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2013 - Retrospective

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      Carnot Minister for Railways

    It's that time of the year again!

    Highlights/lowlights of the Heritage Rail Scene in your neck-of-the-woods for 2013?

    For me (a Victorian):
    Highlight on a train - R761 & D3 639 ripping thru Riddells Creek on Oct 26 at speed.  Epic departure from Echuca on June long-weekend trip too.

    Highlight trackside - R761 & R707 giving it heaps thru Ginifer after a stop at Sunshine (Maldon/Bgo in Sept).

    Most consistent consist - Both Rail & Sails to Geelong (all red carriages & good loads for the respective locos).

    Most unusual consist - D3 639, water gin, 80BW, & Macedon (transfer to Maldon).

    Chilled out trip - Impromptu Jazz Band on K190-K153 return from Hurstbridge at night.

    Branchline - Maldon Steam Spectacular photo stops.

    Narrowgauge - the recommissioning of Climax 1694.

    Lowlights - Perhaps R711 not being in steam?  Points failure at Brooklyn for 2nd Snow train with resultant 2 hr delay?


    In summary, a pretty good year with some interesting trips, and D3 639 having a particularly busy schedule.  2014 is shaping up to be a cracker with some anniversary trips and the possible return of A2 986.
    Posted: 23 Dec 2013 11:53

    Last edited by Carnot on 23 Dec 2013 11:54; edited 1 time in total

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      Salty21 Junior Train Controller

    Location: Canberra
    Looks like you had a great year in Victoria! For me I am looking forward to the trials and commissioning of Australia s biggest steam locomotive! In 2014 this will be a huge year in Preservation circles!

    To all those within the Preservation movement have a Safe, Happy Christmas and a great year in 2014 keep on steaming on!
    Posted: 23 Dec 2013 18:04
      VRfan Moderator

    Location: In front of my computer :-p
    Highlight on a train - Riding to Bullarto in 63RM for the first time since the 2009 fires on the DSCR members christmas special

    Highlight trackside - Y159 powering upgrade towards Wheelers Hill Rd level crossing with the ballast train on 14 August 2013 at the DSCR

    Most consistent consist - Steamrail shuttles to Hurstbridge or the Ballarat shuttles. All red eliptical roof W cars.

    Most unusual consist - VGR's load tests behind J549

    Chilled out trip - Sitting back with a cold beer on the top deck of the Houseboat MV Pure Paradise while cruising the Murray River with a group of DSCR volunteers. I know it's not a train, but I don't care. Razz

    Branchline - 621/721 to Oaklands.

    Narrowgauge - Puffing Billy wood collection train with 8A

    Lowlights - People who steal from preservation groups.
    Posted: 24 Dec 2013 21:59
      K160 Minister for Railways

    Location: Bendigo
    Highlights for me:

    -A ride behind DERM 58RM between Castlemaine and Maldon in van 16ZLP.
    -The Maldon Steam Spectacular.
    -The return to service of 3 steam locos during the year: Climax 1694, 12A and J549.
    -The first visit of a D3 to Maldon for 40 years.
    -Pullman car Macedon transfered to the VGR.
    -R761 putting on a great show departing Bendigo for Echuca on the Steamrail Northern weekender.
    -A ride around the Brooklyn Freight loop aboard 58RM.

    2014 should be a good year with the expected return of A2 986 as already mentioned. Hopefully something will run to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Echuca line as well.
    Posted: 25 Dec 2013 17:53
      GeoffreyHansen Minister for Railways

    Location: In a FAM sleeper
    Highlights for me. I'm not sure if this is the right answer.

    Steamranger Goolwa to Victor Harbor hauled by 621 and return by Brill railcar

    SDSR Warwick to Wallangara hauled by C17 971

    Ekka Special an SX set hauled by BB18 1/4 1089

    The Southern Aurora Carriages at Sydney Central in June
    Posted: 26 Dec 2013 11:35

    Last edited by GeoffreyHansen on 26 Dec 2013 12:37; edited 1 time in total
      MC3801 Train Controller

    My favorite highlights for the year:

    *Going to the Festival of Steam, 3rd March 2013
    *Going to the Hunter Valley Steamfest, 13th-14th April 2013
    *Travelling in the GMS1 Observation Carriage behind 3265 in the Great Train Race with 3016, 14th April 2013
    *Visiting the National Railway Museum at Port Adelaide, July 2013
    *Travelling on board the Overland, July 2013
    *Travelling on the Harden Day Train, 1st September (Fathers Day) 2013
    *Travelling on the Newcastle Flyer behind 4520 & 4490, 27th October 2013
    *TrainSpotting At Sandgate Station, 27th October 2013
    *Visiting the Sydney Tramway Museum in February and December 2013
    Posted: 26 Dec 2013 11:57
      GeoffreyHansen Minister for Railways

    Location: In a FAM sleeper
    Lowlights

    Seeing/hearing about the carriages being burnt at the Zig Zag especially the ex QR Pullman sleeper.
    Posted: 26 Dec 2013 17:44
      244hseriesalco Chief Train Controller

    My highlight for the year was seeing 4001 & (4490) arrive into Newcastle Station on the Australia Day Newcastle Flyer. It was probably the most rewarding part of 4001's restoration to see it back in Newcastle in the Royal Blue colours for the first time since 1954.
    Posted: 26 Dec 2013 22:20
      NSWGR 3827 Deputy Commissioner

    Location: South of the Border
    2014 should be a good year with the expected return of A2 986 as already mentioned. Hopefully something will run to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Echuca line as well.
    K160
    Hopefully A2 986 will not get bogged down in the same red tape as R711.
    Posted: 27 Dec 2013 16:22
      Carnot Minister for Railways

    2014 should be a good year with the expected return of A2 986 as already mentioned. Hopefully something will run to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Echuca line as well.
    K160
    Google is your friend Smile: http://echucahistoricalsociety.org.au/documents/WEBCelebrating150YearsofRailtoEchuca.pdf
    Posted: 27 Dec 2013 18:02
      MC3801 Train Controller

    Hopefully 2014 will see the return of more NSW Steam Locomotives such as 3265, 3526, 5917 and 6029. It will also be exciting when the two 38's return to service as well.
    Posted: 27 Dec 2013 18:47

    Last edited by MC3801 on 27 Dec 2013 18:57; edited 2 times in total
      K160 Minister for Railways

    Location: Bendigo
    Google is your friend Smile: http://echucahistoricalsociety.org.au/documents/WEBCelebrating150YearsofRailtoEchuca.pdf
    Carnot

    Not exactly revealing, but at least there is a contact e-mail for more info.
    Posted: 27 Dec 2013 21:25
      exarmidale Train Controller

    Southern Aurora to Port Augusta in April then again in August.

    Riding on the Pichi Richi from Quorn to Port Augusta.

    Visit to Steamtown at Peterborough including light show. Thoroughly recommend this to you all.

    Ride between Goolwa and Victor Harbour back in February. (too hot for steam activities when there).

    Got to see some of the paddle steam boats arriving for the Wooden Boat Festival at Goolwa SA. Saddly had to leave on the Friday.

    3642 to Wagga and see thousands of happy faces.

    Marbles firing 3642 up the Bethungra Spiral. What a treat that was. For a young bloke he is one of the best.
    Posted: 28 Dec 2013 07:59

    Last edited by exarmidale on 28 Dec 2013 08:01; edited 1 time in total
      Sammy D Chief Commissioner

    Location: Melbourne, Victoria
    Highlights:

    Climax return to steam at Puff. Was wonderful to be there for its first test run.

    Being a guest on a wonderful Wedding Charter at the VGR with D3 639 hauling the train.

    Organising a private charter with DERMPAV for members of the Diamond Valley Railway traveling top Ballarat and return on 58RM.

    DSCR returns to Bullarto. Cannot wait to visit and have a ride over the whole length of the line.

    Lowlights:

    Fire at the Zig Zag Railway.
    Posted: 30 Dec 2013 15:25

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