A 55-year-old heritage train once used in regional NSW will make its longest-ever mainline journey on November 15 when it carries 90 rail and sail passengers on an 800km trip from the Victorian town of Seymour to Sydney.
Cruise travel specialist, Cruise Express, which is running the cruise tour, invites rail buffs and people in towns from Seymour to Sydney to see the two-car, 620 class rail motor and give the passengers a welcoming wave.
The record-breaking rail journey is part of a four-night tour that includes a three-night cruise from Sydney to Melbourne aboard Golden Princess, a night in Melbourne, dinner on the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant and the return train trip to Sydney, initially aboard the historic Spirit of Progress from Melbourne to Seymour and then aboard the rail motor through to Sydney.
Built in 1961 and operated by the Rail Motor Society, the rail motor set 621/721 is based in Paterson in the Hunter Valley and has been preserved in its original Indian red colour scheme. It is the only 620-class rail motor in active preservation service.
The NSW government built 18 620-class diesel sets from 1961-1971, with six sets remaining in active commuter service in the Hunter area until 2007. However, the sets were used all over NSW until the early 1990s.
Unlike modern trains, the rail motor's windows can still be opened so passengers can enjoy fresh air, unencumbered views and wave to sightseers.
The pairing with the famous Spirit of Progress on the cruise tour is another rail first.
The Seymour Railway Heritage Centre is also assisting with the historic rail journey.
This is the rail motor's first visit to Seymour. Eight rail enthusiast volunteers, including two drivers from Junee, will accompany the 90 passengers on the journey from Seymour to Sydney.
The group will lunch en route at the 138-year-old Junee Railway Station, with refreshments also brought aboard at Goulburn.
Cruise Express director Meg Hill said the heritage rail and sail tour had proved so popular that another was planned for April next year, from Sydney to Seymour.
The schedule for November 15:
The Spirit of Progress will travel from Melbourne, arriving in Seymour at 6.53am.
Passengers transfer to the rail motor, departing Seymour at 8.10am and travelling through Benalla at 9.04, Wangaratta 9.30, Albury for a 20-minute stop at 10.14, Yerong Creek 11.40, Uranquinty 12.02pm, Bomen 12.19, Junee for a 70-minute lunch stop from 12.50, Cootamundra 2.52, Harden 3.29, Yass Junction 4.27, Goulburn for a 10-minute stop at 5.41, Bundanoon 6.39, Moss Vale 6.54, Bowral 7.02, Mittagong 7.08, Picton 7.47, Campbelltown 8.21 and East Hills 8.43.
The rail motor is scheduled to arrive at Sydney Central at 9.18pm.
