A real Bluebird

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Woodie

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I ain't been around for a while, so I thought I'd post this one.

It's a SOuth Australian Railways Bluebird Railcar. At Nurioopta, in SOuth Australia. About 2 1/2 hrs out of Adelaide. It's wine country, and they run day excursion trips out there, then around all the wineries **HIC** then back to town again!!
 
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Woodie

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That's better.

That's better. Fixed it!

That little beauty is a great trip. Get fed, wined, dined, and then more wine and then dined on the way back!! **HIC**

That was on the way to see this:
Total eclipse of the sun, at Ceduna (half way across the Nullabor plain) last week. A four day drive there to experience 32 1/2 secs of totality! If you ever get the chance to experience a TOTAL eclipse, be sure you make the effort and trip to see one!! Just magic! Photo's cannot do the experience justice.
 

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Woodie

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and on the way.................

Echuca was founded in 1853 and the coming of the railway into the Port of Echuca in 1864 saw it become the largest inland port in Australia and second only to the Port of Melbourne in the 1870's.

Once Australia's largest inland port with the wharf a quarter of a mile long, it is now home to the world's largest collection of paddlesteamers and offers a unique insight into our pioneering past.

And this little beauty, all steamed up and ready to go, as part of the major railhead that was Echuca. Echuca is about 2 1/3 hrs drive north of Melbourne.
 

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shamus

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Hi Woodie, welcome back and Merry Christmas to you. Excellent looking photo's, looks like you had great fun.
Shamus
wink.gif

 
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McFortner

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Re: That's better.

Originally posted by Woodie
If you ever get the chance to experience a TOTAL eclipse, be sure you make the effort and trip to see one!! Just magic! Photo's cannot do the experience justice.
Click to expand...

I was luck and was living on the path of totality for the eclipse that crossed through Atlanta, GA back in '85. I stayed home and enjoyed the totality from my parents front yard. Had the viewing box so I would not damage my eyes. The absolute silence during totality was totally unnerving. Would love to do it again.

Michael
 
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Bob Collins

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Feb 1, 2001
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Hey Woodie, Merry Christmas, good to see you up on The Gauge. Do you have a picture in your file of the train I will ride from Melbourne to Sydney when I visit in May?

I plan to ride every excursion train I can get to while visiting there. Also, I understand I may have several opportunities while we are in New Zealand. Can't wait.

Bob
 
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Woodie

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You depart from here. Spencer St Station. The area in the background used to be freight yards and shipping terminals. It's being redeveloped into waterside residential now.

Click here to hear the plaform announcement as you depart.
 

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Woodie

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This is the train you will catch. The Countrylink XPT. It is based on the British Intercity 125 technology of 20 years ago. Capable of 125mph (but get's nowhere near that, due to track quality). It is diesel powered by power units at each end of the train. You can by the XPT as a model from Lima. Around $160 AUS ($80 US) for two engine cars (one powered) and two passenger cars. However, they are not the exact XPT, but the British Intercity 125's done over with Countrylink livery. I have one running around Garahbara.

The XPT is owned an operated by Countylink, which is the regional passenger train services arm of the NSW goverment. They run it through to Melbourne on the standard gauge line. (Victoria is broad gauge, NSW is standard gauge.)

This is the largest bridge you will cross, and is about 20 mins out of Melbourne.
 

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Woodie

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You will arive here, at Sydney's Central Station, about 11 hours later. I assume you have booked the day train?
And when in Sydney, you may wanna take ride on

this

Hope this all helps with you planning! :)
 

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Bob Collins

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Woodie;

This is absolutely fabulous. I can't tell you how much I appreciate it. It already make me feel very welcome in OZ.

How long would it take for me to ride the train from Brisbane to Lismore? Just thinking!!

Happy New Year

Bob
 
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Woodie

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Bob,

The train don't go to Lismore from Bisbane. The Lismore train is from Sydney, and branches off at Casino (a town, not a real one!)

However, Lismore is only 20 mins from Casino. The train from Brisbane to Casino (on the main Syd - Bris line) is 2 hrs 40 mins. (then continues on to Sydney)

Leaves 7.30am arrives 10.08am.

Return trip?????? Leaves Casino at 3.48am arrives Brisbane 6.35am. :eek: :rolleyes: :( (It originates in Sydney)

It's the same sorta train as the Syd-Melb one. (XPT).
 
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