Photo: Greg Davis
The single track Main Western Railway reached Sodwalls and Tarana in April 1872 along a more-or-less direct route from Rydal. This route involved a number of steep grades and crossings of Solitary Creek. Around 1906, a deviation via Sodwalls was put in place at some time to lengthen the route rather than shorten it. The subsequent duplication of this line to Sodwalls was completed in May 1915 and the line later reverted to a single track. The old route retains a number of viaducts, the longest No. 6 Viaduct with four arches (photo above). Bricks for the construction of railway viaducts were made on several properties.
The village of Sodwalls is located about 150 kilometres west of Sydney and 16 kilometres south-west of the city of Lithgow. The village of Sodwalls is shown on an original 1867 work plan for the construction of the railway, as being established around the present ‘Sodwalls house.’ Granite was taken from several Sodwalls quarries for monumental works in 1957 used in the construction of Anzac House and the Bank of NSW building in Sydney. Theresa (Cissie) McLaughlin, a Catholic nun who was superior of Our Lady's Nurses for the Poor in Sydney, was born in Sodwalls in 1890.
Tarana is the former junction of the Oberon Branch railway with the Main Western Line. This branch line was notable for its steep 1 in 30 gradients and sharp 100 metres curves.
Rydal is a small village located about 22 kilometres west from the city of Lithgow about 6 km off the Great Western Highway. The Main Western Railway line passes through Rydal. Rydal station is serviced by daily Transport NSW train services to and from Sydney and Bathurst, as well as the Dubbo XPT passenger service. First settled in the 1820s, Rydal was located on Major Mitchell's main road to Bathurst, and was a busy village through the mid-1800s and early 1900s. The Great Western Highway by-passed Rydal in 1929.
The Rydal Agricultural and Horticultural Show is held at the Rydal Showgrounds on the first weekend of February, on the Saturday. There is plenty of entertainment for all ages. The Equestrian events are a big drawcard, as well as displays of local produce, art, photography and cooking. It is known as the "Biggest Little Show in The West". Daffodils at Rydal is a garden festival centered on Rydal's main street, gardens and parks, as well as open gardens in the nearby area. Held on the second weekend and third weekend of September the festival raises funds for charities. Always plenty to see and do with thousands of daffodils planted throughout the district.
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