Whistlestop<strong>Bus</strong>sies On BikesSeptember 13th – 19th 2009<strong>Bus</strong>sies on Bikes is a charity fundraising event sponsoredby the RTBU <strong>Bus</strong> Division <strong>and</strong> open to all riders willingto take up the challenge <strong>of</strong> multi day cycling.A committee <strong>of</strong> <strong>Bus</strong> Operators from State Transit hasset a challenge to all employees friends <strong>and</strong> families toraise money <strong>and</strong> awareness on the effects <strong>of</strong> cancer in oursociety.100% <strong>of</strong> Australians will be affected by cancer in theirlifetime either personally or a direct family member.Canteen provides support when this statistic reaches youngpeople who need special attention to psychologically dealwith their situation, while the Australian Cancer ResearchFoundation financially supports research to help lessenthat statistic.Our challenge this year is to raise $100,000, <strong>and</strong> we needyour help to participate <strong>and</strong> support the fundraising goals<strong>of</strong> riders.This year is a shorter circular route only 7 days 638kms,fully supported, camp site accommodation, trucks carryyour luggage, you get three meals a day plus morning <strong>and</strong>afternoon tea, <strong>and</strong> a sad wagon will pick you up if youhave a bike malfunction or just can’t go on.Entry fee is $600 <strong>and</strong> totally refundable should you raise$2500 or more.We’ll provide a ride guide which will include fundraisingtips, training tips <strong>and</strong> overnight accommodation.We’ll group you up with people <strong>of</strong> your own ability soyou won’t be cycling alone, it’s a great adventure <strong>and</strong> lots<strong>of</strong> fun, send your entry today.For an entry form or more information contact NarelleSinclair at Brookvale bus depot or phone 0438 119 304.RTBU activist Narelle Sinclair <strong>and</strong> her 2008 co-ridersPage 20 raIL & ROAD June 2009
<strong>Rail</strong> peopleVale Ian Thornton (16 October 1945–24 April 2009)On Friday 24 April, the New South Wales <strong>and</strong> indeed theAustralian railway community, learnt <strong>of</strong> the passing <strong>of</strong> IanCampbell Thornton from ill health at Nepean Hospital. Ian wasa long serving Engineman on the <strong>NSW</strong> <strong>Rail</strong>ways as well as a prominentpreservationist. He was also a regular <strong>and</strong> highly respected driver <strong>of</strong> mainline heritage steam <strong>and</strong> diesel hauled tours over a number <strong>of</strong> decades.Ian was born at Stanmore on 16 October 1945 to George <strong>and</strong> Norma.Ian’s love for trains saw him join the railways at Enfield on 12 December1960 as an Enginemen.After a time at Enfield, Ianwas posted to Dubbo on loan.Those who knew him possessfond memories <strong>of</strong> Ian tellingmany stories <strong>of</strong> his time thereworking on Garratt’s <strong>and</strong>many other engines. After aperiod at Dubbo, Ian wentback to Enfield, <strong>and</strong> then onto Eveleigh. Ian later took upan appointment as a driver atHornsby where his stayed fora few years before becominga Loco <strong>In</strong>spector based inSydney. Ian then took up aposition at Lithgow wherehe remained as an <strong>In</strong>spectorat Lithgow before takingredundancy from the railways.Following this, he took upthe position <strong>of</strong> OperationsManager for 3801 Limited.Throughout this time Ian was aregular fireman, <strong>and</strong> eventuallydriver on many <strong>NSW</strong> railwayenthusiast tours from the1960s until 2009.One <strong>of</strong> Ian’s other pleasureswas training people <strong>and</strong>teaching them the right way <strong>of</strong>doing things. This stayed withhim until the end, working forthe <strong>In</strong>struction Company as atrainer. Recently, whilst talkingto a close friend when he wasin hospital following a backoperation (where it was alsodiscovered he had leukemia),Ian confessed that he would behappy just to continue doing abit <strong>of</strong> training. Ian had a greatknowledge <strong>of</strong> many things <strong>and</strong>was always happy to pass thisknowledge on to others.Above: Ian Thornton in the cab <strong>of</strong> 3642 awaits the right <strong>of</strong> way from thedeparture road <strong>of</strong> Goulburn Loco after the 36 <strong>and</strong> 3526 were servicedthere during the RTM’s trip to the Brigadoon Highl<strong>and</strong> Festival onSaturday 5 April 2008. David PotterDave Edwards who was the State <strong>Rail</strong> Locomotive Operation Manager,<strong>and</strong> for a time Ian’s boss, had this say about the man: “Ian was the King <strong>of</strong>the Mountain <strong>and</strong> had no peer in relation to the training <strong>and</strong> management<strong>of</strong> staff in train operations on the short west. Also, his love <strong>and</strong> expertise onsteam locomotives will be greatly missed.”Ian’s love <strong>of</strong> steam was immense. If it was not for Ian’s drive <strong>and</strong>motivation, the Zig Zag <strong>Rail</strong>way, Lithgow, would not be operating today.It might amaze some that the present success <strong>of</strong> the Zig Zag <strong>Rail</strong>waycould be linked to a 1968 June Long Weekend motor vehicle accident inSouth Australia (while in pursuit <strong>of</strong> Garratts!), after which Ian, <strong>and</strong> fellowpassenger John Griffin, had to be hospitalised.It was during this recovery that Ian had his vision <strong>of</strong> a return <strong>of</strong>steam to the Zig Zag. Even with the <strong>NSW</strong> Commissioner for <strong>Rail</strong>waysnot supporting Ian’s vision for the concept, his determination <strong>and</strong>enthusiasm drove him interstate to seek locomotives <strong>and</strong> rolling stock,The trips saw him successfully acquire steam locomotives <strong>and</strong> carriagesfrom Queensl<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> South Australia.It was Ian’s idea <strong>and</strong> dream to build a steam railway on the old formation<strong>of</strong> Zig Zag. He worked tirelessly to fight through red tape to bring hisdream to reality. This state has a world-class tourist attraction because <strong>of</strong>one man’s dream. The love <strong>of</strong>steam did not end here. Ianloved travel, <strong>and</strong> he travelledall over Australia <strong>and</strong> theworld looking at, riding on<strong>and</strong> photographing trains.Friends <strong>of</strong>ten reminisce aboutthe pleasure <strong>of</strong> travelling withIan <strong>and</strong> have fond memories <strong>of</strong>photographing steam aroundthe world with him. Ian was alsovery fortunate to be one <strong>of</strong> thefew to work steam right acrossthe continent twice, once onthe Western Endeavour in 1970,<strong>and</strong> again with 3801, this timewith Flying Scotsman in 1988.Ian’s last run as driver was onSunday 1 March this year whenhe drove 3642 from Thirlmere toSydney, returning a trainload <strong>of</strong>happy passengers from a day atthe annual Festival <strong>of</strong> Steam.<strong>In</strong> 1990 Ian married JaniceTanswell in Lithgow. Ian <strong>and</strong>Janice settled at Clarencewhere Ian’s kind heart took onJanice children from a previousmarriage <strong>and</strong> treated them ashis own. He loved them all. Theirlove <strong>of</strong> Ian was shown by tearsin their eyes at his funeral. Ian issurvived by his mother Norma<strong>and</strong> sisters Kerrie <strong>and</strong> Kim<strong>and</strong> his many kids, gr<strong>and</strong>kids,nephews <strong>and</strong> nieces. Ian hada heart stronger than a ‘38er’<strong>and</strong> looked after his family <strong>and</strong>friends <strong>and</strong> will be missed bymany. Those that have learntfrom Ian carry his knowledge<strong>and</strong> ability into the future, <strong>and</strong>we must all keep his spirit alive.His death leaves an enormous void in the rail industry, <strong>and</strong>especially in the rail preservation movement. Ian was highly respectedby so many. No more clearly was this evident than at his funeral onWednesday 29 April where there was a huge outpouring <strong>of</strong> grief <strong>and</strong>devotion amongst the st<strong>and</strong>ing-room only congregation. A huge void isleft in the hearts <strong>of</strong> his family, <strong>and</strong> <strong>of</strong> his many friends <strong>and</strong> associates.Those who knew Ian knew a truly great man, <strong>and</strong> will remember himfor creating so many fond memories <strong>and</strong> friendships <strong>and</strong> for doing hispart in keeping the heritage scene alive. Those who missed out on hisfriendship have missed something very special.Kindly contributed by Phil Smith, Tony Healey <strong>and</strong> others who knew <strong>and</strong>fondly miss Ian.8 RAILWAY DIGESTReprinted from <strong>Rail</strong>way DigestRAIL & ROAD June 2009 Page 21
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