Glimpses of Blackheath 15

Last time we glimpsed at Blackheath officially (i.e. if you don't count those BBC shots) we were here. Okay turn right and cross the highway via the pedestrian crossing, walk another five metres or so and here we are - a different time of day though.

We are standing on the railway line (or very close to it) because this is the level crossing which allows cars and pedestrians across to the western half of town, on to Shipley Plateau and down to the Megalong Valley.

This is the main western line from Sydney to agricultural and mining centres in the New South Wales interior. Fully laden kilometre length coal trains roar through here all day and all night. Flat car trains laden with shipping containers do likewise while the Indian Pacific express carries tourists and their vehicles onto Broken Hill, Adelaide and Perth. This is a serious rail line and that shine gives some indication of its frequent use.

The crossing itself seems pretty safe. With the coming of a train, road and footpath barriers wind their way into place with plenty of time to spare. I have no knowledge of anyone ever being injured here ... except potentially for complete idiots who take pictures of such things as these.