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Passenger Services 1970-1979

Woomelang to Mildura

Milestones 1970 -1979

1970

Additional trains were scheduled for Easter for holiday makers returning from Mildura to Melbourne. On Easter Monday and Tuesday an additional train was scheduled to depart at 8.40 p.m. with the normal train departing as usual as 9.20 pm. each night.

Use of the Motorail service on Mildura's overnight trains was gaining in momentum and it was not unusual to see more than one wagon on the trains. For example, on the Queen's Birthday weekend, the Motorail wagon on the normal train service was fully booked for six veteran and vintage cars from Melbourne. There was also an additional Friday night train scheduled on 12-6-1970 from Melbourne to Mildura.

The buffet car question was raised again by Mildura Shire Council at its meeting on 3-9-1970. Cr. N. Smith attacked the railway department for:

* the lack of a buffet car and only a brief stop at Ballarat where refreshments were limited to white coffee - no black coffee or tea - and pies and sandwiches;

* cramped seating in the second class cars since extra seats were added limiting the ability of passengers to lay their seats back and stretch out;

* poor lighting system in the carriages. "If the conductor says `lights out' - out they go!"

The Shire Council agreed to raise the issues with the Railway Commissioners.

Cr. A.R. Mansell M.L.C., a constant critic of the Mildura rail services, complained about the value of the $3.00 "dog box" sleeping berth surcharge on 27-10-1970. Cr. Mansell was seeking an assurance that sleeping cars off "The Overland" would be available for Mildura line trains. On 1-12-1970, the member for Mildura, Mr. M. Whiting M.L.A. also complained about the train service in the Legislative Assembly whilst speaking on the proposed Railway Works and Service Bill, claiming that the rolling stock used on the Mildura line was antiquated. The Bill contained a provision for expenditure on new carriages for "The Overland" to allow release of carriages for the Mildura line.

A 24 hours strike by railway workers on Tuesday 24-11-1970 resulted in trains being altered to depart in the early hours of Wednesday morning 25-11-1970. The service from Melbourne for Mildura was scheduled to depart at 1.20 a.m., arriving in Mildura at 11.35 a.m.. The Mildura to Melbourne train was scheduled to depart at 12.50 a.m. and arrive in Melbourne at 10.46 a.m..

On a more positive note, the Mildura Stationmaster (Mr. C. Hynes), reported on 8-12-1970 that there had been increased bookings for sleeping cars and Motorail traffic had increased. During September, 75 cars were received at Mildura and 27 cars despatched. In October 52 cars were received and 23 cars despatched.

A B Class diesel-electric locomotive with the Mildura passenger train passes the Sarnia Packing Co. siding as it nears the end of its overnight journey from Melbourne. Note the light ballast and short rails that typified the standard of the track at that time. 1970. Photo: Sunraysia Daily

1971

Sleeping cars used on "The Overland" were added to the Mildura train to bring students from a camp near Melbourne back to Mildura on 18-3-1971. "The Overland" sleeping cars were arranged by Mr. M. Whiting M.L.A. at the request of teachers who accompanied the students.

Three Country Women's Association (C.W.A.) branches - Speed, Walpeup and Underbool - made an approach to Mr. M. Whiting M.L.A. have the Melbourne to Donald rail car extended to Mildura as a daylight service. In a response from the Minister for Transport (Mr. V. Wilcox) reported in "Sunraysia Daily" on 27-4-1971, the Railway Commissioners could not see sufficient patronage of the service to cover costs.

From 9-5-1971, the Sunday night train from Mildura to Melbourne was altered to depart 20 minutes later at 9.20 p.m.. There was no alteration to the 8.05 a.m. arrival time at Spencer Street.

From 4-5-1971, Mildura passenger trains were marshalled with the brakevan in front of the passenger and sleeping carriages. The Guard would continue to ride in the brakevan and a Conductor qualified in Guard's duties and in possession of a Guard's Kit would be responsible for certain safeworking duties. This change on the marshalling arrangements was in response to passenger complaints about engine noise in the sleeping cars when placed immediately behind the locomotive.

1972

Mr. M. Whiting M.L.A. informed "Sunraysia Daily" on 26-1-1972 that he had been told by the Victorian Railways Commissioners that two roomette and two twinette carriages off "The Overland" would be introduced to the Mildura line service "before the May school holidays". This was revised to August however, following a delay in the building of replacement carriages for "The Overland", some of which were additional replacements due to damage sustained in a derailment at Bungaree on 30-8-1971.

Three extra trains were scheduled to cope with the expected heavy holiday traffic over Easter. The first special train was scheduled to depart Melbourne on 30-3-1972 at 9.05 p.m. and arrive in Mildura at 7.15 a.m.. The normal train was scheduled to depart 10 minutes later from Melbourne at 9.30 p.m. and arrive in Mildura at its normal time.

From Mildura to Melbourne, special trains were scheduled to depart Mildura at 8.40 p.m. on Monday 3-4-1972, and Tuesday 4-4-1972 and arrive in Melbourne at 6.13 a.m..

The Sunraysia Branch of the National Council of Women approached the railway Commissioners to get some form of refreshment service on Mildura line trains. A response was received from the Commissioners that claimed a buffet service on Mildura trains was uneconomical outside normal eating hours and they had found vending machines unsuitable. The National Council of Women decided at their meeting on 19-4-1972 to continue to press for refreshments on the overnight trains.

It was announced on 9-5-1972 that passengers would no longer be charged a hire fee for the use of a cushion on Mildura line passenger services. The conductor would provide a cushion on request.

In preparation for the launch of the new twinette and roomette carriages onto the Mildura train, the Victorian Railways decided to hold a competition to name the upgraded train service with a $25.00 prize. Details of the competition were announced in January 1972. There were 270 names submitted in the competition, including one from railway employees at Donald who submitted an entry with the name "Sunraysia". (This name was to be used in later years for a day train service). The winning name announced on 26-6-1972 was "The Vinelander", submitted by Mr. G.W. Edsall, a 51 year old bookbinder from Box Hill, Melbourne. Mr. Edsall had never been to Mildura, but knew about the district's fruit industry. "The Vinelander" name was coincide with the addition of the new carriages from 8-8-1972. The first publicity for the new train was in a special display set up in the window of the Victour office in Deakin Avenue, Mildura on 5-6-1972.

Mr. J. Freeland, the Victorian Railways senior conductor, came to Mildura in the first week of August 1972 with a sleeping car off "The Overland" to instruct the local train staff in the operation of the systems they would encounter on the sleeping cars to be used on "The Vinelander".

A suggestion by Mr. Bruce McLean (the author) that the Motorail wagons on "The Vinelander" be painted in matching colors with the rest of the train was agreed to when the Chairman of Commissioners Mr. G. Brown, announced on 31-7-1972 that two wagons would be painted blue.

During the week of the launch of "The Vinelander", two windows of the Victour office in Collins Street, Melbourne were devoted to Sunraysia - one promoting Sunraysia and organised by the Tourist Association, and the other by the Victorian Railways promoting the new "The Vinelander" service.

On Tuesday 8-8-1972, at an impressive ceremony before a crowd of several hundred people on Platform 3 at Spencer Street station, the acting Minister of Transport (Mr. J. Rossiter) officially unveiled the nameplate of "The Vinelander". With him were Mildura area parliamentarians Mr. M. Whiting M.L.A. for Mildura, and the two members of the Legislative Council for North-west Province, Mr. A.R. Mansell and Mr. B. Dunn. A battery of press and television cameras recorded the event. After the unveiling Mr. Rossiter was presented with a decorated dip tin of Mildura district products by Mildura publicity girls Wendy Tschirpig and Colleen Freeman.

The Acting Minister for Transport (Mr. J. Rossiter) unveils "The Vinelander" nameplate at Spencer Street Station on 8-8-1972. Photo: Victorian Railways

That night at 9.05 p.m., the Chairman of the Victorian Railways Commissioner (Mr. G.F. Brown) signalled the first run of "The Vinelander" out of Spencer Street station on Tuesday 8-8-1972. The locomotive hauling the train, B76, broke through a specially prepared barrier across the tracks and a new era began for rail travellers on the Mildura line.

B76 breaks through a paper barrier on the inaugural departure of "The Vinelander" from Spencer Street Station, Melbourne on the first upgraded overnight journey to Mildura on the night of 8-8-1972. Mr. Kevin Baker, an officer with the Victorian Railways Public Relations and Betterment Board, is holding the banner on the platform. Mr. Baker took a deep personal interest in the promotion of Mildura and "The Vinelander" making the train extremely successful. Photo: Victorian Railways

There was excitement at all stations along the line as the new look Mildura train "The Vinelander" made its first journey northwards. There was quite a welcome at the northern stations as daylight was breaking and at Mildura a civic delegation consisting of the Mayor of Mildura (Cr. S.C. Mills) and the Town Clerk (Mr. W.J. Downie) welcomed the V.I.P.'s who travelled on the inaugural journey. The special guest travellers included Mr. M. Whiting M.L.A., Mr. A. Mansell M.L.C., Mr. E.P. Rogan (Deputy Chairman of the Victorian Railway Commissioners), Mr. J.C. Crute (Chief Traffic Manager), Mr. H. C. Chandler (Deputy Chief Commercial Manager), Mr. K.F. Neander (Secretary, Victorian Dried Fruits Board) and Mr. G. Tilley (Editor, "Sunraysia Daily" newspaper).

Mildura's "Sunraysia Daily" newsagent's banner clearly acknowledged the hopes of the community in "The Vinelander" passenger train service in its issue of 9-8-1972. Source: Victorian Railways

About 200 district school children travelled on a special trip on "The Vinelander" to Redcliffs and return on Thursday 10-8-1972. The train, complete with the new sleeping cars and a car on board the Motorail wagon, departed Mildura at 2 p.m. and returned about 2.50 p.m.. The special trip was used as an opportunity for Victorian Railways photographers to get movie film and still photographs for publicity purposes.

B80 returns to Mildura from Redcliffs with a special run of "The Vinelander" on 10-8-1972 for school students and for Victorian Railways photographers to obtain publicity photographs of the new train. Photo: Victorian Railways

The scene at Mildura on Saturday 12-8-1972 when "The Vinelander" was on public display. Large crowds inspected the new look train with special interest being shown in the sleeping carriages and freight rolling stock display. Photo: Victorian Railways PR-6478

Press advertisment in "Sunraysia Daily" promoting "The Vinelander" service from Mildura and highlighting the two new sleeping cars on each train. Source: Bruce McLean Collection

Press advertisement in "Sunraysia Daily" for "The Vinelander" open days at Mildura on 12 /13-8-1972. Source: Bruce McLean Collection

During the public open display of the new "The Vinelander" at Mildura, railway staff demonstrated how cars are loaded and unloaded from the Motorail wagon. The blue color scheme for wagons dedicated to Motorail service on "The Vinelander" was suggested by the author. Photo: Victorian Railways

The four sleeping cars were the centre of attraction during the public displays. Although "second hand" from "The Overland" they were an instant success with travellers on the Mildura line. Within two weeks, passenger traffic had increased by 34% on the corresponding period in 1971 and there was an increase of 60% in sleeping car patronage. The following table provides details of the new sleeping cars:

Carriage Number

Transferred to

Victorian Railways

Former name on "The Overland"

Year Built at South Australian Railways Islington Workshops

Sleeper No. 11 (R)

1-8-1972

Allambi

1949

Sleeper No. 12 (R)

1-8-1972

Tantini

1950

Sleeper No. 13 (T)

4-12-1971

Weroni

1950

Sleeper No. 14 (T)

26-11-1971

Dorai

1950

(R) denotes Roomette (single) compartments (T) denotes Twinette (double) compartments

Roomette Sleeper No. 11 - formerly named "Allambi" on "The Overland". Mildura 26-8-1981. Photo: Bruce McLean

Roomette Sleeper No.12 - formerly named "Tantini" on "The Overland". Mildura 22-12-1981. Photo: Bruce McLean

Twinette Sleeper No. 13 - formerly named "Weroni" on "The Overland". Mildura 29-8-1981. Photo: Bruce McLean

Twinette Sleeper No. 14 - formerly named "Dorai" on "The Overland". Mildura 14-10-1981. Photo: Bruce McLean

For the school holidays extra trains were scheduled on Friday 18-8-1972. The first was scheduled to depart Spencer Street at 9.05 p.m. and arrive in Mildura the next day at 7.15 a.m.. The second train was scheduled to depart Spencer Street at 9.30 p.m. and arrive in Mildura at 8.20 a.m..

Within weeks of "The Vinelander" commencing service, the Develop Mildura Council, through Mr. M. Whiting M.L.A., sought a Club Car for the service. The Chairman of Commissioner, Mr. G.F. Brown, advised Mr. Whiting in October that the heavy capital expenditure and staffing costs were very high and they could not justify a Club Car on each train as there was a comparatively small average passenger loading. Mr. Brown also advised Mr. Whiting that the sleeping cars used prior to the introduction of "The Vinelander" were being retained for holiday peak requirements and as spares when the roomette and twinette cars were in the workshops for maintenance. They would not be used as economy class sleeping cars.

"The Vinelander" passing through vineyards on return from Redcliffs on a sunny October 1972 day on a special return working from Mildura to allow Victorian Railways photographers to capture on film improved publicity shots of the train. When the original publicity shots were taken in August with the launch of the train, the vines in the foreground were barren of foliage. Photo: Victorian Railways

1973

The Chairman of the Victorian Railways Commissioners (Mr. G.F. Brown), announced on 5-2-1973 that Holidays at Mildura would be promoted with a growing list of package deals being promoted by the railways. The package deals were well received by Mildura & District Tourist Development Association. The initial package deals consisted of:

* Weekend or seven-day stays in Sunraysia;

* A choice of accommodation at three top motels or hotels;

* The package prices would include the cost of travelling from Melbourne to Mildura and back in an air-conditioned sleeping compartment on "The Vinelander";

* Package tourists could take their own car on the Motorail at a cost of $10.00 each way;

* The package holidays would be offered all year round except for school holidays and public holiday weekends.

The Mildura Chamber of Commerce wrote to the Railway Commissioners in March suggesting that a system similar to the Motorail for cars be adopted for the conveyance of motor cycles. The Chamber suggested a side loading carriage with suitable stabilising ties would be a possibility and the concept could also be included with the Mildura holiday package tours.

An additional train was scheduled to Mildura for the Labour Day long weekend on Friday 9-3-1973 at 9.30 p.m., and to arrive in Mildura at 8.30 a.m. the following morning. This train was mainly to cater for about 200 Boy Scouts travelling to Mildura for the long weekend. The normal train was altered to depart Melbourne 20 minutes earlier at 9.05 p.m.. Both trains had Motorail wagons attached.

The morning of Good Friday 20-4-1973 was the busiest period of passenger traffic the author has witnessed in over forty years of observing traffic movements at Mildura.

Three trains were scheduled to depart Melbourne for Mildura on Thursday 19-4-1973, however all three trains were booked out and a fourth train was added. Trains were scheduled to depart Spencer Street at 8.20 p.m., (hauled by B78) 9.05 p.m. ("The Vinelander") (B67), 9.30 p.m. (B84) and 10.30 p.m. (T403).

They were scheduled to arrive in Mildura the following day at 6.40 a.m., 7.15 a.m., 8.20 a.m. and 9 a.m., however actual times of arrival were 7.32 a.m., 7.55 a.m., 9.00 a.m. and 9.30 a.m..

The increase in rail traffic following the introduction of "The Vinelander" was responsible for upsurge in traffic - more than 50,000 people having used "The Vinelander" since its introduction seven months ago.

On Good Friday morning there were trains everywhere as the yard filled to capacity with stored carriages as each train arrived. The Stationmaster (Mr. K. Bailey) had arranged for goods rolling stock not required at the goods shed to be stored on any available siding. There was also heavy traffic on the Motorail service with 65 cars booked from Melbourne on the four trains.

To return visitors to Melbourne, additional trains were scheduled in addition to "The Vinelander" on 23-4-1973, 24-4-1973 and 25-4-1973. This was most certainly a record for passenger movements to and from Mildura for ordinary travellers using the rail services. Will history repeat itself and see trains as the preferred option for safe, long distance travel?

T367 was the pilot engine at Mildura on Good Friday morning 20-4-1973. Three passenger trains had arrived from Melbourne and one more was due when the photograph was taken. The whole of the Mildura station yard was filled to capacity with rolling stock. Photo: Bruce McLean

The driver of T367 has pulled the passenger cars from the third Good Friday train to arrive at Mildura clear of the platform and is pushing them into No.3 road. Meanwhile the Motorail wagons at the far end of the platform are still being unloaded. The fourth Easter train to arrive was waiting at Irymple for the platform road to be cleared before the final stage of its journey from Melbourne. 20-7-1973. Photo: Bruce McLean

"The Vinelander" schedule was altered to depart Mildura 20 minutes later at 9.20 p.m. on Sunday nights from 6-5-1973 until 4-11-1973. This annual change was provided to allow additional time at stations between Mildura and Ouyen for the loading of fresh produce.

The Mildura City Council decided at its meeting on 22-2-1973 to write to the Railway Commissioners seeking a buffet car on "The Vinelander". Council did not support the railway argument that there was insufficient patronage, claiming that it was up to the railways to attract patronage and if they provided the facilities, demand would follow. A response was received at the council meeting on 24-5-1973 in which it was stated that the small number of passengers travelling on a journey, which was outside any recognised meal hours, did not justify the cost. The council decided to approach the Victorian Railways regarding installation of vending machines for tea and coffee on the train. In a response to council on 28-6-1973, the council was told that vending machines had been seriously considered, and the suggestion would be given further thought if the number of passengers wanting the service rises to reasonable proportions.

The Victorian Railways Commissioners were replaced by the Victorian Railways Board from 8-5-1973 as the effective governing body of the Victorian Railways. The seven-member Board was charged with revitalising the Victorian Railways into a more commercial-minded organisation. Mr. A.G. Gibbs, formerly Managing-Director of General Motors-Holden's Pty. Ltd., was appointed Chairman and the other six board members came from a background of experience in business and railway management. Mr. E.P. Rogan was appointed General Manager of the Victorian Railways.

The Motorail service introduced to Mildura trains on 16-8-1968, had proved so successful that from 1-7-1973, train travellers between Melbourne and Sydney on "The Southern Aurora" would have the same type of service available. On arrival in Sydney, it was also possible to make a connection with the "Gold Coast Motorail Express" between Sydney and Murwillumbah.

The first anniversary of "The Vinelander" on 8-8-1973 was subject to an extensive series of promotions in both Melbourne and Mildura. The activities included:

* Birthday cakes made of Mildura dried fruits and brandy had their candles blown out at both Melbourne and Mildura prior to the departure of the two "The Vinelander" services on 8-8-1973. The cakes were cut and distributed to passengers that night.

* The new Chairman of the Victorian Railways Board Mr. A.G. Gibbs performed the Melbourne ceremony and the Mildura ceremony was performed by the Stationmaster, Mr. K. Bailey;

* Mildura Technical School band played on the platform at Spencer Street station for about half an hour before the train departed for Mildura;

* Passengers also received dried fruit, citrus, fresh orange juice, local orange blossom honey, Mildara sherry and Mildura beer (from the local brewery in operation at the time). Children received local Mildura lemonade;

* Mr. Gibbs travelled to Mildura on "The Vinelander" that night for his first official visit to Mildura on 9-8-1973;

* Special head boards were carried on each train;

* A "paint The Vinelander contest" for school children was conducted with two prizes of return trips to Melbourne on "The Vinelander".

* Free trips were offered for district schoolchildren on "The Vinelander" between Mildura and Redcliffs on 9-8-1973;

* Maples department store in Deakin Avenue, Mildura, had a window display of scale model rolling stock used on "The Vinelander" and "Fruit Flier" trains.

Advertisement in "Sunraysia Daily" on 30-7-1973 promoting the first birthday of "The Vinelander" train. Source: Bruce McLean Collection

Promotional advertisement published in "Sunraysia Daily" on 1-8-1973 for the first birthday of "The Vinelander". The publicity and promotional lead up to the first anniversary run was a unique and successful concept unequalled in country Victoria since the days of the legendary Harold W. Clapp. The man who was responsible for promoting "The Vinelander" was Mr. K. Baker of the Public Relations department. Source: Bruce McLean Collection

Capitalising on the publicity drawn by "The Vinelander's" first birthday, this advertisement published in "Sunraysia Daily" on 8-8-1973 promoted the benefits of the "Fruit Flier" express goods train. Source: Bruce McLean Collection

The winning entry in the "paint The Vinelander" contest senior section was won by 13 year old Neil Hecker of Mildura, a student at Mildura Technical School.

The winning entry in the junior section was by 9 year old Michael McCabe of Irymple, a student at Irymple Primary School.

B79, fitted with a special commemorative headboard, arrives at Mildura with the first anniversary run of "The Vinelander" at Mildura on 8-8-1973. (Apologies for the very poor quality of the photograph. There was a problem with the camera, resulting in a damaged negative. The salvaged photo is included as a record of the occasion.) Photo: Bruce McLean

T363 carries a special headboard at Mildura station for the first anniversary of "The Vinelander" on 8-8-1973. This late afternoon photograph was taken during loading of the van and Motorail some hours before the Mildura to Melbourne train was made up. (Apologies for the poor quality photo - included as a historical record of the occasion). Photo: Bruce McLean

"The Vinelander" carried 13,342 more passengers during its first year of operation than the train service it replaced in the previous year. This represented a 25% increase in passenger travel. Motorail use almost doubled during the year with 2,103 cars to Mildura and 810 from Mildura.

When "The Vinelander" arrived at Mildura station on the morning of 9-8-1973 it was met by the Mayor of Mildura, Cr. K. Gambetta. The Chairman of the Victorian Railways Board, Mr. A.G. Gibbs and his wife, made presentations to the crew who brought the train from Donald, driver Mr. N. McRae and fireman, Mr. H. O'Hara. The locomotive was B79.

Mildura Chamber of Commerce met that day with senior railway officials, Chief Traffic Manager (Mr. J.C. Crute) and Chief Commercial Manager (Mr. A. Weeks). The Chamber President (Mr. V. Elliott) put forward suggestions for improving "The Vinelander" service:

* Breakfast should be served on the train to Melbourne about Ballarat and on the train to Mildura, at about Ouyen;

* A coffee bar on the train as only tea making facilities were available;

* Motorcycles should be included in the Motorail service;

* The booking system should be updated to allow people to telephone for bookings and have the account sent out to them;

* Trees should be planted outside the goods yard on Seventh Street and landscaping carried out.

Mr. Elliott reported that the officials had accepted most of what the Chamber had suggested as reasonable but stated that what was holding them back was money.

Mildura City Council was informed by the Victorian Railways at its meeting on 9-8-1973 that a trial period of some sort of refreshments seemed reasonable but they did not possess the necessary equipment or staff in Mildura to replenish supplies and service equipment.

Invitation from the Chairman of the Victorian Railways Board to the author to celebrate the first anniversary of "The Vinelander". Source: Bruce McLean Collection

An extra train was scheduled from Melbourne to Mildura on 24-8-1973 to cope with the school holiday traffic and additional carriages were added to "The Vinelander". The extra train was scheduled to depart Melbourne at 9.30 p.m. and arrive at Mildura at 8.20 a.m. the following day.

Three fully loaded Motorail wagons attached to "The Vinelander". Railwaymen are manoeuvring the top deck ramp into place to enable unloading of more cars to take place. Some of the cars being transported were for district motor dealers. A total of 314 cars were carried to Mildura and 112 cars to Melbourne during the month of August 1973. 15-9-1973. Photo: Bruce McLean

Industrial action caused the cancellation of "The Vinelander" services on 1-11-1973.

On 25-11-1973 "The Vinelander" timetable was altered from Melbourne to Mildura cutting the journey by 15 minutes. This meant that on Monday to Thursday, it would depart Melbourne at 9.20 p.m. instead of 9.05 p.m., reaching Mildura the next day at 7.15 a.m.. This time change was in line with Sunday and Friday train times.

An additional train was scheduled from Melbourne to Mildura on Friday 21-12-1973 to provide for the Christmas exodus from Melbourne. The first train was "The Vinelander", departing at 9.05 p.m. and the second relief train at 9.30 p.m.. Storm damage to communications equipment in Melbourne delayed both trains with Mildura arrivals 2½ hours and 2¾ hours late respectively. Additional carriages were added to all other services during the holiday period.

Two trains were also scheduled on 24-12-1973 at the same times, for Mildura.

1974

T385 arriving at Mildura with "The Vinelander" after the overnight journey from Melbourne. T Class locomotives were used on the train as the idea of a large B type locomotive standing idle at Mildura all day was deemed to be inefficient use of locomotive resources. February 1974. Photo: Bruce McLean

From 19-3-1974 the timetable was altered for "The Vinelander" between Mildura and Melbourne. The route of the train was altered to run via Bacchus Marsh instead of via North Geelong and resulted in a saving of 20 minutes. Trains would now arrive at Spencer Street at 7.45 a.m instead of 8.05 a.m..

Three trains were scheduled from Melbourne to Mildura for Easter. Trains were scheduled to depart Spencer Street at 8.20 p.m., 9.20 p.m. "The Vinelander", and 10.30 p.m.. All trains had sleeping cars and Motorail facilities. They arrive in Mildura at 6.45 a.m. (5 mins late), 7.55 a.m. (5 mins early) and 9.45 a.m. (45 mins late) respectively. Additional trains from Mildura to Melbourne were scheduled on Easter Monday and Easter Tuesday to depart at 9.20 p.m. with arrival in Melbourne at 7.45 a.m.. On those nights "The Vinelander" was altered to leave Mildura at 8.40 p.m. and arrive in Melbourne the following day at 6.10 a.m..

In April 1974, Mr. M. Whiting, M.L.A., Member for Mildura complained to the Chairman of the Victorian Railways Board, Mr. A.G. Gibbs, about the continued use of the wooden-bodied sleeping cars on "The Vinelander". Mr. E.P. Rogan, the Board's General Manager, replied to Mr. Whiting in April indicating that the cars were being used with reluctance and there were times when they had to be used or there would be no service. These times included when there was an excess of travellers wanting sleeping accommodation that exceeded the capacity of the newer cars and when a newer carriage had to be withdrawn for maintenance. One of Mr. Whiting's concerns was the possibility of misleading travellers that they would be in one of the "new" air-conditioned ex-The Overland cars.

Wooden-bodied Sleeping car No.2 at Mildura on 8-8-1973. These sleeping cars were the subject of complaint by the local Member of Parliament as they detracted from the standard of comfort provided by the ex "The Overland" sleeping cars introduced with "The Vinelander" in August 1972. Photo: Bruce McLean

From 19-6-1974, the Up "The Vinelander" from Mildura was altered to arrive five minutes later at Spencer Street, to 7.50 a.m..

"The Vinelander" sleeping cars that arrived in Melbourne on the morning of Saturday 6-7-1974, were used to provide accommodation on a special train run for the Victorian Railways Board over the weekend of 6 and 7-7-1974 to celebrate the centenary of the Melbourne - Castlemaine - Maryborough railway line. The author and Mr. George Tilley, Editor of "Sunraysia Daily" newspaper were invited to participate in the weekend celebrations.

B78 leads the Victorian Railway Board's special train into Maryborough for the centenary celebrations. "The Vinelander" sleeping cars are the second and third cars from the locomotive. Steam locomotive R761 has already arrived with a special train arranged by the Victorian Division of the Australian Railway Historical Society. 6-7-1974. Photo: Bruce McLean

A package tour to Mildura was promoted by the Victorian Railways to coincide with the second anniversary of "The Vinelander" on 17-8-1974. In an unusual promotional idea, the Victorian Railways undertook sponsorship of a race at Mildura Racing Club with the feature event called "The Vinelander Plate". Plans for the package tour originally allowed for 40 people but this was doubled because of the excellent response. The success of the promotion also meant that two trains were required to Mildura that weekend - the normal "The Vinelander" service and an additional train with sleeping accommodation. Both trains were combined on the Sunday night return trip on 18-8-1974 making the biggest ever single passenger train between Mildura and Melbourne with two locomotives, two vans, seven sleeping cars and five sitting cars.

The winning trophy - an engraved plate - was presented to the winning owner by the Victorian Railways Deputy General Manager, Mr. L. McCallum. The promotion was supported by competitions and a window display in Maples department store.

B78 was fitted with a special headboard to commemorate the second anniversary of "The Vinelander" in conjunction with a weekend package tour based on "The Vinelander Plate" race at Mildura Racing Club. Mildura 17-8-1974. Photo: Bruce McLean

The Governor of Victoria, Sir Henry Winneke, travelled to Mildura in State Car No.5 accompanied by "Melville" power car, attached trailing to the 9.20 p.m. Down "The Vinelander" on 2-9-1974. The Governor and his party returned to Melbourne on the 9.25 p.m. Up "The Vinelander" with both vehicles trailing.

Another long passenger train was required to convey travellers from Mildura at the end of the school holidays. On Sunday 8-9-1974, "The Vinelander" consisted of three locomotives, four sleeping cars, seven sitting cars, a CE guard's van, a louvre van for fruit and two TP iced vans. About 350 passengers were on the train.

Winter ended for the Victorian Railways on 16-9-1974 as, from that date, foot warmers would be supplied only for non-air conditioned carriages attached to "The Vinelander".

In response to a question by Hon. K. I. Wright M.L.C., Member for North Western Province, the Minister of Transport, Mr. R. Meagher, gave the following figures for passenger travel on the Mildura line for the month of September for the last three years:

A deputation of politicians from the electorates of Mildura, Swan Hill, Lowan and Ballarat met with the Minister of Transport (Mr. R. Meagher) during mid-December to seek the addition of a buffet car on "The Vinelander". The outcome was a call for a full report on the operation of "The Vinelander" covering passengers, fares, services provided and timetables. The Minister also asked for an outside catering expert to do a survey on the provision of refreshments on "The Vinelander".

Commencing 4-11-1974, the departure of the Up "The Vinelander" from Mildura Sunday to Friday was amended from 9.20 p.m. to 9.25 p.m.. Three minutes were regained between Turriff and Lascelles and a further three between Watchem and Donald.

1975

From 16-1-1975 to 31-3-1975, the 9.20 p.m. Sunday to Friday "The Vinelander" from Spencer Street to Mildura was scheduled to convey a BE economy car reserved for fruit pickers only, labels reading "Fruit Pickers" being affixed to each side of the carriage. Fruit pickers were carried at concession fares and had to reserve accommodation in the special BE as they were not allowed in other carriages on the train.

The State Conference of the Victorian Branch of the Civilian Widows met in Mildura on 22-2-1975. An item that came on to the agenda of the conference was the question of refreshments on "The Vinelander". Many of the delegates came to Mildura by the train and were upset that they could not get a cup of tea or coffee on the journey.

Two additional trains were scheduled to Mildura for Easter 1975. "The Vinelander" was scheduled to depart Spencer Street at the usual time of 9.20 p.m. on Thursday 27-3-1975 and additional trains were scheduled to leave at 8.20 p.m. and 11.15 p.m.

T361 arriving at Mildura with "The Vinelander" in May 1975. The overhead bridge leading to the goods shed had been removed in advance of extensions to the railway yards. Photo: Bruce McLean

The Victorian Railways contacted local municipalities along the Mildura line in March 1975 for their comments on the proposed closure of a number of stations to passenger traffic. The intention was to improve the service provided by The Vinelander" if it did not have to allow for stops at North Creswick, Bet Bet, Goldsborough, Emu, Cope Cope, Kinnabulla, Curyo, Watchupga, Turriff and Nowingi.

Sleeping cars off "The Vinelander" were once again used by the Victorian Railways Board for their inspection trip to celebrate the centenary of the first train to Ararat on 5-4-1975 and 6-4-1975. The author was invited to join the Members of the Board on the trip.

S301 at the head of Victorian Railways Board special train to commemorate the centenary of first train to Ararat and Beaufort. "The Vinelander" sleeping cars are the second third cars behind the locomotive. Driver Les Haining attends to safe working requirements at Pura Pura. 5-4-1975. Photo: Bruce McLean

Anzac Day, 25-4-1975, fell on a Friday, creating a long weekend. To cater for the traffic offering on "The Vinelander" from Melbourne to Mildura, two locomotives and 18 carriages were required, making it one of the longest trains to arrive at Mildura. "The Vinelander" consisted of B81, B85, AX20, ALX233, AX9, AX2, 22CE, 27BE, 25ABU, 7BS, 5AZ, 15BS, No.4 Sleeper, No.1 Sleeper, No.2 Sleeper, 1VAM Sleeper, No. 11 Sleeper, and No.14 Sleeper. When the leading Motorail wagon was positioned at the unloading area at the Down end of the platform, the rear of the train was 1 metre outside the Home Arrival signal. The train had conveyed 400 passengers, 265 for Mildura and 26 cars plus a boat on a trailer.

"The Vinelander" after arrival at Mildura with two locomotives and 18 carriages on Anzac Day 25-4-1975. The train was far too long for stations along the line, including the terminal station of Mildura resulting in a loss of timetable time and a lengthy period of time for unloading passengers and luggage. This view is looking from the up end of the train, at a point past the site of the former overhead bridge to the goods yard (being dismantled at the time). Photo: Bruce McLean

In April 1975, two Mildura men, Mr. M. Agostino and Mr. P. DeMaria, began a new tourist venture in association with the Victorian Railways called "Holidaymakers". They began with one tour coach and a packaged three-state round tour from Mildura to Broken Hill, Adelaide and the Barossa Valley. Their packaged tours were based on travellers arriving in Mildura from Melbourne on "The Vinelander".

Marching girls returned to Melbourne from Mildura on a passenger train which departed at 12.30 p.m. on the Monday of the Queen's Birthday long weekend, 16-6-1975. The train was available to the general public and was one of the few passenger trains to cover the Mildura to Donald section in daylight. About 350 marching girls travelled on the train with about 30 other passengers. There were no refreshment facilities provided and passengers had to survive nearly 8 hours from Mildura to Ballarat before they could purchase food or drinks.

"The Vinelander" reached its third year of operation on 8-8-1975 and patronage had exceeded any predicted expectations, including use of the Motorail service. To celebrate the occasion, the Victorian Railways once again sponsored "The Vinelander Plate" at Mildura races on 16-8-1975 and offered a special package tour to Mildura for the weekend. A second division of "The Vinelander" was required as there were 80 bookings for the package tour which was booked the train out within days of being offered. All passengers on the two divisions of "The Vinelander" from Melbourne on 15-8-1975 received a sample bag of Sunraysia produce. The Deputy General Manager of the Victorian Railways, Mr. L. McCallum, presented The Vinelander Plate" to the winning owner at Mildura Races.

"The Vinelander" arrived in Mildura at 11.57 a.m. - instead of 8.20 a.m. - on 29-8-1975. The delay of nearly four hours was brought about by a blockage of the main line between Melbourne and Ballarat causing a diversion through North Geelong to Ballarat of an extra 30 kms., which would have had a minimum impact on the schedule, and the failure of one of two locomotives hauling the train. The two engines were required as the train was more than half as long again due to additional patronage for the school holidays. The defective locomotive was taken off at Ouyen where refreshments were provided for passengers.

Locomotive b60, named "Harold W. Clapp", was specially rostered on "The Vinelander" departing Spencer Street on 8-10-1975, when Mr. Harold Clapp Junior, son of the former Victorian Railways Chairman of Commissioners, and his wife, travelled to Mildura.

The ancient argument for a refreshment service on the Mildura line trains was reinvigorated by Mildura City Council at their meeting on 9-10-1975. Whilst the council agreed that no-one would want a three-course meal at 2 a.m., they agreed that there should be some form of refreshments provided for the 11 hour journey. The council approached Mr. K. Wright M.L.C. to take up the issue and on 28-10-1975, Mr. Wright was informed by the acting Minister for Transport, that there was no spare buffet car to provide the service on the two trains used each night. Undaunted by this advice, Mildura City Council at its meeting on 13-11-1975, asked Mr. Wright to continue to pursue the matter, seeking some alternative manner for providing refreshments.

In the meantime, Mr. M. Whiting M.L.A. had determined that the lack of "head-end power" - a separate electrical generating plant - was the main reason that refreshment facilities could not be provided on "The Vinelander". When the train was not in motion, batteries under carriages provided a continuous power supply, but this was not sufficient to provide power for heating food and drinks. Mr. Whiting was reported in "Sunraysia Daily" on 4-12-1975 as claiming that refreshment services on "The Vinelander" could increase patronage by more than 50% during holiday periods.

From 10-11-1975, Bet Bet, Goldsborough, Emu, Cope Cope, Kinnabulla, Curyo, Watchupga, Turriff and Nowingi were closed to passenger and parcels traffic, affecting timetables. The new times for "The Vinelander" were as follows:

Station DOWN

Time

Station UP

Time

Spencer Street

9.20 p.m. (no change)

Mildura

9.30 p.m. (10 later)

Ballarat

11-27 - 11.35 p.m.

Irymple

9.37 - 9.40 p.m.

Woomelang

4.56 - 4.59 a.m.

Redcliffs

9.48 - 9.55 p.m.

Lascelles

5.11 a.m.

Carwarp

10.11 p.m.

Speed

5.35 a.m.

Hattah

10.41 p.m.

Tempy

5.44 a.m.

Ouyen

11.09 - 11.14 p.m.

Ouyen

6.12 - 6.22 a.m. (4 earlier)

Tempy

11.42 p.m.

Hattah

6.51 a.m.

Speed

11.50 p.m.

Carwarp

7.23 a.m.

Lascelles

12.13 a.m.

Redcliffs

7.39 - 7.44 a.m.

Woomelang

12.24 - 12.26 a.m.

Irymple

7.52 - 7.54 a.m.

Ballarat

5.30 - 5.40 a.m.

Mildura

8.05 a.m. (15 earlier)

Spencer Street

7.50 a.m. (no change)

Additional trains were scheduled for Christmas holiday traffic. An additional train was scheduled from Mildura to Melbourne on Friday 19-12-1975 and Wednesday 24-12-1975.

1976

Mildura travel and accommodation package deals were promoted with gusto in the mid-seventies. Two package deals were being offered at the beginning of 1976, comprising sleeping berth travel on "The Vinelander" and accommodation (dinner, bed and breakfast) at a choice of five hotels or motels. The weekend package departs Spencer Street on Friday, and Mildura on Sunday. The 7-day package departs Spencer Street on any night except Saturday and Mildura, after dinner, on the seventh day.

In a joint statement issued on 8-2-1976 by Mr. M. Whiting M.L.A. and Mr. K. Wright M.L.C., it was announced that investigations for the provision of refreshment services for sitting car passengers on "The Vinelander" were underway. The newspaper headline "City Councillors Jumping for Joy!" followed Mildura City Council's meeting on 12-2-1976 when it was moved that the Minister for Transport be thanked for his decision. Mildura Shire Councillors, at their meeting on 19-2-1976 generated the headline "Refreshments to be Provided and it's About Time". There was concern about the delay of implementing the service as alterations had to be made to existing rolling stock and would take six months. In response to a request from Mr. M. Whiting M.L.A., the Minister of Transport (Mr. J. Rafferty) asked the Victorian Railways Board in May 1976 to speed up the provision of refreshment services.

B83 pauses at Ballarat with the Down "The Vinelander" bound for Mildura on 7-3-1976. Photo: John Dare

From 2-4-1976, ex "Spirit of Progress" Canberra composite sleeping carriage 2VAC became a regular part of "The Vinelander". It was used to hold 12 sleeping berth passengers, the 6 first class and 8 economy seats not being used. VAC2 and VAC 1 were both converted to full sleeping accommodation in 1977.

Sleeping Car No.16. Mildura 22-8-1981. Originally built as a BS Economy car for the "Spirit of Progress", it was converted to a combined sleeping/compartment car VAC1 in 1962 and converted to a full sleeping car in 1977 for "The Vinelander". Photo: Bruce McLean

On 12-4-1976, the trading name of the Victorian Railways Board was changed to "VicRail" and with the new name came a new image, identified with an unusual symbol or "logo" to replace the familiar blue and yellow "VR" in a circle.

The Public Relations department also commenced to adopt a more creative approach to publicity. Strong linkages were developed with tourism throughout Victoria and eventually extended to other States. Promotion of "The Vinelander" was no exception.

VicRail graphic designer Felicity Smith became a model as she posed for a poster picture in a sleeping berth on "The Vinelander". June 1976. Photo: Vicrail

Three divisions of "The Vinelander" were scheduled to Mildura for Easter 1976. As usual the railway yards were congested with freight and passenger rolling stock as trains arrived from Melbourne.

The first train arrived at Mildura at 7.13 a.m. on Friday 16-4-1976, the second division arrived at 8.03 a.m. and the third division was blocked 19 minutes at Irymple waiting for Motorail unloading from the second train. For return traffic on Monday 19-4-1976 and Tuesday 20-4-1976, and extra Mildura to Spencer Street train was scheduled to run to "The Vinelander" times and "The Vinelander" was re-scheduled to depart Mildura at 8.45 p.m., stopping only at principal stations and arriving at Spencer Street at 7.00 a.m..

Good Friday at Mildura after the arrival of two of three trains scheduled that morning 16-4-1976. Locomotives from left to right are B60, B82, T338 and T351. The pilot engine T352 was at the opposite end of the yard shunting. Photo: Bruce McLean

Special trains for the Queen's Birthday weekend were thrown into disarray when shunters through the Victorian railway system into confusion by going on strike on Thursday 10-6-1976. Carriages for "The Vinelander" were trapped in Spencer Street carriage sheds. The train that arrived in Mildura on 11-6-1976 was "The Gippslander" train. Trains left Melbourne for Mildura and Mildura for Melbourne that night. Three trains were due to arrive in Mildura on Saturday 12-6-1976 but only one arrived. One of the two special trains cancelled was bringing nearly 500 Marching Girls to Mildura. They were transferred into ten buses. The Sunday night trains to Melbourne and from Mildura were cancelled. The Monday night trains were formed from any available rolling stock and not the usual "The Vinelander" cars. Passengers were therefore unable to get the type of accommodation they had booked. "The Gippslander" returned to Mildura on the morning of Tuesday 15-6-1976 and was used for the up service to Melbourne that night. The strike was called off at midnight on 14-6-1976.

The General Manager of the Victorian Railways Board, Mr. I. Hodges, announced in Mildura on 27-7-1976 that refreshment facilities would be available on "The Vinelander" from early 1977. Mr. Hodges was in Mildura during his tour of the Mildura line and the Meringur and Murrayville branch lines. Two air-conditioned carriages were being specially refitted for the purpose and would provide light refreshments such as sandwiches, toasted raisin bread, pies and pasties, tea and coffee, soft drink, ice cream and newspapers and magazines. He also announced that liquor would be available for consumption in a tavern-type area in the refreshment carriage until midnight. Mr. Hodges said a surcharge would be made on all passenger tickets to cover some of the cost and he was hopeful of a return of at least 5% on sales. Two economy air-conditioned carriages would be modified with the first carriage available in early 1977 and the second about three months later.

On Saturday 14-8-1976, the start of the school holidays, two divisions of "The Vinelander" arrived in Mildura. The first, which departed Melbourne at the normal time of "The Vinelander", consisted entirely of sleeping cars and arrived in Mildura at 7.15 a.m. - about an hour earlier than the schedule. The second division consisting of sitting cars, arrived behind schedule. The following night,

Sunday 15-8-1976, one of the longest trains to leave from Mildura departed with 236 passengers. The train consisted of seven sleeping cars, five sitting cars, a TP iced van, three Motorail wagons and a CE brakevan. Three locomotives - two B Class and one T Class - hauled the train. With additional passengers picked up at Irymple, Redcliffs and Ouyen, the train carried more than 350 people.

A fortnight later on 29-8-1976, "The Vinelander" again consisted of 17 carriages and three locomotives with heavy passenger bookings from Mildura, Irymple, Redcliffs and Ouyen. The train consist included five sleeping cars, seven sitting cars, four Motorail wagons, a TP iced van and CE brakevan.

The long trains raised the question of lengthening the platform at Mildura to accommodate the increasingly long trains being scheduled to accommodate the passenger traffic from the station.

In November 1976, the General Manager of the Victorian Railways Board, Mr. I. Hodges, responded to complaints that "The Vinelander" had arrived late at Mildura on 56 occasions and at Spencer Street on 103 occasions 1-1-1976 to 12-10-1976. The General Manager provided the following information on the late arrivals that were more than five minutes late:

* Overload of passengers (36 times)

* Delays caused by other passenger trains (32)

* Defective locomotive and speed restrictions (14)

* Delayed by goods trains (12)

* Late supply of locomotive (11)

* Defective carriage (5)

* Sick passenger needing attention (2)

* Delayed by derailment (3)

* Car on Motorail wagon leaking fuel (1)

* Communication cord pulled (1)

During the overnight journey of "The Vinelander" from Melbourne to Mildura on 31-12-1976, a bag containing 27 keys for cars being transported on the Motorail wagons attached to the train, were stolen from the guard's van. Only nine car owners had spare keys when they arrived in Mildura and RACV mechanics and a locksmith were engaged to cut replacement keys and start cars. Taxis were arranged by the Mildura Stationmaster, Mr. K. Bailey, to transfer passengers to their destinations while their cars were being operable. The unloading process off the Motorail wagons took about three hours longer than usual as many cars also had steering locks, making removal from the wagons difficult.

The keys were found in the bag beside the railway line by staff at Bet Bet station, near Dunolly, and were returned to Mildura railway station by 4.40 p.m. Saturday 1-1-1977. A youth was questioned by Warracknabeal police.

1977

Additional trains were rostered to and from Mildura for the Easter holiday period, however torrential rain (more than 55 mm or two inches) in Melbourne caused delays to train running on the night of Thursday 7-4-1977. Two additional trains and "The Vinelander" were delayed in Melbourne before departure and then further delayed when they had to travel via Geelong.

The 8.15 p.m. special was due to arrive at 6.40 a.m. but did not arrive until 8.30 a.m.. The 9.20 p.m. "The Vinelander" did not arrive until 10.48 a.m. and the 10.40 p.m. special due to arrive at 9.45 a.m. arrived at 12.10 p.m. Passenger traffic to Mildura at Easter continued to be well supported with the three trains carrying 261 passengers in 13 carriages, 211 passengers in 12 carriages and 481 in 17 carriages, respectively.

With the impending addition of Buffet cars to "The Vinelander", first announced in July 1976, advertising for catering attendants with experience in food handling was undertaken on 18-5-1977. To operate the new service, two air-conditioned BS carriages were converted to provide a cafeteria section and 12-seat lounge. Three compartments were removed during the conversion. They were out-shopped from Newport Workshops on 9-7-1977. The following are histories of the carriages used for the service:

Carriage No.

Altered to

Date

Note

Car No.6

1 BS

30-8-1939

Built for Spirit of Progress

1 BS

2MRS

9-7-1977

Converted for use on "The Vinelander"

Carriage No.

Altered to

Date

Note

Car No.9

4 BS

30-8-1939

Built for Spirit of Progress

4 BS

1MRS

9-7-1977

Converted for use on "The Vinelander"

On 11-7-1977 a trial run was made from Melbourne to Mildura for staff training purposes. Regular use commenced on 18-7-1977 in the Down direction and 19-7-1977 in the Up direction, with one catering staff member on Monday to Thursday and two attendants on Friday and Sunday.

Buffet car attendant Mrs. M. Sinclair serves Mr. R. Wilson from the Victorian Railways Secretary's Branch in this publicity photograph for the introduction of a buffet car on "The Vinelander". July 1977. Photo: Victorian Railways

The General Manager of the Victorian Railways, Mr. I. Hodges, scheduled his inspection tour of north-west railway facilities to coincide with the launch of the new service and was on hand in Mildura when the first Buffet car arrived on "The Vinelander". The Buffet cars provided a take-away light refreshment service from the cafeteria section with soft drinks, liquor, cigarettes, ice cream, newspapers and magazines for sale. The sale and consumption of liquor was restricted to the Buffer cars with liquor sales ceasing at midnight.

After a struggle by a number of community groups for the buffet cars (as chronicled in this history), the introduction of the service was marred by the utterances of a Mildura City councillor. In the week prior to the introduction of the Mini-Buffet service, Cr. S. Mills was reported to have suggested at a meeting of the Council on 14-7-1977 that "the best way of coping with a journey on `The Vinelander' rail service to Melbourne is to take along a bottle of whisky". After a recent trip, Cr. Mills complained that the service had not altered in 60 years. This comment prompted a regular train traveller, businessman Mr. W. Moy, to write to "Sunraysia Daily" defending the modern service provided by the current train and suggesting to Cr. Mills "that if he drinks whisky, stay off it and you might make less foolish remarks". During the visit to Mildura by the Victorian Railways General Manager, Cr. Mills was not among the councillors to welcome him and the rest of the councillors spent a great deal of time apologising to Mr. Hodges for what had been said.

Mini Buffet car MRS2 at Mildura, November 1980. MRS2 was formerly a second class sitting car BS1 built for the "Spirit of Progress". Photo: Bruce McLean

Industrial action by railway union membership during 1977 resulted in a number of occasions when passenger trains were unable to run. On most occasions trains were cancelled, however on Saturday 6-8-1977 a special daylight train was scheduled to run from Mildura to Melbourne after the cancellation of "The Vinelander" services on Thursday 4-8-1977 and Friday 5-9-1977. The daylight special consisting of B80, T, Motorail wagon, first, buffet and economy carriages and CE van, departed Mildura at 9 a.m. and was scheduled to arrive at Spencer Street at 7.40 p.m.. A similar train was scheduled to depart from Spencer Street at 7.45 a.m. and arrive in Mildura at 6.15 p.m.. These daylight trains were the first scheduled trains on the Mildura line since the demise of the Mildura Sunlight on 31-4-1967 other than the special one-way Marching Girls train from Mildura to Melbourne provided each June.

B80 leads the special daylight train from Mildura across the Seventh Street, Mildura level crossing, on Saturday 6-8-1977. The special train was run after two days of industrial action by union members had caused cancellation of "The Vinelander" services. Photo: Bruce McLean

The booking office in the new Mildura station building was opened for passenger service on Thursday 1-9-1977.

To celebrate the fifth anniversary of "The Vinelander", VicRail once again staged a series of promotions including a competition with a prize of a return sleeping berth tickets for two and the running of "The Vinelander" Plate at Mildura Races. A Vicrail package tour brought 80 people to Mildura for the weekend of 24 & 25-9-1977.

As an early sign of changing practices, VicRail announced on 11-10-1977 that "Holidaymakers Travel" would commence selling tickets for Mildura line services including tickets traditionally sold at railway stations for "The Vinelander". "Holidaymakers Travel" were already running rail and coach connections between Mildura, Broken Hill and Adelaide and had forged links with the VicRail marketing division in their quest to develop their business in a complimentary way with rail travel.

Following the closure of the Victorian Government Travel Bureau in Mildura in the early 1970's, there was not an agency specialising in rail ticket sales.

Advertisement appearing in "Sunraysia Daily" newspaper on 11-10-1977announcing train ticket sales available from "Holidaymakers Travel". Source: Bruce McLean Collection

On Friday 4-11-1977, an empty cars special passenger train was scheduled from Spencer Street to Mildura in order to provide sufficient sleeping and sitting cars for the Friday night Up "The Vinelander" service following a 24 hours strike by unionists on 3-11-1977. The departure from Spencer Street was at 3.30 a.m. with T346, 47BU, 20BE, 1AW, No.4 Sleeper, No.3 Sleeper, 1VAM Sleeper, 3CV. Arrival at Mildura was 3.05 p.m..

B83, B62, 3CV, 35CE and three Motorail wagons stand at Mildura on Sunday 6-11-1977 in readiness to run the up "The Vinelander" that night. The additional locomotive and CV van were being worked back to Melbourne after schedules were disrupted by a snap strike by union members. Photo: Bruce McLean

Two trains were scheduled from Melbourne to Mildura for Christmas travellers. The normal service by "The Vinelander" was scheduled to arrive in Mildura at 7.50 a.m. and an additional division at 8.35 a.m.

1978

In January 1978 it was announced that an additional two sleeping cars would be made available for use on "The Vinelander". A shortage of sleeping accommodation on Friday and Sunday nights had been aggravated for some months as the two twinette sleeping cars had been out of service. The carriages being upgraded into sleeping cars were former standard gauge cars VAC1 and VAC2 originally used for Melbourne to Canberra traffic. They were issued to broad gauge traffic for "The Vinelander" on 23-2-1978 as VAC15 and VAC16.

The VAC classification was replaced by the standard sleeper numbering system with VAC15 altered to No.15 Sleeper and VAC16 to No.16 Sleeper. No.15 Sleeper was scheduled to Mildura on the Down "The Vinelander" on 17-3-1978, arriving at Mildura on 18-3-1978. No.16 Sleeper was scheduled to Mildura on the Down "The Vinelander" on 19-3-1978, arriving at Mildura on 20-3-1978.

The two seating compartments altered to twinette sleeping compartments were identical to the other six compartments, however the author noted that the standard of workmanship, particularly in painting, left much to be desired in No.15 Sleeper. It was difficult to understand why this car was allowed to enter service with roughly painted fittings, "patched up" new paint work, and painting that had been damaged and not repainted.

"The Vinelander" departure from Mildura on the Monday Labour Day holiday 13-3-1978, consisted of B78, X32, 35CE, 40BW, 3ABE, 4BE, 8BS, 34BE, 2BZ, 2MRS, 3AZ, No.1 Sleeper, No.2 Sleeper, 1VAM Sleeper, No.14 Sleeper, No.11 Sleeper, AX20, AX17. The departure from Mildura was ten minutes late due to the fact that passengers had to board in three stages because of the length of the train. Platform extensions were in hand, but the completed work at the time was of little assistance on nights of lengthy trains.

About 160 district primary school children travelled on the train to attend a school camp for ten days at Somers. There was criticism from Mr. K. Wright M.L.C. that the children were conveyed on non air-conditioned corridor cars which were not suitable for an overnight journey of more than 11 hours. Mr. Wright believed better carriages should be made available for "The Vinelander" as he thought the train was treated as a "poor cousin" to the "Spirit of Progress" and "The Overland".

The new Mildura station was officially opened on 11-4-1978 by the Chairman of the Victorian Railways Board, Mr. W. Gibbs, and Mayor of Mildura, Mr. L. Andriske, prior to the departure of "The Vinelander". .

The new station from the platform side on 30-4-1978. Photo: Bruce McLean

Following the introduction of the Buffet Car and the availability of liquor sales to passengers, there were a number of disturbing instances where drunken passengers had caused problems for other passengers. There were reported instances where "The Vinelander" had been delayed en route while police had to board to remove drunken travellers and on 14-4-1978 investigations were undertaken by VicRail into claims that a party of students from St. Joseph's College, Mildura, were harassed by the drunken behaviour of some male passengers between Melbourne and Maryborough. It was reported that the affected men had been drinking before getting on the train at Spencer Street.

Railway detectives swooped on passengers on "The Vinelander" service from Melbourne to Mildura on 21-4-1978 on the order of the Chairman of the Victorian Railways Board, Mr. A. Gibbs, to charge any unruly passengers and take them off the train at station stops.

T354 on the Up "The Vinelander" about to depart from Mildura at 9.30 p.m. on 30-5-1978. Photo: R.M. Carslisle

Three trains were scheduled to Mildura for the Queen's Birthday holiday weekend. On Friday 2-6-1978, a train with 250 Marching Girls was scheduled to depart at 10.40 p.m. and arrive in Mildura the following day at 8.55 a.m.. Another special was scheduled to depart Melbourne at 8.00 p.m., and arrive at 6.40 a.m. the following day. "The Vinelander" was scheduled at its normal times.

The failure of X35 on the first special near Ballarat on Saturday 3-6-1978 caused all three trains to be more than two hours late. After departure from Ballarat at 11.30 p.m. (55 mins. late), locomotive X35 shut down itself at milepost 81½ mid-way between the sites of Sulky and Bald Hills stations, at 11.43 p.m.. T371 relief loco arrived at 1.15 a.m. from Ballarat and attached to the Up end of the train which was standing on a 1 in 50 grade against Up trains. T371 struggled to haul the train consisting of 10/465 tonnes plus the dead X class (114 tonnes) for a total of 575 tonnes and arrived at Ballarat at 1.49 a.m. after crossing the Down "The Vinelander" at Ballarat North. T371 was detached and B79 off an Up goods from Ararat was attached. Departure was at 2.06 a.m. (should have been 10.35 p.m.) and after delays at Ouyen (20 mins.) for passenger refreshments and Irymple (29 mins) account Motorail unloading at Mildura incomplete, arrival at Mildura was 11.30 a.m. instead of 6.40 a.m.. "The Vinelander" and the Marching Girls Special arrived at Mildura at 10.23 a.m. (in lieu 8.05 a.m.) and 12.25 p.m. (in lieu 8.55 a.m.) respectively.

To return the Marching Girls to Melbourne, a special daylight train was scheduled to depart Mildura at 9.30 a.m. and arrive in Melbourne at 7.30 p.m. on Monday 5-6-1978.

The Governor of Victoria, Sir Henry Winneke, in his special carriage attached to "The Vinelander", arrived at Mildura on 21-6-1978 for a visit to the north-west municipalities. His special carriage was stabled at the former steam locomotive depot sidings near Mildura Arts Centre. The Governor departed on 23-6-1978 with the special car attached to "The Vinelander".

Eighty race fans travelled to Mildura in four sleeping cars attached to "The Vinelander" for the running of "The Vinelander Plate" at Mildura races on 12-8-1978. The 80 travellers were part of a special package deal organised for the weekend in Mildura. Mr. N. Rashleigh, Assistant General Manager, Finance and Administration, represented the Victorian Railways at the race day and presentation.

Thursday night 26-10-1978 saw "The Vinelander" depart from Spencer Street station, Melbourne with a commemorative headboard to mark the 75th Anniversary of the arrival of the first train to Mildura, the arrival in Mildura the next morning 27-10-1978 being the actual anniversary date. B85 was the locomotive in charge of the train that night and when "The Vinelander" pulled into Mildura station it was met by the Mayor of the City of Mildura, Cr. K. Gambetta and Mr. M. Whiting M.L.A.. The station platform canopy was decorated with small flags to mark the special occasion.

B85 with the special commemorative headboard to mark the 75th anniversary of trains to Mildura, with Driver Mr. A. Guild of Donald, Mr. M. Whiting M.L.A., Mrs. K. Gambetta, Mayor of Mildura, Stationmaster Mr. K. Bailey and Engineman G. Willey of Donald. 27-10-1978. Photo: Bruce McLean

A lightning strike by railway unions created difficulties for passengers on 5-12-1978. Mildura Bus Lines were called on to transfer about 60 passengers to Melbourne when "The Vinelander" was prevented from running. Buses were also used to bring passengers from Melbourne that night. As a consequence of the snap strike, there were two "The Vinelander" sets stranded at Mildura.

Due to strike action by railway unions, both "The Vinelander" sets were in Mildura at the one time and presented this unique sight at the Mildura carriage sheds. 6-12-1978. Photo: Bruce McLean

1979

Two trains were scheduled from Melbourne to Mildura for the Queen's Birthday long weekend. The first train was scheduled to arrive at 6.40 a.m. followed by the normal "The Vinelander" service at 8.05 a.m..

Industrial turmoil in the railway industry disrupted train services without notice on a number of occasions in June 1979. The worst strike was from 29-6-1979 to 3-7-1979 when public transport was halted in Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania in support of a wage parity claim.

A two-day strike by Shunters in Melbourne from 16-7-1979 caused some unusual train operations when "The Vinelander" carriages "went missing" and "The Gippslander", which normally operates between Melbourne and Bairnsdale, ran the service from Melbourne to Mildura. The same carriages formed the Up train to Melbourne from Mildura on 17-7-1979. whilst the Down "The Vinelander" from Melbourne that night consisted of non air-conditioned wooden sitting carriages - a very uncomfortable overnight trip to Mildura in the middle of winter! The normal carriages were back in use for the service to Mildura departing Melbourne 18-7-1979.

Wooden non air-conditioned carriages were used to provide a service in lieu of the normal air-conditioned sitting and sleeping cars used on "The Vinelander" during a strike by railway unions. On the morning of 18-7-1979, 23AE, 45BE, 36BE, 3ABE and 9CW were waiting to be shunted into the car shed on a gloomy, wet winter's day. Photo: Bruce McLean

It was announced in July 1979 that the mini-buffet service would stop selling liquor at 11 p.m. instead of midnight because of complaints that it has been misused. There had been complaints that intoxicated passengers had caused annoyance to other travellers and the earlier close of sales was an effort to exercise better control.

The President of the Mildura Branch of the Australian Labor Party, Mr. L. Smith, announced in July 1979 following a branch meeting, that VicRail would be approached with a proposal for a comfortable and economic passenger service between Melbourne and Mildura. This futuristic request was remarkably similar to proposals which began to materialise in the year 2001, when the Brack's Labor government announced that it was going to standardise the Mildura line and run a fast rail service between Melbourne and Mildura. The 1979 ALP proposal suggested:

* A rail motor of modern design providing comfort and high speeds on the existing track;

* It would be equipped with reclining seats, individual lighting and ventilation;

* Airline type meals would be available and the only on-board crew necessary would be a driver and cabin attendant, keeping fares tom a minimum.

* Such a service would be able to depart Melbourne by mid-afternoon and arrive in Mildura no later than 10 p.m.. It would depart Mildura no earlier than 6 a.m. and arrive in Melbourne by lunchtime.

In response to the suggestion, VicRail Passenger Marketing Manager, Mr. D. Rashleigh, was sent to Mildura to investigate the viability of such a daylight service. As this history will relate, nothing came of the proposal until more than 20 years later.

A 48 hour public transport strike by railway unions again crippled rail services. Because of the overnight passenger train schedules, trains did not arrive or depart on the Mildura line from Wednesday 22-8-1979 until Sunday 26-8-1979 - effectively three days of interruption.

One of the longest passenger trains to Mildura arrived on the morning of 3-11-1979, the day after the Melbourne Cup holiday. X41 and T378 hauled 19 carriages including three Motorail wagons and Guards van 37CE.

"The Vinelander" after arrival at Mildura on 3-11-1979 with 18 carriages hauled by X41 and T378. This view, from the end of the train, endeavours to show the length of the train. The popularity of rail travel on "The Vinelander" during this period was unparalleled in the history of rail travel on the Mildura corridor outside of wartime troop traffic. Photo: Bruce McLean

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