Cooma Monaro Railway

 

Water Tower

One of the few major features of Cooma Yard that was removed before the CMR took over was the water tank/tower. This serviced the steam engines that were the original motive power on the line. As one of the significant goals of the CMR is to restore the yard to 'original' condition, another water tower was located in country NSW, transported to Cooma and erected just a few yards from the old site by the engine shed. The 'new' tower is is the same type, but larger than the original. The photo below shows how prominent a landmark the tower is now.

The tower fed water to the engine refilling point located in the yard in front of the shed. This too has been recreated as it used to be.

Paths

New footpaths have been laid down connecting the station with the engine shed, water tower and the barracks. The paths make it easier for CMR personnel and visitors to access the features of the precinct. (Certainly better for CMR members staying overnight in the barracks - no more stumbling in the dark now the paths and powerful automatic lighting are in place).

Give us a Sign!

Recent additions around the precinct are the explanatory signs that adorn our tourist paths. The signs explain some of the history of the feature that is located at that site (eg barracks, shed, turntable etc).

By following the path around the precinct and reading the signs, visitors can conduct their own 'self guided' tours at times when the railway is not operating.

 

Flower Garden

Some time ago we mentioned the attempt by a member's wife to start a flower garden in front of the Barracks opposite the station. Well, it has been a running battle with the rabbits and the frosts, but our photo shows that she is winning the fight, and colour is now becoming visible where there was none before. Well done!