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Special Trains 1903 - 1959

"Special Trains" are trains that are scheduled for a unique purpose and additional to passenger and goods trains normally timetabled for a particular line. This segment covers known special trains that have been provided for specific occasions, special purposes, track testing and emergency circumstances. For Commissioners Inspection Trains and Railway Enthusiast Groups, refer to their separate sections.

1903

Two special trains, not carrying goods, and providing sleeping accommodation, were arranged to arrive at 8.50 a.m. and 9.30 a.m. on 13-10-1903 for the official opening celebrations of the railway to Mildura. The first special included sleeping car O29 and 6ABAB composite first and second class car, arrived at 9.40 a.m. after leaving Melbourne at 6.27 the previous evening. The second special departed 35 minutes after the first and arrived in Mildura at 10.15 a.m. The train carried the governor, a large parliamentary party including Mr. J.W. Taverner, Minister for Lands and local member. Contemporary newspaper reports do not provide details of the arrangements made for the departure of the trains from the Victorian Railways newest and furthermost terminus from Melbourne.

1904

A special train was provided for the Governor of Victoria to travel to Mildura. It was delayed by "hot boxes" (overheating axle bearings) causing concern as there was no means of communication available for much of the journey through the desolate mallee. The governor's special train departed from Mildura on 31-12-1904 at 10.30 a.m. and arrival at Woomelang 7.30 p.m..

1907

A party of parliamentarians visited Mildura on 19-10-1907 using a special train. The train was described in the Maryborough "Advertiser": "...it comprised four new sleepers which are to be added to the Adelaide Express at an early date and a large express van with a new type of passenger engine." The carriages referred to were "Melbourne", "Ballarat", "Wolseley" and "Adelaide" built at Newport Workshops for Victorian and South Australian Railways joint stock use between Melbourne and Adelaide. They were issued for traffic on 17-10-1907 and must have been immediately allocated for this special parliamentary trip to be in Mildura two days later. These carriages were renamed in 1910 as "Loddon", "Glenelg", "Finnis" and "Torrens" and saw most of their life in service on "The Overland". The express van was most likely CE1 or CE2.

1908

An Adelaide sleeping car was also provided on a special train for a visit by the Governor General to Mildura during July 1908.

1910

A special train ran from Mildura to Merbein and return on 14-3-1910, before construction the line had been completed (it was opened on 4-7-1910). The special train consisted of an R Class locomotive and two passenger carriages. It departed Mildura at 9.30 a.m. and took 40 minutes for the journey owing to the new track not yet being ballasted. The return journey departed from Merbein at 2.30 p.m.. The purpose of the special train is not known.

1911

Two special trains were chartered to run from Mildura to Merbein for the inaugural meeting of the Merbein Turf Club on 19-1-1911. The trains departed Mildura at 11 a.m. (184 passengers) and 1 p.m. (211 passengers), returning at 6.15 p.m.. It was possible to utilise carriages standing over in Mildura as Thursday was not a "train day". Similar arrangements were made for the following year with the Mildura Stationmaster empowered to arrange a second special for return traffic if warranted.

1918

At 11 a.m. on 28-1-1918, sightseers, particularly children, crowded the approaches to Mildura railway station, the overhead bridge to the goods yard and most likely other advantage points down the line from Ouyen, to witness the arrival of Wirth's Circus special train from Pinnaroo. In fact this was the first of two trains required to convey the circus from town to town.

The Circus train was at Woomelang on 1-2-1918.

1920

A special train ran on Monday 26-4-1920 from Mildura to Yatpool for passengers to attend a race meeting. It returned to Mildura about 8.30 p.m.

1921

Wirth's Circus train arrived at Ouyen from Pinnaroo on 26-1-1921 and then moved on to Mildura on 27-1-1921. It was then at Birchip on 28-1-1921.

Trains from Mildura and Ouyen were provided for the Yatpool races on 2-5-1921. A special train was scheduled to leave Mildura at 12.01 p.m. and arrive at Yatpool at 12.35 p.m., departing at 7 p.m. and arriving at Mildura at 7.42 p.m.. Another special was scheduled to depart Ouyen at 10.20 a.m. It was to depart Yatpool at 7.15 p.m. and arrive at Ouyen at 10.00 p.m.. Both trains were stopping at all intermediate stations.

Football special trains were run between Mildura and Merbein to cater for games being played in either town on Wednesdays and Saturdays for the 1921 football season, with good patronage, particularly on Saturdays.

In December 1921, Messrs. W.H. Wilson, W.J. Bowring and J.W. Washington, prominent Mildura retail businessmen, arranged with the Stationmaster (Mr. J. Gibson) for guaranteed special trains between Merbein, Mildura and Red Cliffs to encourage shoppers to come to Mildura. The guarantee was arranged with the businessmen individually and was not promoted by the Trader's Association. The special trains were scheduled to operate on Saturday 17 and 24 December 1921 to the following timetable:

Leave Merbein 1.30 p.m. Arrive Mildura 1.55 p.m.

Leave Red Cliffs 2.30 p.m. Arrive Mildura 3.00 p.m.

Leave Mildura 9.30 p.m. Arrive Merbein 10.05 p.m.

Leave Mildura 10.30 p.m. Arrive Red Cliffs 10.55 p.m.

Although not shown on the published timetable, the one locomotive and carriage(s) would have provided the whole service commencing from Mildura and running between the guaranteed timetable as a special "not taking passengers". There were no contemporary reports to indicate whether the service was successful, however with the success of the suburban service introduced in June 1922 between Merbein, Mildura and Red Cliffs, it is possible that the businessmen had no trouble in recovering their guarantee and the railway department enjoyed high levels of patronage.

1922

Wirth's Circus train again visited Mildura on 7-7-1922.

The Development Resources Train (known as the "Reso" train) arrived in Mildura from Melbourne about 8 p.m. on Monday 28-8-1922 with more than sixty leading Melbourne businessmen, educationalists and publicists. The train consisted of three sleeping cars, a dining car, a staff car and the Commissioners "Norman" car. The train was scheduled to depart for Merbein the following day at 9.30 a.m. and leave for Mildura at 6.00 p.m.. On Wednesday it would travel to Red Cliffs and depart there at 5 p.m. for Ouyen.

This was the first "Reso" Tour and covered the Mildura and Swan Hill Lines between 28-8-1922 and 2-9-1922.

1923

An excursion from Mildura to Merrinee was arranged by the Come-To-Red Cliffs-Week Committee on 18-10-1923. There were 100 passengers on board when the train departed from Mildura and a further 50 joined at Red Cliffs. The special train arrived at Merrinee a little after midday and after lunch, the return journey arrived back at Mildura about 5.45 p.m.

1924

The fifth tour by the "Reso" train arrived in Mildura on 4-3-1924. This was the second visit to the north-west and passengers ( known as "Resonians") were from Warrnambool and surrounding districts.

The "Reso" train was described as "a small hotel on wheels". It featured sleeping cars for passengers and crew, smoking and writing rooms, a bar, lavatory accommodation including showers and telephone communication between different sections of the train.

The train was hauled by a K Class locomotive (instead of a DD type previously used), and the consist included the dining car "Avon" and the Commissioners' "Norman" car. The tour visited the Mildura, Red Cliffs, Millewa line, Underbool, Woomelang, Donald and Ballarat districts during the period 3 to 8 March 1924.

Perry Bros, Circus train toured from 5-6-1924 to 12-6-1924 with performances at Pinnaroo, Murrayville, Underbool, Ouyen, Mildura, Merbein and Redcliffs.

1925

Wirth's Circus train travelled to Mildura for performances on 20-6-1925.

Dr. Fenton paid a guarantee of 6 pounds to run a special trip from Mildura to Redcliffs on 14-12-1925 using the AEC Rail Motor based at Mildura.

AEC rail motor standing at the Redcliffs platform after arriving from Mildura. Photo: Wilf Henty, courtesy John Kiely

Special trains known to have been run in 1925 are recorded as follows:

Date	Journey	Event	Other Information
12-9-1925	Murrayville to Ouyen	North Western Mallee Football Association Final	234 passengers
30-9-1925	Pinnaroo to Murrayville	Murrayville Presbyterian function at Murrayville	46 passengers
6-10-1925	Ouyen to Carwarp Werrimull to Carwarp	Visit to Mr. P. Stewart's farm at Carwarp	146 passengers 21 passengers
7-10-1985	Merbein to Carwarp	Mildura Traders	726 passengers
10-10-1925	Merbein to Ouyen	Ouyen Races	36 passengers 5 horses
14-10-1925	Ouyen to Murrayville Pinnaroo to Murrayville	Murrayville Show	98 passengers 60 passengers
20-10-1925	Redcliffs to Mildura	Redcliffs Masons	37 passengers
21-10-1925	Ouyen to Pinnaroo	Pinnaroo Show	346 passengers
21-10-1925	Merbein to Carwarp	Carwarp Races	74 passengers 18 horses
26-10-1925	Murrayville to Pinnaroo	Not known	19 passengers
11-11-1925	Carwarp to Mildura	Redcliffs Returned Soldiers Dinner at Mildura	90 passengers
14-12-1925	Mildura to Redcliffs	Dr. Fenton	Nil passengers
15-12-1925	Mildura to Redcliffs	Redcliffs Masonic Lodge	37 passengers

1926

"The Better Farming Train" was the creation of Mr. Harold Clapp, Chairman of Commissioners and was, according to the official Victorian Railways history "VR to `62", a mobile college disseminating information on agricultural science, domestic economy and public health. The train was scheduled to give demonstrations on the Mildura line at Donald on 26-7-1926, Woomelang 27-7-1926, Underbool 28-7-1926, Murrayville 29-7-1926, Walpeup 30-7-1926, Carwarp 31-7-1926, Mildura 2-8-1926, Ouyen 3-8-1926, Speed 4-8-1926, Birchip 5-8-1926, Watchem 6-8-1926 and St. Arnaud 7-8-1926. The train consisted of fourteen carriages and wagons and was 670 feet long.

The Better Farming Train. 1928. Photo: Victorian Railways 191-2

Large crowds visited the long train with the words "Better Farming Train" in large characters along the distinctively painted orange-yellow vehicles. The train consisted of the "Victoria" parlour car, flat trucks fitted for sheep and pigs, a louvre truck, a flat truck carrying a lecture platform, two carriages devoted to veterinary exhibits, wool and wheat, a flat truck for fitted for exhibiting poultry, a baby welfare lecture car and a domestic car. Other carriages were provided for the train staff, electric generating plant and stock fodder.

The Better Farming Train at Mildura on 2-8-1926. The train is standing on the crane road. Photo: Arthur Giddings

The twelfth tour by the "Reso" train was scheduled from 19 to 24-7-1926. The train was scheduled to visit Creswick, Maryborough, Underbool, Murrayville, Carwarp, Redcliffs to Meringur line, Red Cliffs, Mildura, Birchip, St. Arnaud and Daylesford.

K107 arriving at Underbool with a Reso Tour train in July 1926. K107 was issued to traffic in May 1923 and was renumbered to K147 in June 1940. Note the camels to the right of the photo. Photo: Bob Whitehead Collection

The Mildura Trader's Association hired a special train with a guarantee of 18 pounds to run from Mildura to Redcliffs on 20-10-1926. There were 369 passengers with 329 boarding at Mildura and 40 at Irymple. The guarantee was covered by fares amounting to 19 pounds and 1 penny.

Special trains known to have been run in 1926 are recorded as follows:

Date	Journey	Event	Other Information
19-1-1926	Redcliffs to Mildura	Redcliffs Masons	36
10-2-1926	Ouyen to Merrinee Merbein to Merrinee	Merrinee Races	8 passengers 74 passengers
17-2-1926	Mildura to Redcliffs	Redcliffs Masons	26 passengers
3-4-1926	Donald to Ouyen Merbein to Ouyen Pinnaroo to Ouyen	Ouyen Races	78 passengers 9 horses 51 passengers 8 horses 40 passengers 5 horses
5-4-1926	Pinnaroo to Cowangie Ouyen to Cowangie	Cowangie Races	66 passengers 2 horses 71 passengers 4 horses
13-4-1926	Mildura to Redcliffs	Redcliffs Masons	23 passengers
14-4-1926	Merbein to Carwarp	Carwarp Races	63 passengers 12 horses
24-4-1926	Redcliffs and Merbein to Mildura	Mildura Grand Carnival	775 passengers
26-4-1926	Redcliffs and Merbein to Mildura Woomelang to Mildura	Mildura Grand Carnival	1469 passengers 124 passengers
20-10-1926	Ouyen to Pinnaroo	Pinnaroo Show	350 passengers
20-10-1926	Mildura to Redcliffs	Mildura Traders	369 passengers

1927

Wirth's Circus arrived by special train at Mildura on 17-6-1927. The train, of 560 tons weight, was hauled by an N Class locomotive, from Ouyen.

Special trains known to have been run in 1927 are recorded as follows:

Date	Journey	Event	Other Information
1-1-1927	Ouyen to Merrinee Merbein to Merrinee	Merrinee Races	17 passengers 2 horses 95 passengers 15 horses
4-4-1927	Redcliffs and Merbein to Mildura Werrimull to Mildura	Mildura Carnival	949 passengers 69 passengers
16-4-1927	Donald to Ouyen Merbein to Ouyen Pinnaroo to Ouyen	Ouyen Races	38 passengers 10 horses 67 passengers 4 horses 43 passengers 11 horses
18-4-1927	Ouyen to Cowangie Pinnaroo to Cowangie	Cowangie Races	76 passengers 16 horses 50 passengers 1 horse
21-5-1927	Walpeup to Tempy	Walpeup Football Club	42 passengers
20-6-1927	Murrayville to Pinnaroo	Wirth's Circus at Pinnaroo	49 passengers
7-9-1927	Pinnaroo to Ouyen Mildura to Ouyen Donald to Ouyen	Ouyen Races	197 passengers 144 passengers 123 passengers
5-11-1927	Meringur to Carwarp Ouyen to Carwarp	Field day at Carwarp farm	128 passengers 51 passengers
16-11-1927	Mildura to Ouyen	Buffalo Lodge	15 passengers

1928

The Better Farming Train made a return visit to north-west Victoria stopping at Carwarp 31-7-1928, Merrinee 1-8-1928, Meringur 2-8-1928, Werrimull 3-8-1928, Red Cliffs 4-8-1928, Ouyen 6-8-1928, Underbool 7-8-1928, Cowangie 9-8-1928 and Walpeup 10-8-1928.

A typical scene at a country location where the "Better Farming Train" has stopped to provide information on agricultural science, domestic economy and public health. Photo: Victorian Railways

Special trains known to have been run in 1928 are recorded as follows:

Date	Journey	Event	Other Information
2-1-1928	Ouyen to Merrinee	Merrinee Races	114 passengers 17 horses
26-3-1928	Ouyen to Mildura Redcliffs to Merbein	Mildura Grand Show	116 passengers 598 passengers
7-4-1928	Donald to Ouyen Merbein to Ouyen	St. Patrick's Races	58 passengers 12 horses 54 passengers 11 horses
9-4-1928	Ouyen to Cowangie Pinnaroo to Cowangie	Cowangie Races	43 passengers 7 horses 72 passengers 3 horses
26-11-1928	Merbein to Ouyen	Merbein Masonic Lodge	26 passengers

1929

The renowned Wirth's Circus was scheduled to arrive in Mildura on 14-6-1929 at 2.30 a.m.. It was then scheduled to run directly to Pinnaroo, departing from Mildura at 12.45 a.m. on 17-6-1929 and arriving in Pinnaroo at 8.46 a.m..

The "Reso" train made north-west Victoria its destination from 2-9-1929 to 7-9-1929. The special train of four sleeping cars, lounge, dining and "Norman" car visited Creswick, Maryborough, Mildura, Underbool, Pinnaroo, Birchip, St. Arnaud, Avoca, Ararat and Daylesford. The train was in Mildura on 3-9-1929.

Special trains known to have been run in 1929 are recorded as follows:

Date	Journey	Event	Other Information
30-3-1929	Donald to Ouyen Merbein to Ouyen	St. Patrick's Day Races at Ouyen	52 passengers 22 horses 65 passengers 11 horses

1930

A special train for Merrinee races was scheduled on 1-1-1930. The special departed Mildura at 9.05 a.m. for Merbein and returned to Mildura at 10.02 a.m. before departing again at 10.28 a.m.. After stopping at Red Cliffs at 11.00 a.m. it would arrive at Merrinee at 12.15 p.m.. A stop would be made opposite the race course for passengers to alight, however horses and other equipment would be unloaded at the station, about a mile further on. The special was scheduled to return from Merrinee at 7 p.m., reach Mildura at 8.30 p.m. and Merbein at 8.35 p.m..

1931

A special train for the Merrinee races was run from Merbein to Merrinee on 1-1-1931. A total of 53 passengers and 13 horses travelled.

A special train was run from Mildura to Melbourne on 11-4-1931 for the visit of Lord and Lady Baden-Powell. A total of 186 passengers travelled.

Wirth's Circus train travelled to Mildura for performances in June 1931 using a K Class locomotive to Mildura and return to Ouyen. A Dd Class locomotive was added to the K Class to take the train from Ouyen to Murrayville.

The Mildura Postmaster reported in October 1931 that a broadcasting licence was issued to a company that intended to visit various parts of the state, including Mildura for four days in November 1931.

1933

Wirth's Circus train travelled to Mildura with a K Class locomotive on 1-7-1933. On return to Ouyen, a D3 Class locomotive was added from Ouyen to Murrayville.

1934

The first day train to run from Mildura to Melbourne for many years departed at 8.15 a.m. on 16-10-1934 and was scheduled to arrive in Melbourne at 9.50 p.m. This special was run in conjunction with three other trains scheduled on 24-10-1934, 7-11-1934 and 14-11-1934 in connection with the Centenary Celebrations.

A Royal Train brought the Duke of Gloucester to Mildura on 31-10-1934. The 700-foot long train comprised Loddon (V&SAR sleeping car), Dargo (V&SAR sleeping car), Goulburn (special car) Pekina (V&SAR sleeping car) Avoca (dining car), State Car No.4, Norman (Commissioners car) and 19CE brake van. There were two locomotives on the train. The first sleeping car was occupied by the Royal staff, the second and third by officials and the fourth by press representatives.

Railway department officials protected the train at over 200 level crossings between Ballarat and Mildura and the Royal Train was preceded by a Pilot Train scheduled to run up to half an hour ahead. Mildura residents were warned that if they intended to go to the welcome reception at the Mildura recreation oval, no traffic would be permitted to cross at level crossings between the passage of the Pilot Train and the Royal Train.

The Duke of Gloucester joined the train at Ballarat on the evening of 30-10-1934 and the train spent the night halted at Cope Cope, south of Donald. The Royal Train arrived in Mildura at 2 p.m.. After completing his engagements, the Duke rejoined the Royal Train at Redcliffs at 5.30 p.m. and the journey was halted at Litchfield to spend the night, arriving later the next morning at Ballarat.

Press cutting from "Sunraysia Daily" 5-11-1934 of the Duke of Gloucester's arrival in Mildura by special train on 31-10-1934. The vice-regal carriage is State Car No. 4. Source: Bruce McLean Collection

1935

The "Better Farming Train" visited the north-west in March/April 1935. The itinerary provided for stops at Tempy on 26-3-1935, Underbool 27-3-1935, Murrayville 28-3-1935, Ouyen 29-3-1935, Mildura 30-3-1935, Merrinee 1-4-1935, Meringur 2-4-1935, Werrimull 3-4-1935, and Redcliffs 4-4-1935.

Two carriages described as "Tait" cars (most likely BPL class cars) were attached to the usual evening train from Mildura on 18-3-1935 to convey fruit pickers. "Sunraysia Daily" reported that nearly 100 people, including "a sprinkling of women and young girls" crowded around the doors and windows of the carriages to bid the pickers farewell.

1936

There were 121 passengers on a special Easter Holiday Train Association train to Mildura which arrived at 10.30 a.m. on Good Friday 10-4-1936. The 9 carriage train was stabled on the riverfront between the Mildura Power Station and Town Pumps with the tourists having meals at the Grand and Commercial (later Wintersun and Hotel Mildura) Hotels.

A special train was scheduled from Melbourne to Mildura on 4-5-1936 for visitors to the annual May Bowling Carnival. The train arrived the following morning and arrangements were made for the Morkalla line train leaving Mildura at 5.45 a.m. to connect at Redcliffs to take any intending passengers for the branch line.

Perry Bros. Circus train arrived at Redcliffs on 24-6-1936, travelling from Walpeup. The train comprised 25 vehicles and performances were held at Ouyen, Irymple, Merbein and Birchip.

1938

Perry Bros. Circus train toured in February 1938 with performances at Pinnaroo, Murrayville, Cowangie, Underbool, Walpeup and Ouyen.

The special holiday train organised by the Holiday Train Association , with sleeping cars and a lounge car, arrived in Mildura on Friday 15-4-1938 at 10.30 a.m. The train was stabled on the line opposite the Mildura Rowing Club and departed for Melbourne on Monday 18-4-1938.

Wirth's Circus train travelled to the mallee for performances in October 1938 using locomotive N110. Performances were held at Pinnaroo, Ouyen, Mildura, Merbein, Redcliffs, Ouyen, Woomelang and Birchip.

1940

Wirth's Circus train toured the mallee from 12-10-1940 to 23-10-1940 showing at Pinnaroo, Ouyen, Mildura, Merbein, Redcliffs, Woomelang and Birchip. Locomotive N110 was used.

1942

A special train for the conveyance of fruit pickers was scheduled to depart Melbourne for Mildura via Castlemaine at 7.10 p.m. on Friday 13-2-1942. It was timed to arrive at Redcliffs at 5.44 a.m., Irymple 5.55 a.m. and Mildura at 6.05 a.m. the following day. This train is understood to be the first specially chartered train for conveyance of fruit pickers to Mildura.

Another special would arrive in Mildura on Sunday, travelling to the same schedule.

With the number of excess carriages at Mildura it was decided to run a special return to Melbourne for sitting passengers only. It departed at 8.45 p.m. on 16-2-1942. There were no air-conditioned carriages and seats could be reserved.

1944

A special train to convey harvest workers to Mildura was scheduled to depart from Melbourne at 8.35 p.m. on Friday 18-2-1944. It was scheduled to arrive the following day at 9 a.m. Another special train for harvest workers was scheduled to depart from Nhill at 2.50 p.m. on Monday 21-2-1944 and arrive in Mildura at 6.35 a.m. the next day.

1945

A special train with harvest labour was scheduled from Horsham to Mildura on 9-2-1945. It would arrive in Mildura at 6.20 a.m. the following day.

1947

A special train was provided from Mildura to Melbourne for 400 students from the Mildura branch of the University of Melbourne on 7-12-1947.

1948

A special train conveying harvest labour was scheduled to arrive in Mildura on 11-2-1948.

1949

A special train carrying students for the Mildura branch of the University of Melbourne, arrived in Mildura on 15-3-1949.

640 harvest hands travelled on the first special fruit pickers' train to Mildura for the grape harvest. It was scheduled to reach Redcliffs at 8.25 a.m. and Mildura at 9 a.m. on Sunday 6-2-1949. A further 500 pickers arrived on another special train on 17-2-1949.

The Governor of Victoria, Sir Edmund Herring and Lady Herring arrived in Mildura on 9-9-1949 for a tour of the Sunraysia district. During their travel and stay in Mildura they were accommodated in State Car No. 4. They were attended by Mr. John Freeland, the Victorian Railways senior conductor.

1950

The first special train for the 1950 grape harvest season arrived in Mildura on Sunday 5-2-1950 with more than 400 pickers on board. Another two trains with about 1,300 pickers arrived on Saturday18-2-1950 and Sunday 19-2-1950.

A special train for fruit pickers was scheduled to depart Mildura at 7 p.m. on Friday 31-3-1950. Carriages for the train were formed by a special train that arrived that morning with 500 New Australians.

1951

Two special trains were scheduled to bring fruit pickers to Mildura for the 1951 grape harvest, arriving in Mildura on Sunday 4-2-1951 and 11-2-1951.

The green and gold Commonwealth Jubilee and Victorian Centenary Train consisting of eleven carriages and containing 200 yards of exhibits travelled to the north-west of the State during May 1951. It was open for inspection at Woomelang and Ouyen on 22-5-1951.

Green N430 at the head of the Victorian Centenary Jubilee Train at Ouyen on 22-5-1951. Photo: Bruce McLean Collection

The Centenary - Jubilee Train arrived in Sunraysia on Wednesday 23-5-1951. The first stop was at Irymple where it was officially welcomed to the Shire of Mildura. The train remained at the platform open for public inspection until 3.10 p.m.. Twenty minutes later it was welcomed to the City of Mildura at Mildura railway station by the Mayor (Cr. A.R. Mansell).

The "Centenary - Jubilee Train" with its green and gold carriages standing at Irymple platform on a wet Wednesday 23-5-1951. Photo: Sunraysia Daily

Despite continuous rain, nearly 700 people visited the train during its stop at Irymple on 23-5-1951 from 11.30 a.m.. An official welcome by the Shire of Mildura took place under the verandah of the station with about 100 people crowding in from the rain.

The "Centenary - Jubilee Train" arrived in Mildura at 3.30 p.m. to be welcomed by about 400 people. The rain which had fallen throughout most of the day, held off for an official welcome by the Mayor of the City of Mildura Cr. A.R. Mansell. A large party of school children made up some of the 2,300 people who inspected the train during the afternoon and night. The train was at Mildura following day, Thursday 24-5-1951. Nearly 6,000 people inspected the train in bleak weather which affected the anticipated attendance, given that a half-day holiday had been declared for the occasion.

On Friday 25-5-1951 the train was at Redcliffs, Saturday 26-5-1951 at Merbein before returning to Mildura on Sunday 27-5-1951 for another opening. The Governor of Victoria, Sir Dallas Brooks made an inspection during Sunday afternoon.

About 25,000 people visited the train during its five days in Sunraysia.

The Mayor of Mildura Cr. A.R. Mansell officially welcomes the "Centenary - Jubilee Train" to the City of Mildura. The wet weather held off for the welcome speech. The gentleman standing to the left of the Mayor is holding a microphone to record the speech for the local radio station 3MA. 23-5-1951. Photo: Sunraysia Daily

School children inspecting the State Electricity Commission of Victoria display in the "Centenary - Jubilee Train" during its stop at Irymple on 23-5-1951. Photo: Sunraysia Daily

Despite the overcast and wet conditions a large crowd, including school children, visited the "Centenary - Jubilee Train" during its stopover at Irymple on 23-5-1951. Photo: Sunraysia Daily

Centenary - Jubilee Train

The Victorian State Government, in conjunction with the Commonwealth Government, organised the "Centenary - Jubilee Train" to celebrate the anniversaries of the centenary of the establishment of the colony of Victoria, the granting of self-government, and the public discovery of gold. In addition, the jubilee of the Commonwealth of Australia was celebrated.

The "Centenary - Jubilee Train" was attractively painted in green and gold and consisted of locomotive N 430, eleven carriages with end doors to make a continuous passageway through the train and a van.

Within the carriages were displays featuring valuable and representative paintings from the National Art Gallery, rare manuscripts and prints, models illustrating the history of gold production, and models and pictures of national projects controlled by the various state departments. The Commonwealth government included displays by the Navy, the Army, the Air Force and the Post Office, a war materials exhibit from the Department of Supply and diagrams and maps of the Snowy Hydro-electric scheme.

During its 6,240 miles tour throughout Victoria from 1-2-1951 to 30-6-1951, the train visited 168 stations. 548,000 persons inspected the exhibits and an entertainment unit which accompanied the train, gave 100 performances which were attended by 96,000 people.

North-west Victoria Visit

The itinerary of the special train during its visit to the north-west of the state was as follows:

Monday 21 May Depart Melbourne

Arrive Woomelang

Tuesday 22 May (Exhibition)

Depart Woomelang 1.30 p.m.

Arrive Ouyen 2.30 p.m.

(Exhibition and Night Entertainment)

Wednesday 23 May Depart Ouyen 8.45 a.m.

Arrive Irymple 11.30 a.m. (Exhibition)

Depart Irymple 3.00 p.m.

Arrive Mildura 3.30 p.m.

(Exhibition and Night Entertainment)

Thursday 24 May (Exhibition and Night Entertainment)

Friday 25 May Depart Mildura 9.30 a.m.

Arrive Redcliffs 10.00 a.m.

(Exhibition and Night Entertainment)

Depart Redcliffs 9 p.m.

Arrive Mildura 9.30 p.m.

Saturday 26 May Depart Mildura 9.30 a.m.

Arrive Merbein 10.00 a.m.

(Exhibition and Night Entertainment)

Sunday 27 May Depart Merbein

Arrive Mildura (Exhibition)

Monday 28 May Depart Mildura 9 a.m.

The "Centenary - Jubilee Train"

Steam locomotive N430 was selected to haul this important commemorative train throughout Victoria and South Australia. It was painted hawthorn green trimmed with yellow and black and bedecked with national flags. It was also fitted with an air-operated brass bell. The special train consisted of eleven BPL Class carriages stripped of internal furnishings and painted in matching colors to the engine. With the guard's van, it made a total of 794 feet long and a weight of 355 tons.

N430 at the head of the "Centenary - Jubilee Train" at Spencer Street Station before the start of a country tour. The train visited the north-west of the State in May 1951. Photo: A.R.H.S. Archives

N430 prepares to depart Spencer Street station, Melbourne, with another "Victorian Centenary-Jubilee Train". 1951. Photo: Rev. Leon Marshall-Wood

1952

Three special trains were scheduled to bring hundreds of harvest workers to the Sunraysia district in early February 1952. The first special with 600 harvest hands arrived on Sunday 3-2-1952 and the others on Saturday 9-2-1952 and Sunday 10-2-1952.

Wirth's Circus train toured the mallee from 5-6-1952 to 15-6-1952 showing at Pinnaroo, Ouyen, Mildura, Merbein, Redcliffs, Woomelang and Birchip. An N Class locomotive was used to haul the train.

1953

Special trains were again utilised to bring harvest hands to Sunraysia for the 1953 grape harvest. An eleven car train with BPL cars was recorded arriving at Mildura on Sunday 22-1-1953.

The night of Tuesday 19-5-1953 involved a total of eight trains operating to and from Mildura. Four special trains - two from Mildura and two from Melbourne - were scheduled to move 2,000 cadets between the centres. In addition to these specials were the two normal passenger trains and two normal goods trains running in each direction.

A "Royalty in Photographs" train consisting of a carriage painted in blue and yellow and was scheduled to spend five months roaming over the Victorian rail network with a display of photographs of members of the Royal Family together with replicas of the Crown Jewels.

The carriage was equipped with fluorescent lighting on the inside and was floodlit at night.

The special carriage arrived in Woomelang where it was on display before being transferred to Mildura on 3-7-1953 attached to a goods train. The display carriage was placed in the carriage shelter shed and the public was able to view the display until 6-7-1953. The carriage was transferred to Merbein on 7-7-1953 and then to Red Cliffs for two days on 8-7-1953. Unfortunately no other information on the carriage's schedule has been found.

More than 4,000 people inspected the carriage at Mildura.

1954

Royal Visit to Mildura

The royal visit by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh in 1954 was the first time a reigning monarch had visited Australia and Sunraysia was fortunate to be included in their tour of all states. Royal Tour Organising Committees were established at Red Cliffs and Mildura and were responsible for making arrangements for the royal visit on 25-3-1954.

The Red Cliffs Royal Visit Committee made arrangements with the Victorian Railways in June 1953 for special trains to be provided to Red Cliffs from Donald, Pinnaroo, and if traffic warranted, a third train from Woomelang. A controversy arose when the Mildura Royal Visit Committee protested against the trains not coming through to Mildura. They also had the support of Mildura City Council who wrote to the Commissioners on 23-10-1953 and followed up with a deputation to visiting railway officials on 1-12-1953. The result was a decision to terminate the special trains at Mildura.

_ _ _

Red Cliffs and Mildura stations were prepared for the large crowds expected to come by train to see Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh. A special train arrived in Mildura on 24-3-1954 with 256 policemen

Four special trains were scheduled to Sunraysia for the Royal Visit on 25-3-1954.

_ The first train was scheduled to depart Woomelang at 7.10 a.m; arrive Red Cliffs 10.26 a.m; arrive Mildura 11.35 a.m. There were 500 passengers to Red Cliffs and 270 to Mildura with the train hauled by R758. It was scheduled to depart for Woomelang at 6.25 p.m.

_ The second train was scheduled to depart from Donald at 6.20 a.m.; arrive Red Cliffs 11.42 a.m.; arrive Mildura 12.15 p.m. There were 670 passengers to Red Cliffs and 270 to Mildura. It was scheduled to depart at 5.55 p.m.

_ The third train was scheduled to depart Pinnaroo at 7.05 a.m; arrive Red Cliffs 12.29 p.m; arrive Mildura 1 p.m. There were 700 passengers to Red Cliffs and 50 to Mildura with the train hauled by R756. It was scheduled to depart at 5.30 p.m.

_ A State train carrying the Premier (Mr. J. Cain) and the Governor (Sir. Dallas Brookes) was scheduled to arrive at 8.45 a.m.. It was scheduled to depart at 11 p.m. carrying the State Members and all police.

The special trains transported a total of 2,238 people, with 1,870 to Red Cliffs and 368 to Mildura.

Two of the locomotives used to haul the special trains for the Royal Visit to Sunraysia. R758 and R756 are shown at the Chaffey Avenue level crossing, Mildura, prior to returning their special trains to Woomelang and Pinnaroo respectively. R756 would have been exchanged for a lighter engine at Ouyen for the journey to Pinnaroo. 25-3-1954. Photo: Bruce McLean Collection

The Victorian Railways at Mildura handled more than 2,000 people on the evening of Friday 21-5-1954 and the morning of Saturday 22-5-1954. Nearly 1,500 were school army cadets leaving and arriving at Mildura and National Service trainees leaving for an annual training camp at Puckapunyal. In a period of 12 hours five trains including three troop specials were handled at the station. The trains were hauled by B Class diesel-electric electric locomotives.

Victoria's first Reso train since the war at the last "Reso " train to the north-west of the State was made during the period 20 - 26 June 1954 when Resonians visited Red Cliffs, Irymple, Mildura, Merbein, Echuca, Tongala, Tatura, Murchison, Wangaratta, Alexander and Eildon.

There were 54 primary producers and businessmen on the special train, including 15 graziers from the western district. The Reso train arrived in Mildura on the morning on Monday 21-6-1954.

The official welcome at Redcliffs by the President of the Shire of Mildura, Cr. J.R. Gordon, following arrival of the Reso train on 21-6-1954. Note the presence of the "Norman" car in the background. This special carriage was usually allocated for use on the Victorian Railways Commissioners' inspection train. Photo: Bob Whitehead Collection

On arrival at Mildura, the Reso train was stabled on the wharf siding beside the Murray River. Note the proximity of the siding to the river and the sleeping cars off "The Overland" Melbourne to Adelaide overnight express train. The Mayor of the City of Mildura, Cr. R.R. Etherington is officially welcoming the visiting party. 21-6-1954. Photo: Bob Whitehead Collection

1955

Special trains for grape harvest labour were scheduled to arrive in Mildura on 11-2-1955 and 12-2-1955. The first special with 400 New Australian harvest workers was delayed by washaways and the failure of the Staff Exchange instrument at Hattah.

1956

The Vice-Regal carriage was attached to the Mildura passenger train on 22-5-1956 to bring the Governor (Sir Dallas Brookes) and Lady Brooks for a four day visit to Sunraysia. It was stabled on the Mildura wharf line.

1957

The Holiday Train Association ran a special holiday train to Mildura on the Queens Birthday holiday weekend. The train left Melbourne on 14-6-1957 and arrived at 8.00 a.m. the following morning. On board was a party of more than 70 people. The train spent three days at Mildura and was stabled on the wharf siding by the River Murray. It consisted of four sleeping cars, two lounge cars, two shower cars and a power car. It departed at 9.50 p.m. on 17-6-1957.

Railway staff in the north-west region of the State were medically examined and had their eyes checked by the Victorian Railways medical officer in June 1957. A special Medical and Vision carriage was used for this service

1958

A special train consisting of 12 carriages conveying harvest labour to Sunraysia, arrived at Mildura on 16-2-1958. The train was hauled by the first T Class locomotives to Mildura - T343 and T345.

A special train conveying Wirth's Circus was scheduled to north-west Victoria on the following dates:

Date	Section	Locomotive	Driver
18-9-1958	Birchip to Ouyen	N405	Westlake
19-9-1958	Ouyen to Mildura	N411	Westlake
22-9-1958	Mildura to Merbein	K178	Purcell
23-9-1958	Merbein to Redcliffs	K178	Purcell
24-9-1958	Redcliffs to Woomelang	K178	Whittaker
25-9-1958	Woomelang to Donald	K178	Whittaker
26-9-1958	Donald to Dunolly	N498, K178	Foletti
27-9-1958	Dunolly to Maryborough	R742, N498

1959

Wirth's Circus toured north-west Victoria on the following dates:

Date	Section	Locomotive
17-9-1959	Birchip to Ouyen	N424
18-9-1959	Ouyen to Mildura	N424
21-9-1959	Mildura to Merbein	N418
22-9-1959	Merbein to Redcliffs	K190
23-9-1959	Redcliffs to Ouyen	N424
23-9-1959	Ouyen to Woomelang	N414
24-9-1959	Woomelang to Donald	N??
25-9-1959	Donald to Dunolly	N424, N414