Vale Bernie Baker

 

One of Bernie's photos of back to back 3rd series X classes departing Ballarat on the Overland.

Sad news today with the passing of Bernie Baker. I first met Bernie in the 1980's before his accident, waiting track side on the North East line for a late running tour train. I was having trouble taking photos in the overcast conditions and Bernie stepped in providing advice on what settings to use in low light conditions. He was always generous with sharing his knowledge and stories of the Victorian Railways. Over the years if I have had prototype information that I was missing for a modelling project I would contact Bernie. He would usually know the answer or have a photo in his collection of the item that I needed. Some of Bernie's stories have been replicated on my Ballarat layout and I thought it might be fitting to share one including some of Bernie's own words. 

C503 first trip west after overhaul and repainting in V/Line colours was on the 7th October 1984 when it was paired with B63 on the 8125 Ballarat pass. The two locos had no trouble maintaining the schedule arriving on time at Ballarat at 6.10pm.

The N set and D van were shunted to the carriage shed by C503 and B63 and the locos then ran to Ballarat East Locomotive Depot to stable overnight. B63 will return to Melbourne on Monday mornings 8118 pass, while C503 will run a wheat extra with a long rake of GY's to Geelong departing in the early hours of Monday morning.

B63 and C503 are stabled at the Fuelpoint at Ballarat East Locomotive Depot. S312 and S303 in the adjacent road have recently returned from ballast train duties.

In the wee hours on Monday 8 October 1984 and as a boy fireman with Driver Fred Nelson, we worked it (C503) out of Ballarat on a rake of GY’s. We changed over at Nth Geelong and the train went to Melbourne. As I always take the camera to work, so here’s a shot at Meredith while in the loop for a cross.

We would often go crook about Ballarat being cold, especially with change overs or adding locos at 0300 in July. However, it was a great place to railfan as there was always something happening😀

RIP Bernie Baker, Your friendship will be missed by the railway community. 

C503 idles away near Ballarat East Box. C503 will shortly commence the climb up Warrenheip bank on its journey towards Geelong with driver Fred Nelson and fireman Bernie Baker at the controls.