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1994 - Steamrail Mildura

23-4-1994 - 25-4-1994:

Following the success of the first visit to Mildura by 56RM, members of the Ballarat Division of Steamrail Victoria arranged for a follow up visit from 23-4-1994 to 25-4-1994.

This time the journey commenced at Spencer Street, Melbourne where departure was scheduled for 7.30 a.m.. Stops to pick up passengers were scheduled for Ballarat, Maryborough, St. Arnaud and Birchip, with arrival at Mildura at 4 p.m.. A planned shuttle trip from Mildura to Redcliffs and return was abandoned as V/Line required an amount of $2,200 and the organizers would have required 500 passengers to recoup the cost. After stabling overnight at the Mildura carriage shed, the party was scheduled to depart Mildura at 7.15 a.m. on 25-4-1994 for Melbourne.

56RM prior to departure from Mildura at 7.15 a.m. for its return journey to Melbourne with members of the Ballarat Division of Steamrail Victoria. 25-4-1994. Photo: Bruce McLean

56RAM standing at Mildura before departure to Melbourne. Note the end of train detector attached to the rear auto coupler. 25-4-1994. Photo: Bruce McLean

56RM powers up the gradient towards the Eleventh Street and Benetook Avenue level crossing after its 7.15 a.m. departure from Mildura ahead of a long run to Melbourne on 25-4-1994. Photo: Bruce McLean