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The Ballarat Division of Steamrail Victoria conducted their third enthusiast trip to Mildura in June 1995, this time with a diesel-hauled train instead of rail motor 56RM.
T413 at Mildura with the special Steamrail Victoria, Ballarat Division, special train from Melbourne. 11-6-1995. Photo: Bruce McLean
The tour train arrived in Mildura late in the afternoon of 10-6-1995 and consisted of preserved Victorian Railways diesel locomotive T413, ex South Australian Railways carriage 711, BRS225 and guards van 292CP, the rolling stock provided by West Coast Railways. Two wooden bodied carriages 32ABU and 40 ABU were detached at Ouyen on the forward journey as they developed "hot boxes".
West Coast Railway carriages used for the special train. From left BRS225, 711 and 292CP. The carriages were used for shuttle trips between Mildura and Redcliffs for the benefit of local passengers. Mildura 11-6-1995. Photo: Bruce McLean
32ABU and 40ABU were detached from the Mildura-bound special train at Ouyen with hot box problems. Both carriages were placed in the goods shed road and spent about two weeks at Ouyen before being repaired and returned to Melbourne. 23-6-1995. Photo: Bruce McLean
There were 150 enthusiasts on the train and they spent the weekend in Mildura covering tourist destinations. Special train trips were scheduled to run from Mildura to Redcliffs and return at 9.00 a.m., 10.30 a.m., 12 noon, 1.20 p.m., 2.50 p.m. and 4.10 p.m.. A total of 780 passengers travelled on the trips. It was arranged that proceeds from the trips would be donated to the Sunraysia Steam Preservation Society and a sum of $1,200 was raised for the restoration of the Psyche Bend Pumping Station.
Advertisement promoting rides between Mildura and Redcliffs during the visit by Steamrail Victoria, Ballarat Division, on 11-6-1995. Source: Bruce McLean Collection
The group departed early on the morning of 12-6-1995 for the return journey to Melbourne via Maryborough and Ballarat.
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