Locomotive T375 leaving Echuca on Sunday morning for Deniliquin.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
After delighting hundreds of rail enthusiasts during the Deniliquin-Moama Railway's 150th anniversary celebrations, historic locomotive T375 is one step closer to a permanent return to the Victorian rail network, where it is set to play a starring role in heritage rail tourism experiences.
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Seymour Railway Heritage Centre president John Crofts said the return of diesel locomotive T375 could not have gone much better.
“The locomotive ... ran on the train to Deniliquin and operated until it ran out of fuel on the way home,” he said.
“We knew that was a possibility and didn't want to put fresh diesel on top of the older diesel in the tank or make the locomotive any heavier for the crane lift from Torrumbarry.”
Train owner Glen Boatwright was also extremely pleased with the outcome and was relieved the locomotive now has a solid future.
About 260 passengers travelled aboard the heritage train's collection of beautifully restored vintage timber and steel carriages, some dating back more than a century.
The arrival in Deniliquin drew a tremendous crowd, with locals and visitors alike turning out in force to welcome the train as part of the milestone anniversary celebrations.
“It was great to see the interest in rail tourism and heritage rail. The weather was perfect, so overall it was a good outcome,” Mr Crofts said.
“We've got what, we think, is a great locomotive for the fleet at Seymour,” he said.
“One of the motivations was to secure the locomotive's future into perpetuity, and this achieves that,” Mr Crofts said.
T375 being led and helped for testing on the way to Deniliquin.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Mr Crofts said T375's return to the main line is getting closer, with the locomotive now entering the final stages of preparation.
“The next step is fitting the locomotive with ICE radio equipment before it can lead trains on the Victorian rail network,” he said.
The system, which is a mandatory requirement for locomotives leading trains on the network, comprises a central control unit, cab display, roof-mounted aerials and the associated cabling.
The locomotive will also receive new catwalk handrails, a full engine inspection, an oil change, replacement timber steps and new soundproofing inside the cab.
“Mechanically, there's nothing we've identified that's a big-money item. It's really just giving it a good overhaul and service before it can return to the main line,” Mr Crofts said.
Once the work is complete, T375 is expected to operate on Seymour Railway Heritage Centre tourism services.
Mr Crofts added there may also be opportunities to hire the locomotive out for grain or works trains.
“That helps earn some dollars to pay off the recovery costs,” he said.
“These are nice toys, but they're not cheap toys. A new set of batteries is about $14,000 and a new set of wheels is about $100,000.”
Mr Crofts said the heritage railway also hoped to build on the success of the Deniliquin-Moama Railway 150th anniversary by partnering with local tourism operators.
“There's an opportunity to marry this product up with paddlesteamer tourism,” he said.
“People could travel from Melbourne on a heritage train, dine in the 1937 Spirit of Progress dining car, then enjoy a Murray River paddlesteamer cruise.”
He said the centre was eager to partner with regional operators to craft packages that brought together Victoria's rich rail heritage and Echuca's iconic Murray River experiences.
