I suspect the wait at SCS was for a spark to cross-over our line.
Some (mostly subjective) notes on its performance on the Down (according to GPS):
- Accelerated to 80 kph before Clarkefield.
- Struggled a bit up to Gisborne as R761 wasn't steaming that well.
- Performed strongly up Macedon bank which was topped at about 45 kph and before long we were blasting thru Woodend at 80k.
- Extended periods of fast 80k or so running to Malmsbury viaduct.
- Standing-start run to Elphinstone tunnel was very strong.
On the Up:
- Chewton Bank initially 50 kph, but slowed to 24k at tunnel entrance.
- Up the hill from Taradale viaduct was a struggle as we crawled along at mostly less than 20k.
- After the steepest section towards Malmsbury we took off but had to slow for viaduct, after which it was another slog.
- Near Kyneton the pace quickened considerably and we topped the Divide at about 63 kph. (Heaps of smoke produced around this time too)
- Much of the rest of the trip was spent coasting at 80kph or so. Watergardens to Sunshine was likewise fast.
Not sure how that compares to other steam-hauled tours, but perhaps some of you might find the above interesting.
