THINGS are going to start moving at the station precinct, according to Oberon Tarana Heritage Railway.
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OTHR has received confirmation from The Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator that its application for a variation to accreditation to shunt using a locomotive or tractor has been approved.
OTHR president Greg Bourne said OTHR can now shunt rolling stock in the Oberon yard - subject to local crewing.
"We will in time be able to move locomotives to the platform for open days and other special events such as heritage transport rallies," he said.
"This has been holding us up for some time and things will start moving at the station precinct on Lowes Mount Road."
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Mr Bourne said the news puts OTHR in a new league.
"The moving locos will attract train enthusiasts from all over the state," he said.
"It's very different to a static display. It will boost our open days. Members hope it will attract new members and visitors.
"The certifiable tracks have to cater for locos weighing 50 tons plus.
"In recent times, we have made a further application to John Holland Rail and Transport for NSW to vary our heritage operator licence north of Albion Street.
"This particular application includes some extra distance past Hazelgrove to just south of the Snake Valley Bridge."
Mr Bourne said in the meantime, work is progressing on the platform project and the timber has been delivered.
"Tenders will be called when the Department of Environment and Heritage completes its assessment of the project," he said.
OTHR's mission is to be an accredited rail operator to run a tourist train from Oberon station to Tarana station on the main western line.
This would allow for tourists to ride in a diesel locomotive-hauled heritage train along the Oberon-Tarana branch line, which was also known as the pioneer line.
"The running of this train would generate tourist-related jobs and give residents an opportunity by volunteering at Oberon Tarana Heritage Railway to enhance rail heritage in the local area," Mr Bourne said.
"We look forward to busy and exciting times ahead."