many trains are depicted on the sign?
F. How many words are in the last 3 lines of text combined? Add 1.
At the quarry waypoint
E. How many log seats are located in the quarry? Add 2.
Final is at S 33 43. A B C E 151 04. D E F Checksum S 14, E 19.
Remains of original line
About SideTracked Caches
This cache belongs to the SideTracked series. It is not designed to take you to a magical place with a breath taking view. It's a distraction for the weary traveller, but anyone else can go and find it too. More Information can be found on the SideTracked Series website at www.sidetrackedseries.info