Steam Locomotive R711

**Chesand** · 21st October 2012, 02:49 PM

Victorian Steam Loco R711 has made its first official run today after restoration. Named the 'Spirit of Bendigo' it is helping celebrate the 150th anniversary of the railways to Bendigo. Second photo was taken at Sunbury station and the first a little later as it approached Woodend.
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I have posted this specially for the Forumites who were at WW Show yesterday.

**wheelinround** · 21st October 2012, 05:47 PM

New Victoria was behind the times but just getting into steam trains

Thanks nic to see so much love put into these old girls and bring them back to life.

**Scott** · 21st October 2012, 07:19 PM

Superb, would of loved to be there. Thanks for sharing Ches

**RETIRED** · 23rd October 2012, 04:35 PM

I heard it being taken down to start its run. Steam whistles and steam engines? Music to the ears.

**artme** · 24th October 2012, 12:09 AM

Bliss!!

**Chesand** · 24th October 2012, 06:42 AM

Originally Posted by artme

Bliss!!

Indeed.

When it arrived at Sunbury station a boy (probably about 8) said "that's a real engine." How true.

**Mulgabill** · 24th October 2012, 08:18 AM

Originally Posted by Chesand

Indeed.

When it arrived at Sunbury station a boy (probably about 8) said "that's a real engine." How true.

Chesand, would you believe that I was stopped at the level crossing when it was pulling into the Sunbury station. It sure looked great.
There used to be regular steam loco runs to Bendigo and Echuca but haven't heard/seen them for awhile.

**artme** · 24th October 2012, 09:31 AM

Funny how your view and opinion of things changes over the years.

As a kid i had to go to Sydney every couple of years because I had lost my left eye and need the prosthesis checked.

Before that Happened ( at age 5) we would go to visit my grandmother. Always by train. I vividly remember waiting
eagerly for the train at the station. However , it was a hissing snorting monster of a thing and I would run to the far
corner of the waiting room and hide until the commotion had faded and it was time to board - holding tightly to mum's
hand of course!

As i grew up I came to not fear the "monster" and began to be intrigued by the pistons and rods, the pipes and gauges and the sheer power of the thing.

Then my older brother became a railway apprentice and trains became a constant topic of admiration and conversation whenever he came home.

Oh for the good times to return!

**crowie** · 24th October 2012, 11:04 AM

I too have fond memories of steam trains but growing up in Brisbane almost to the end of the 1960's.
Live on the Lower Blue Mountains these days and just down the hill from our home is the Valley Heights Roundhouse which has & continues to be restored by an able mob of volunteers; they have open days & steam rides 2 Sundays a month.
Sometimes from home we also hear the steam trains heading up to Katoomba, the Therimere Railway Museum run the events.
On a sad note the Zig Zag Railway at Lithgow is currently closed while they upgrade there OHS practices to meet the Government requirements.
Just can't beat the sound of a steam train hauling up the hill from Valley Heights to Faulconbridge one of the longest continuous grades around.
Thanks for the top photos & memories.
Cheers, crowie