General News
2 November, 2023
Steam engine rolls into town
THE Warrnambool Westcoaster thundered into town last Saturday afternoon much to the excitement of crowds gathered on and near the station platform.
THE Warrnambool Westcoaster thundered into town last Saturday afternoon much to the excitement of crowds gathered on and near the station platform.
Amid a puff of smoke, the steam locomotive R711 and diesel S313 rolled in shortly after 1pm, bringing with it a group of lucky passengers who had made the trip from Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station.
Passengers were also picked up along the journey, with stops at Werribee and Waurn Ponds before the engines made easy work of the express trip through to Warrnambool.
Passengers Elsie and Bill (surname withheld on request) said the journey was a nostalgic one, bringing back memories of early days of travel.
“It’s so wonderful to see these old trains back on the lines and even more special to have been able to ride in one,” Bill said.
“I’m sure many of the younger ones on board would have loved the chance to experience old-fashioned air conditioning (opening the windows) in the wooden carriages.”
The train’s ‘excursion class’ dated back to 1936 while the first-class carriages, which are air conditioned and heated, featured 1940s vintage style compartments.
The train remained in Warrnambool for a few hours, allowing passengers the chance to explore nearby businesses, before making the return journey to Melbourne.