Late post, but we certainly made it to the GSSU this year to make sure 1:24 scale was well represented.
Was it really the Great Southern
Steam up though? Can't escape progress! The ESET and NEVR diesel electrics double head on a rather multicultural set of combined passenger stock from both lines.
We did still have steam power just so they'd let us in of course, the steam railcar set is seen here expanded to 7 cars with the NEVR stock. No problem for only one motor car on a dead level line.
Back on the North East Victoria railway the steam railcar set got to visit recently and spend a very pleasant afternoon running up and down the line on the local passenger service. There's been a major deviation to the original alignment since we were last here.
Having taken on water and other steam servicing requirements the train has shunted to the passenger platform at Port Melbourne, ready for the trip up the hill to Myrtleford
The railcar set come to a stop at Badger Creek, one of two intermediate crossing loops on the line.
Departing Badger Creek the driver increases the firing rate of the boiler to match steam production to the power required for the 1:30 grade. The new alignment is much improved in gradient and curve radius though and the railcar set will make short work of the climb up to the next crossing loop.
This interesting unit is visiting from another line, but admittedly has spent the past few weeks lurking up the back of the ESET depot waiting on some mechanical work. It got a bit of a run today though and managed reasonably well on the gradients.
Yeah so the SP is probably more like 11t axle load. These are more like guidelines though right?
Stuck to not much more than walking speed just to be safe, though the bridges held up.
Made it into Myrtleford, waiting for the DH to finish shunting before setting back out of the platform for the run back down the hill.
Shunting out of the passenger platform on to the main line. Having a cab at both ends of your train has some major advantages.
The railcar set cautiously crosses a section of temporary shoring. The boiler and water tank add a decent amount of weight to this unit and track has been known to subside underneath it!
Passing the Port Melbourne home signal. It's not unusual to be held here to wait for a clear platform at this busy passenger and goods location, but clear run this trip.
A decently long goods train crosses the bridge on the new alignment.
Followed shortly after by the railcar set, which will overtake the goods train at the next loop.
Overtaking the goods train at the new crossing loop. The new much longer loop greatly increases operational flexibility allowing even moderately high frequency passenger trains to operate in among the goods traffic.
Passing the mine sidings on the way to Myrtelford.
Ready for departure, the guard at this end of the train will direct the driver to set back out of the platform on to the main line in the foreground.
Back at Port Melbourne, arriving in the other platform this time. The railcar crew have the set configured with the boiler in the middle of the train. Slightly less convenient for the conductor who has to walk through the hot boiler room to check tickets, but lets the driver drive from the cool end in both directions on this summer day.
The set has shunted to the yard to take water, then back to the other platform ready for departure.
Crossing the new bridge on the new alignment.
On the last trip of the day a NEVR car is attached to the train for positioning.
The NEVR car will be dropped off here, then the railcar set will go home to stable after a busy day and many kilometres of passenger service.
