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Members of the Association of Railway Enthusiasts (A.R.E.) operated a special Diesel Electric Rail Car (D.E.R.M.), 61 RM, from Melbourne to Pinnaroo, via Castlemaine and Maryborough and returned from Pinnaroo to Melbourne via Ballarat and Bacchus Marsh.
This was possibly the first D.E.R.M. to travel beyond Woomelang.
The special was scheduled to depart Spencer Street at 6.50 p.m. on Friday 19-2-1993 and arrive at Maryborough at 11.16 p.m. where there was an overnight stay.
The following morning's departure was scheduled at 8.30 a.m.. There was a fuel stop scheduled at Donald from 10.20 a.m. to 10.50 a.m. and arrival at Ouyen was at 1.50 p.m..
The unusual sight of rail motor 61RM arriving at Ouyen. 20-2-1993. Photo: Bruce McLean
61RM standing at Ouyen platform prior to departure for Pinnaroo. 20-2-1993. Photo: Bruce McLean
The junction for the Pinnaroo line lies with No.2 road at Ouyen, so when the rail motor departed it ran forward on the main line, then set back onto No.2 road, before departing.
Departure was at 2.59 p.m. and with warm and pleasant weather conditions, the A.R.E. members traversed the mallee scrub and grain fields on their way to the South Australian town of Pinnaroo. Photo stops were held at various points to enable the travellers to obtain photographs of the rare passenger train on this line including Underbool, Cowangie, Murrayville, level crossings and the border.
61RM leaves Ouyen and the Mallee Highway behind as it heads for Pinnaroo. 20-2-1993. Photo: Bruce McLean
61RM arriving at Galah. 20-2-1993. Photo: Bruce McLean
The railway passes through natural mallee scrub between Tiega and Walpeup. 61RM appears diminutive as it heads towards Walpeup and Pinnaroo. 20-2-1993. Photo: Bruce McLean
61RM arriving at Walpeup. 20-2-1993. Photo: Bruce McLean
61RM arrives at Pinnaroo, South Australia, after its long journey from Melbourne. 20-2-1993. Photo: Ian Woollett
61RM was arrived at Pinnaroo about 6 p.m.. Departure was at 6.45 p.m.. On return, Ouyen was reached at 9.31 p.m. and the A.R.E. travellers stayed overnight. On Sunday 21-2-1993, departure from Ouyen was at 8.20 a.m.. Stops were made at Speed to refuel, and photo stops were held at Woomelang, Birchip and Donald, with lunch at St. Arnaud. The rail motor continued its journey via Ballarat and Bacchus Marsh, with arrival at Spencer Street at 5.11 p.m., 19 minutes early.
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