Congratulations On Your Retirement Collin Suprain

Well known, and very well respected long time Locomotive Driver Collin (Supertrain) Suprain has decided to pull up stumps on his illustrious 60 year career.

The following tribute was made by Chris Mead

All of us that know Col, worked with Col, past and present, would like to wish him the very best for his retirement and future ventures.

Please read on for an insight of Col’s journey and career that spanned well over half a century.

I was fortunate enough to sit down with Col at one of his local Pubs to try and piece together and pen down his career, and this is what we came up with.

You’ll need to forgive us for not including exact dates of all the depot changes and durations at the many depots Col worked out of, as we were a few beers in.

Col started his career on the railways waaaaaaaaaay back in 1964 as a trainee Engineman at Enfield.

Col continued to work at Enfield for some time as a Fireman gaining qualifications in all Steam Locomotives until moving to Delec as an Acting Driver.

Col then moved on to Hawkesbury River on a temporary transfer basis to work the Bank Engines assisting trains up Cowan bank for approximately 3yrs or so.

Col then went back to Enfield for another short stint there, then managed to find himself working out of his “Home Base” of Gosford for a period of time.

After his time at Gosford, Hornsby would be his next choice of location for the next 3yrs or so.

In 1977 Col moved again, from Hornsby back to Gosford where he stayed until the mid 90’s.

In 1994 after leaving Gosford and Passenger Trains, Col joined the ranks of National Rail at SFT driving freight trains.

Col spent and really enjoyed the remainder of his career (28yrs) working out of SFT mentoring newbies and steering freight trains and one of his favourite trains, The Indian Pacific, all around the countryside until he called it a day in November of 2022.

Being qualified in almost every Steam, Electric and Diesel powered locomotive known to man, Col’s longevity within the industry has had him witness and be a part of many, many changes (some good and some bad) and all things railway related.

Col’s ability and many, many years of experience also gained him notoriety amongst his peers as one of the best train handlers and Locomotive Drivers around, I’d like to add, not only is he a Guru at wiggling the sticks, this guy is a true gentleman, fair dinkum bloody good bloke and a great friend to many.

I think I can safely say from all of us that know him and have worked alongside him, Col, your experience and knowledge of the job, humour and camaraderie will definitely be missed.

We all sincerely hope you enjoy your retirement and live life to the fullest from here on.

I’ll finish up with a “Fun Fact” and cool story about Col that many may not know.

In the Bi-Centenary year of 1988, Col was the driver of Loco 3642 and his mate, Ted Power, on Fireman duties and in the company of Loco Inspector Maurie Johnson, were involved in a publicity race/stunt of a Train, and a Tigermoth Plane having a race from Morisset to Ourimbah. I do have it on good authority (from Col) that 3642 and crew kicked the Tigermoth’s arse that day.

Cheers from us all and good luck Ol’ Mate