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
---------- << O >> ----------
Bowenfels Station
Image: Wikipedia
Bowenfels Railway Station is a heritage-listed disused railway station located on the Main Western line.
The sandstone station opened on 18 October 1869 with the construction of the railway and was electrified in 1957 as part of the Blue Mountains line electrification programme. The electrification was to continue to Wallerawang but was curtailed 300m west of Bowenfels Station. On 14 August 1972, the station staff were removed and two of the three daily passenger services were cut back to Lithgow, with the remaining service following on 21 September 1974 and the station closed.
In 1989, with State Rail Authority road coaches causing congestion around Lithgow station, one of the solutions considered was building an interchange at Bowenfels and reinstating electric services from Sydney. The idea wasn't pursued with an interchange being built at Lithgow instead. The station was restored in 1994 and operated as the Lithgow Tourist Information Office until 2004. A new Visitor Information Centre was built nearby that year, the main feature being a giant representation of a miner's lamp. Although not in regular use the overhead electric wires remain in situ and up until at least 1987 were kept serviceable by running light engine movements.
Image: Facebook - Explored Visions by GD
Quaint and rustic, the railway buildings have a distinctly English air. With their steeply sloping slate roofs, attractive verandahs and intricate work in both stone and wooden joinery, they conspicuously lacked any stamp of a uniform government building.
Built on a simple rectangular plan with a verandah front and rear, the station included a ladies’ waiting room, main waiting room, ticket office and Station Master’s office. Housed in small rooms on either side were the luggage room and ladies’ bathroom. Considered of lesser significance, the gentlemen’s toilet was a smaller room adjoining the ladies’ bathroom.
The small waiting rooms appear strangely misproportioned with their 5.5m ceilings and exterior walls 35cm thick. A fireplace positioned in each room catered for the comfort of passengers.
New South Wales Government Railways engineer, John Clifton, was responsible for the design of the building, which is described today as one of the finest examples of railway architecture of its period on the western line.
Both the station and the residence served their original purpose until Bowenfels was closed in 1974. despite the dramatic growth of Lithgow in the latter part of last century, Bowenfels, for many years continued to be recognised as the major centre.
The trains still roar past Bowenfels Station, a far cry from the clatter and hiss of steam, signalling the more stately arrival of their early counterparts, but nevertheless another chapter in the evolution of transport to the west.
The XPT zooming through the level crossing adjacent to the Bowenfels Railway Station
Image: YouTube
Sources: Wikipedia - Bowenfels Railway Station; Lithgow Tourism - Bowenfels Railway Station
To Find This Cache:
1. Go to the western or non-Lithgow end of the station building. Be aware that trains still travel along this line past the station.
2. Look for the only word stamped on the only door at this end.
3. Enter the word into the Certitude checker to receive the GZ coordinates and hint.
You can validate your puzzle solution with
certitude.
---------------<<<000>>>---------------
FTF Honours
Joshwa27
A Stupendous 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.