My father Malcolm Thompson senior worked on the Aurora for many years he was on board the day it crashed left after that only to return to the Aurora again. Went to the 50th Anniversary of the crash last year at Violet Town it was very moving ( Miss You dad xx )
Traveled on the Southern Aurora, the Overland and the Indian Pacific all in the 80's. They were all a bit rough around the edges by then but I loved them. There is nothing like being rocked to sleep on a sleeper train.
They used to bring the 2 trains , the Spirit & the Aurora from Dynon Rd about 5.30. I would see them coming home from my girlfriends house. In early 82 I had one the best Roast Beef meals I ever had on the Aurora . Good food on that train back then. I would travel on it whenever I could.
I recall my grandmother taking the Overland and back then the Trans Continental to Perth back in the 80s. By all accounts the trains back on the day were an awesome way to travel.
A decade later than your excellent video, the 60th anniversary special departed Sydney at 2000 hours tonight (23 April 2022) with locos S303, T357 and P22 (not sure of the order). It should arrive in Albury just after 0830 hours on Sunday 24 for a ceremony and then at Southern Cross (slow timetable) at 1445 hours mid afternoon. I gather it has 16 cars this time, with all 140 available berths sold by St James Rail. See the latter's FB page for photos and a brief video.
Contrary to some of the notes for this very good video, the 'Aurora COULD depart from Platform 2 as Platform 2, like Platform 1 was dual gauge, however I never saw it depart from Platform 2 as the Overland to Adelaide was due out from Platform 2 at 20:55. Platforms 1 & 2 were particularly long platforms like Platform 2 today at Southern Cross station which remains as it was. Platform 1 at Southern Cross these days has been cut back and allows the station forecourt to be more prominent.. The timetable for the 20:00 departure Southern Aurora was easy to maintain, I'm told by a mate who used to drive the Melbourne/Albury leg as the train only stopped at Albury and Goulburn and it was in the late 1970's I think that the train actually took passengers for those two stations and before then, you could not travel except between Melbourne and Sydney. The Sydney bound 'Aurora departed Spencer St station at 20:00 and crossed with the Melbourne bound 'Inter-capital Daylight' at west Footscray and I think the 'Daylight arrived at Spencer St at 20:20. There was actually a song called 'Southern Rora' by Col Joye and the Joyboys and the link is below: The song came out to celebrate the launch of the new air-conditioned 1st class express. ruclips.net/video/3XSmSERQakY/видео.html&ab_channel=5GTRFMDJ ...which I well recall was played over the public address system at Central Station upon the last ever departure of the scheduled Southern Aurora before it was the next night amalgamated with the sitting and buffet cars of the 'Spirit of Progress' to become the 'Sydney Express'/'Melbourne Express', or comically the SEX/MEX! (Sydney, long known as the Sex capital of Australia and Mex, being for Melbourne as Melburnians are Mexicans...south of the border). The Sydney Express name plate replaced the Southern Aurora name plate on the Lounge car and coincidentally the name plate facing Platform 1 at Central was Sydney Express. On arriving in Melbourne, because Platform 1 was on the opposite side of the train, the name plate replacing the old Southern Aurora name plate was Melbourne Express...so that worked out perfectly. Due to the popularity once again of overnight sleeping car trains in UK and Europe, there is probably a market in Australia for a revamped overnight sleeping car train between Melbourne and Sydney...however that may depend on the amount of business travel that re-commences post the COVID-19 pandemic.
I doubt if overnight trains will make a comeback here. Unless airline travel becomes cost prohibitive, price and time will always win over elegance and style.
For those outside Australia, prior to 1962, rail travel between Sydney and Melbourne required a stop at Albury where the NSW system, using the "Stephenson Standard" rail gauge would meet the Victorian system, using the "Irish Broad" rail gauge. Albury was known as a "break-of-gauge" stop and passengers had to disembark from one to embark on the other gauge's carriages, often in the early hours of the morning. In 1962 this break-of-gauge was removed by laying Stephenson Standard gauge tracks to Spencer Street Station in Melbourne, the station now known as "Southern Cross Station". The "Southern Aurora" train was inaugurated in 1962 in celebration of this then-new ability to go between the two capitals without the need to change trains at Albury. An instrumental piece by The Joy Boys called "Southern 'Rora"(Festival FK-227, issued in June, 1962) celebrated the train as well.
@@youtubeviewer7030 Not quite. You'd have to chop 3 to 5 minutes off the journey as trains no longer terminate at Newcastle. They terminate at Wickham instead.
In those days, it was also an easy way to travel by rail between Adelaide and Sydney. You could take the Overland, overnight train to Melbourne arriving at 7am, change at Sunshine and then catch the Southern Aurora via Albury, arriving in Sydney at roughly 6pm, a 22 hr, continuous rail trip.
@@suej9329 Prior to 1962 this wasn't such a simple trip. Trains coming in from Sydney would stop at Albury as NSW had the 4 foot, 8-and-a-half-inch Standard gauge which terminated at Albury, as did the 5 foot 3 inch Victorian Broad Gauge line. This made Albury a "break-of-gauge" station. Passengers traveling in either direction had to change trains, often very early in the morning, and in Winter teeth would be chattering! 1962 was the year the Southern Aurora was launched when standard-gauge lines were laid all the way to Melbourne, thus cutting out the need to change at Albury. The XPT, the great-granddaughter of the Southern Aurora now does this trip. Though you can still travel to Albury from Melbourne by V/Line broad-gauge train.
Neil Forbes I did the trip in 1969. From what I remember it was pretty straight forward at Albury, but thanks for the help no. I still look back on it as a great travel experience.
Loved this train. I travelled on it many times in the early 80's I wish they would put it back on a regular service again. So many great memories just loved the whole travelling experience by overnight rail to Sydney.
I went on this when I was a kid. Shared a sleeping carriage with my Mum. I had the top bunk and drifted in and out of sleep to the rocking of the carriage and clickitty clack noise of the track. It was heaven. I wish it was still running. I would do it all again even now at 52.
The Southern Aurora began as a non-stop, 1st class only train. At both Sydney and Melbourne the trainsets sat at Platform 1 for over an hour before 20.00 departure. This allowed passengers, who wanted to do so, to have early dinner in the dining car with family and friends. A suitable warning was given for non-passengers to leave. Each twin-berth sleeper had its own ensuite toilet and shower, single-berth roomettes, toilet only. In the early days there was a 'drawing-room' compartment at a premium fare. Third-sitting breakfast was best because the crew were not pressured to hurry passengers out. Slipping down the hills south of Sydney at breakfast or in the lounge car was a great start to the day. Its replacements, based on the British HST, are much faster but not as luxurious.
@@Schony747 You can, if you're looking for info on the record I looked up the details of the record on 45Cat.com. The info on the break-of-gauge practice came from a book on steam locos and travel, written by former Deputy Prime Minister Tim Fischer. I'll find my copy of the book and get the title to you as soon as I can.
The Aurora, from the start, actually stopped at Albury to pick up passengers, and change locomotives up until the late 70's, at around midnight, and also stopped at Goulburn to detrain some passengers, the following morning. Carriages and dining car also had water tanks topped up at Goulburn, This is where the morning newspapers were collected by conductors to distribute to passengers. Bread for toast was also collected there.On the Sydney to Melbourne trip this was done at Albury.at 5am. Passengers from Sydney could also alight at Albury. I was a conductor on this train so know the system well.
I used to love the old southern aurora. But i never slept too well on its replacement, the XPT. Harsh ride, sharp bumps. Terrible food. It turned what should have been a pleasant evening into an ordeal.
@@dweller6065 The XPT's were really a cheaper version of the British HST's. Of course they were modelled on the HST, but in general, the Australian versions turned out to be lemons. They are to this day I would suggest. I never worked on the XPT as such, I have travelled on the XPT many times and also on the HST's in U.K.(most of which have been withdrawn now), and the HST's run rings around even the later Australian version of the XPT for comfort, acceleration and reliability. The earlier XPT's required proper regular maintenance. It was hardly ever done on time in NSW, so what happens? Just like a car not serviced properly, they can break down. And they did. As for the Aurora, as you mention, yes the food was much better and the ride a lot smoother. I really enjoyed working on that train, and the Spirit of Progress as well. The SOP was a very smooth and quiet train. Opposite to the Daylight, but the Daylight was fun. It could be taken over maximum permissible speed in Victoria on occasion, only when going down certain hills, but it was great hearing passengers saying how much faster it was than when in NSW. We only worked that train from Melbourne to Albury and return. Its funny how many people also forget or did not know that there were two of each train, running in opposite directions, and passing in NSW along the way.
Another great video. I love the raw, yet professional way it is done. Real sound, wind, the works. How it should be. If people today, who pay heaps to ride these "specials" actually knew what it was like to work on this train and other famous Australian trains "back in the day", they would get a true understanding of how rail operated in the past. The carriage sets used today are nothing like what the regular consist was back in the 1970's even. I worked on this train regularly as well as other interstate trains of the day. (Fares were reasonably cheap back then, even for that era). The Spirit of Progress today is even more "inaccurate" with the consist. This is such a shame. Since private companies taking over most historical and interstate trains, the efforts of so called "preservation" have been nothing to brag about i would respectfully suggest. The problem is compounded by certain individuals, with their own self interests, being involved in the "preservation" of the trains. The interior of some Aurora cars for example are an embarrassment, if the goal was to retain the interiors as they were prior to withdrawal of regular services. And don't get me started on the so called "original" Spirit. This is what happens when private companies take over the "historical" runnings, at an exorbitant cost to "customers", and the real consists of the old times are not even available or able to be accessed. And they are still around. However the most disappointing part is the lack of knowledge by the operators today, of what these trains were really like, to even pass on to passengers who wish to know. I am not intending to be negative, but having travelled on both the Aurora and Spirit in recent times, it is not worth the high price. And I am speaking for many other people who find these trips not to be value for the prices paid. That's my whinge over, but that said. I take nothing away from the dedicated volunteers who try and keep other trains running, and the staff on the trains are great as wel.l But if the government wants people to travel and holiday in Australia it has to be a reasonable cost, and until that happens, people will go overseas and travel on trains of all types there, which is often cheaper than staying home and holidaying in our own country.
No doubt you got some good video of that also, The Goulburn Valley line brings back memories, I often worked the old combined broad gauge Albury and Tocumwal trains way back. The two trains were combined weekdays at Spencer Street and split at Seymour with front section going to Albury and rear to Tocumwal, No mobile phones or 2 way radio even on trains in those days either. If someone for Albury got off at Seymour for the refreshment rooms and didnt listen to announcements, the Albury train left without them, usually with their luggage on board in rack in compartment. Or you would get passengers for Shepparton for example getting back on Albury train instead of Tocumwal one because they panicked and thought Albury section about to leave was theirs.It didn't happen a lot but how many announcements and one on one advice does someone need. At least the Goulburn Valley passengers could be taken to Benalla where the station master would organise a taxi to Shepparton, and Shepparton would hopefully had their luggage taken off by the time they got there. Great times indeed. I saw your recent video about the new No 58 tram Terminus at Coburg too. Very informative.
You are a brave guy Simon, anyone could ring you purporting to be me. You did not like my comments? I was not having a go at your company who obviously run good trips for those who wish to do it. I was merely stating that I, along with a few other ex rail people have issues with all historical organisations prices running trips, because the costs are way over the top. Personal opinion. Even the Ghan is bit of a joke, yet always booked out. What people want to spend their money on is their business. I am fortunate to be able to afford these trips but after being on some I no longer go on principle. I will say that your upcoming Riverina tour would be great for those going. Having lived in the Riverina I would recommend that trip to those who wanted to go. I know your trains target a niche market so that is fine. It is other organisations who run "excursion" trains that I mainly aim my comments at. Often poorly organised and way over priced.And people have to put up with certain groups of"enthusiasts" who have no consideration for others travelling.
Brave enough to buy 15 ex-Southern Aurora carriages, 7 re-activated to date. I’m very interested to hear anything about working these trains, and we want the best experience for our guests, so understanding things to avoid is of great interest to us. I’d love to have a chat.
Great filming, really enjoyed watching as it brought back a few memories when l started working for the VIctorian Railways back in 1970 as a lad trainee at the train lighting depot at dudley street opposite festival hall, I would often travel to newport workshops by train with an employee pass to collect important small pieces of equipment manufactured for electrical dynamos etc for the fitment to the carriages whether for the overland or the wooden stock, I remember we made all the batteries, the foot warmers were also were serviced there as well as the lovely aroma from the VR bakery, anyway getting back to the southern aurora, on my trips to Newport l remember seeing some of the carriages that were waiting for repairs from that terrible Violet town disaster also its 50th anniversay and l can remember how sad l felt knowing of the reasons and loss of lives, thanks again l intend to subscribe shortly.
@@Schony747 It is a great event, though at 30+ years it's starting to get tired. Only two steam locos took part in the 2019 staging, though both were making returns after long absences, 3265 "Hunter" in her traditional burgundy-coloured livery and 3526 in new green livery.
@@Schony747 Thanks for the update, I presumed that as I had never heard about them that they were being stored somewhere in NSW. It's too bad that the NSW or Victorian governments never had the foresight years back to do what they did with the incredible railway museum in Strasburg Pennsylvania.
![Blox Fruits Dragon Rework Update [Full Stream]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/EqDAp8udhm0/mqdefault.jpg)
6:54 Jeez that is loud 😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱
My father Malcolm Thompson senior worked on the Aurora for many years he was on board the day it crashed left after that only to return to the Aurora again. Went to the 50th Anniversary of the crash last year at Violet Town it was very moving ( Miss You dad xx )
That's a sign of respect for the train and how much your father enjoyed the job.
Traveled on the Southern Aurora, the Overland and the Indian Pacific all in the 80's. They were all a bit rough around the edges by then but I loved them. There is nothing like being rocked to sleep on a sleeper train.
Still a quality train none the less
They used to bring the 2 trains , the Spirit & the Aurora from Dynon Rd about 5.30. I would see them coming home from my girlfriends house. In early 82 I had one the best Roast Beef meals I ever had on the Aurora . Good food on that train back then. I would travel on it whenever I could.
Back in the day when people appreciated and paid for quality and service.
I love the GM 2 stroke gen set reving it's berries of in the PHN power car 👌
Ah yes. Something the new generation won't know as power cars are virtually non existent these days
The best of streamliner,Famous locomotive in the world!
Yes indeed!
I wish this would run again
It will next time there is a charter down this way.
@@Schony747 yay
Rode on it from Sydney to Melbourne late June 1962 on my way to OCS at Portsea. I was the Leader of a group of 12 Junior Class Cadets!!!
I recall my grandmother taking the Overland and back then the Trans Continental to Perth back in the 80s. By all accounts the trains back on the day were an awesome way to travel.
A decade later than your excellent video, the 60th anniversary special departed Sydney at 2000 hours tonight (23 April 2022) with locos S303, T357 and P22 (not sure of the order). It should arrive in Albury just after 0830 hours on Sunday 24 for a ceremony and then at Southern Cross (slow timetable) at 1445 hours mid afternoon. I gather it has 16 cars this time, with all 140 available berths sold by St James Rail. See the latter's FB page for photos and a brief video.
It's running late and there will be plenty of coverage today as everyone is out for the train.
Contrary to some of the notes for this very good video, the 'Aurora COULD depart from Platform 2 as Platform 2, like Platform 1 was dual gauge, however I never saw it depart from Platform 2 as the Overland to Adelaide was due out from Platform 2 at 20:55. Platforms 1 & 2 were particularly long platforms like Platform 2 today at Southern Cross station which remains as it was. Platform 1 at Southern Cross these days has been cut back and allows the station forecourt to be more prominent..
The timetable for the 20:00 departure Southern Aurora was easy to maintain, I'm told by a mate who used to drive the Melbourne/Albury leg as the train only stopped at Albury and Goulburn and it was in the late 1970's I think that the train actually took passengers for those two stations and before then, you could not travel except between Melbourne and Sydney. The Sydney bound 'Aurora departed Spencer St station at 20:00 and crossed with the Melbourne bound 'Inter-capital Daylight' at west Footscray and I think the 'Daylight arrived at Spencer St at 20:20.
There was actually a song called 'Southern Rora' by Col Joye and the Joyboys and the link is below: The song came out to celebrate the launch of the new air-conditioned 1st class express.
ruclips.net/video/3XSmSERQakY/видео.html&ab_channel=5GTRFMDJ
...which I well recall was played over the public address system at Central Station upon the last ever departure of the scheduled Southern Aurora before it was the next night amalgamated with the sitting and buffet cars of the 'Spirit of Progress' to become the 'Sydney Express'/'Melbourne Express', or comically the SEX/MEX! (Sydney, long known as the Sex capital of Australia and Mex, being for Melbourne as Melburnians are Mexicans...south of the border).
The Sydney Express name plate replaced the Southern Aurora name plate on the Lounge car and coincidentally the name plate facing Platform 1 at Central was Sydney Express. On arriving in Melbourne, because Platform 1 was on the opposite side of the train, the name plate replacing the old Southern Aurora name plate was Melbourne Express...so that worked out perfectly.
Due to the popularity once again of overnight sleeping car trains in UK and Europe, there is probably a market in Australia for a revamped overnight sleeping car train between Melbourne and Sydney...however that may depend on the amount of business travel that re-commences post the COVID-19 pandemic.
I doubt if overnight trains will make a comeback here. Unless airline travel becomes cost prohibitive, price and time will always win over elegance and style.
For those outside Australia, prior to 1962, rail travel between Sydney and Melbourne required a stop at Albury where the NSW system, using the "Stephenson Standard" rail gauge would meet the Victorian system, using the "Irish Broad" rail gauge. Albury was known as a "break-of-gauge" stop and passengers had to disembark from one to embark on the other gauge's carriages, often in the early hours of the morning. In 1962 this break-of-gauge was removed by laying Stephenson Standard gauge tracks to Spencer Street Station in Melbourne, the station now known as "Southern Cross Station". The "Southern Aurora" train was inaugurated in 1962 in celebration of this then-new ability to go between the two capitals without the need to change trains at Albury. An instrumental piece by The Joy Boys called "Southern 'Rora"(Festival FK-227, issued in June, 1962) celebrated the train as well.
Neil Forbes if I want take a trip from Albury to Broadmeadow (Newcastle) it would be twenty one hours and forty seven minutes
@@youtubeviewer7030 Not quite. You'd have to chop 3 to 5 minutes off the journey as trains no longer terminate at Newcastle. They terminate at Wickham instead.
In those days, it was also an easy way to travel by rail between Adelaide and Sydney. You could take the Overland, overnight train to Melbourne arriving at 7am, change at Sunshine and then catch the Southern Aurora via Albury, arriving in Sydney at roughly 6pm, a 22 hr, continuous rail trip.
@@suej9329 Prior to 1962 this wasn't such a simple trip. Trains coming in from Sydney would stop at Albury as NSW had the 4 foot, 8-and-a-half-inch Standard gauge which terminated at Albury, as did the 5 foot 3 inch Victorian Broad Gauge line. This made Albury a "break-of-gauge" station. Passengers traveling in either direction had to change trains, often very early in the morning, and in Winter teeth would be chattering! 1962 was the year the Southern Aurora was launched when standard-gauge lines were laid all the way to Melbourne, thus cutting out the need to change at Albury. The XPT, the great-granddaughter of the Southern Aurora now does this trip. Though you can still travel to Albury from Melbourne by V/Line broad-gauge train.
Neil Forbes I did the trip in 1969. From what I remember it was pretty straight forward at Albury, but thanks for the help no. I still look back on it as a great travel experience.
Loved this train. I travelled on it many times in the early 80's I wish they would put it back on a regular service again.
So many great memories just loved the whole travelling experience by overnight rail to Sydney.
My father and late grandmother share The same sentiments. They used trains quite a bit back then.
That was so wonderful, thanks so much for sharing this with us x
Thanks for having a look 😁😁
I went on this when I was a kid. Shared a sleeping carriage with my Mum. I had the top bunk and drifted in and out of sleep to the rocking of the carriage and clickitty clack noise of the track. It was heaven. I wish it was still running. I would do it all again even now at 52.
took that train down to Melbourne in 1964
It would have been a fantastic experience back then I'm sure!
Loved it!
Wish it were still running - I'd use it on my next trip to Melbourne.
Yes unfortunately it's cheaper to fly in a tin can these days
The Southern Aurora began as a non-stop, 1st class only train. At both Sydney and Melbourne the trainsets sat at Platform 1 for over an hour before 20.00 departure. This allowed passengers, who wanted to do so, to have early dinner in the dining car with family and friends. A suitable warning was given for non-passengers to leave. Each twin-berth sleeper had its own ensuite toilet and shower, single-berth roomettes, toilet only. In the early days there was a 'drawing-room' compartment at a premium fare. Third-sitting breakfast was best because the crew were not pressured to hurry passengers out. Slipping down the hills south of Sydney at breakfast or in the lounge car was a great start to the day. Its replacements, based on the British HST, are much faster but not as luxurious.
Thank you! You can't find this sort of information on a computer!
@@Schony747 You can, if you're looking for info on the record I looked up the details of the record on 45Cat.com. The info on the break-of-gauge practice came from a book on steam locos and travel, written by former Deputy Prime Minister Tim Fischer. I'll find my copy of the book and get the title to you as soon as I can.
The Aurora, from the start, actually stopped at Albury to pick up passengers, and change locomotives up until the late 70's, at around midnight, and also stopped at Goulburn to detrain some passengers, the following morning. Carriages and dining car also had water tanks topped up at Goulburn, This is where the morning newspapers were collected by conductors to distribute to passengers. Bread for toast was also collected there.On the Sydney to Melbourne trip this was done at Albury.at 5am. Passengers from Sydney could also alight at Albury. I was a conductor on this train so know the system well.
I used to love the old southern aurora. But i never slept too well on its replacement, the XPT. Harsh ride, sharp bumps. Terrible food. It turned what should have been a pleasant evening into an ordeal.
@@dweller6065 The XPT's were really a cheaper version of the British HST's. Of course they were modelled on the HST, but in general, the Australian versions turned out to be lemons. They are to this day I would suggest. I never worked on the XPT as such, I have travelled on the XPT many times and also on the HST's in U.K.(most of which have been withdrawn now), and the HST's run rings around even the later Australian version of the XPT for comfort, acceleration and reliability. The earlier XPT's required proper regular maintenance. It was hardly ever done on time in NSW, so what happens? Just like a car not serviced properly, they can break down. And they did. As for the Aurora, as you mention, yes the food was much better and the ride a lot smoother. I really enjoyed working on that train, and the Spirit of Progress as well. The SOP was a very smooth and quiet train. Opposite to the Daylight, but the Daylight was fun. It could be taken over maximum permissible speed in Victoria on occasion, only when going down certain hills, but it was great hearing passengers saying how much faster it was than when in NSW. We only worked that train from Melbourne to Albury and return. Its funny how many people also forget or did not know that there were two of each train, running in opposite directions, and passing in NSW along the way.
Great video - great train!
Yes my father has memories of this train and travelling on it.
Another great video. I love the raw, yet professional way it is done. Real sound, wind, the works. How it should be. If people today, who pay heaps to ride these "specials" actually knew what it was like to work on this train and other famous Australian trains "back in the day", they would get a true understanding of how rail operated in the past. The carriage sets used today are nothing like what the regular consist was back in the 1970's even. I worked on this train regularly as well as other interstate trains of the day. (Fares were reasonably cheap back then, even for that era). The Spirit of Progress today is even more "inaccurate" with the consist. This is such a shame. Since private companies taking over most historical and interstate trains, the efforts of so called "preservation" have been nothing to brag about i would respectfully suggest. The problem is compounded by certain individuals, with their own self interests, being involved in the "preservation" of the trains. The interior of some Aurora cars for example are an embarrassment, if the goal was to retain the interiors as they were prior to withdrawal of regular services. And don't get me started on the so called "original" Spirit. This is what happens when private companies take over the "historical" runnings, at an exorbitant cost to "customers", and the real consists of the old times are not even available or able to be accessed. And they are still around. However the most disappointing part is the lack of knowledge by the operators today, of what these trains were really like, to even pass on to passengers who wish to know. I am not intending to be negative, but having travelled on both the Aurora and Spirit in recent times, it is not worth the high price. And I am speaking for many other people who find these trips not to be value for the prices paid. That's my whinge over, but that said. I take nothing away from the dedicated volunteers who try and keep other trains running, and the staff on the trains are great as wel.l But if the government wants people to travel and holiday in Australia it has to be a reasonable cost, and until that happens, people will go overseas and travel on trains of all types there, which is often cheaper than staying home and holidaying in our own country.
I never had a ride on any of these trains. I was on the loco hauled Shepparton service a week or so ago and really enjoyed that.
No doubt you got some good video of that also, The Goulburn Valley line brings back memories, I often worked the old combined broad gauge Albury and Tocumwal trains way back. The two trains were combined weekdays at Spencer Street and split at Seymour with front section going to Albury and rear to Tocumwal, No mobile phones or 2 way radio even on trains in those days either. If someone for Albury got off at Seymour for the refreshment rooms and didnt listen to announcements, the Albury train left without them, usually with their luggage on board in rack in compartment. Or you would get passengers for Shepparton for example getting back on Albury train instead of Tocumwal one because they panicked and thought Albury section about to leave was theirs.It didn't happen a lot but how many announcements and one on one advice does someone need. At least the Goulburn Valley passengers could be taken to Benalla where the station master would organise a taxi to Shepparton, and Shepparton would hopefully had their luggage taken off by the time they got there. Great times indeed. I saw your recent video about the new No 58 tram Terminus at Coburg too. Very informative.
Brian Sloth I’d like to know more of the background on your comments above. Would you be happy to give me a call on 0428 421100?
You are a brave guy Simon, anyone could ring you purporting to be me. You did not like my comments? I was not having a go at your company who obviously run good trips for those who wish to do it. I was merely stating that I, along with a few other ex rail people have issues with all historical organisations prices running trips, because the costs are way over the top. Personal opinion. Even the Ghan is bit of a joke, yet always booked out. What people want to spend their money on is their business. I am fortunate to be able to afford these trips but after being on some I no longer go on principle. I will say that your upcoming Riverina tour would be great for those going. Having lived in the Riverina I would recommend that trip to those who wanted to go. I know your trains target a niche market so that is fine. It is other organisations who run "excursion" trains that I mainly aim my comments at. Often poorly organised and way over priced.And people have to put up with certain groups of"enthusiasts" who have no consideration for others travelling.
Brave enough to buy 15 ex-Southern Aurora carriages, 7 re-activated to date.
I’m very interested to hear anything about working these trains, and we want the best experience for our guests, so understanding things to avoid is of great interest to us.
I’d love to have a chat.
Great filming, really enjoyed watching as it brought back a few memories when l started working for the VIctorian Railways back in 1970 as a lad trainee at the train lighting depot at dudley street opposite festival hall, I would often travel to newport workshops by train with an employee pass to collect important small pieces of equipment manufactured for electrical dynamos etc for the fitment to the carriages whether for the overland or the wooden stock, I remember we made all the batteries, the foot warmers were also were serviced there as well as the lovely aroma from the VR bakery, anyway getting back to the southern aurora, on my trips to Newport l remember seeing some of the carriages that were waiting for repairs from that terrible Violet town disaster also its 50th anniversay and l can remember how sad l felt knowing of the reasons and loss of lives, thanks again l intend to subscribe shortly.
Thanks for looking 😀😀
Did the XPT replace the Southern Aurora?
It actually replaced the Melbourne Express which was a combination of the day and overnight interstate trains.
@@Schony747 Southbound was the M.elbourne Express. North bound Sydney Express. Railway codes MEX and SEX !
3:52 Diesel loco #4490 often seen at Maitland's Steamfest.
Yes. And steamfest is a great event as well
@@Schony747 It is a great event, though at 30+ years it's starting to get tired. Only two steam locos took part in the 2019 staging, though both were making returns after long absences, 3265 "Hunter" in her traditional burgundy-coloured livery and 3526 in new green livery.
@@neilforbes416 due to social distancing the government let the organizers run the event because of crowed size
This is a great video. Where do they store the carriages
Carriages would have been stabled at Dynon. The same place where the Overland consist is stored.
@@Schony747 Thanks for the update, I presumed that as I had never heard about them that they were being stored somewhere in NSW. It's too bad that the NSW or Victorian governments never had the foresight years back to do what they did with the incredible railway museum in Strasburg Pennsylvania.
0:59 Shhhhhhh...... Be very, very quiet! The carriage is trying to get in some snooze time!......We-ell, it is a "sleeping" car! LOL
the good old days of train travel
@@youtubeviewer7030 Though this material was shot back in 2012. Schony(Brendan) must've been waiting for a good opportunity to upload this video.
Neil Forbes this is the style of travel I miss
Neil Forbes yes he would have
Brilliant.
Thanks 😀😀😀😀
@1:47 that diesel sound brilliant
I remember so well, never travelled on it, only the s
Sorry, only the Spirit. I do remember Violet Town well. Those were the days. Riverina, NSW.
I only remember small bits as a kid visiting from the country
¿Es de metal?
Ah, Lazy sound of an ALCO 251 series. Always knew when I had crossed the state border
What contry is this in
Australia
Oh ok they look a lot like Amarcin e and f unit locmotivs also do Australias trains have bells
@@Traintrooper Not normally, but the NR class are fitted with bells. This is unusual, as the American practice is not adopted here.
Ok thx
"Australian Trains", English language, "Southern Aurora" The clue is in the title,