6. Derailing a derailing, what if …

Three kids beneath Werrington Creek railway crossing.

Rail Across Werrington Creek

Pennies on the track – flattened.

What about a brick? Let’s try!

Half-brick placed on track. Trio hides. Wait.

Passenger train punctures horizon east. Clicketty-click. Louder. Clicketty-click.

Heart thumps. Jump. Run. Grab. Toss. Brick splashed not smashed.

Passengers passed safely. What if they didn’t?

What if they didn’t?

A Bit Extra:

This is the third entry related to trains or train tracks – it could lead you to the conclusion that the railway is a vital element of the history and psyche of most Penrith residents. Even if you don’t come to that conclusion, how’s about another train song ..

One of my favourite train songs comes from fabulous The Velvet Underground album of 1970 – Loaded – the song:  Train Round The Bend.

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5. I hear that train a-comin’ …

Nepean River rail bridge.

Nepean River Railway Bridge

Climb out and down – from tracks to pylon. Sit. Wait. Water below.

A lo-o-o-ong way below.

Steam train comin’. Water spurting. Hot. Scalding.

Easy choice … except all vertical space is a barrier.

Everybody loves the sound of a train in the distance.*

Bullshit.

Jump. Scream. Splash.

A lot of air betwixt track and splash.

* Train in the Distance from Paul Simon’s 1983 album  Hearts and Bones .

(listen to Train in the Distance here)

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4. Through the fence into strife!

Penrith Infants School. Backed by tracks, wire fence-gate keeps trains ‘n’ traffic out, and most kids in.

Exceptions: scallywags intent on “out of bounds” thrills. Once out, the challenge: hit the track?

Zippers down. Liquid arcs stream from the bank.

“Hey, you boys!”

Caught. In trouble – for escaping? Leaking? Both!

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