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May |
VGR Ballast Hoppers leased re fast rail - Hoppers NN-68 & NN-126 were transfered by road to Melbourne for use by John Holland on fast rail work. |
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May |
J 549 lifted from wheels - As part of major work, the engine has been lifted from its wheels. The tyres have been removed and the wheels sent to the Puffing Billy Railway Workshops at Belgrave for the fitting of the new tyres.See J549 photographs. |
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May |
TAMBO - Privately owned former V&SAR sleeping car 'TAMBO' transfered from the West Coast Railway depot at Ballarat to Maldon. At some time prior to purchase a number of the sleeping compartments had been stripped out. The owner has contracted alterations and restoration work to be undertaken at Maldon prior to the car being leased by the VGR for use as a special service 'prestige carriage'. An observation platform and a saloon area are being incorporated into the car. See Tambo photographs. |
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August |
T Class Loco No. 333 returns to mainline - Tuesday 31st August 2004 saw T 333 transferred by road from Muckleford for use on mainline duties. The Locomotive will be on lease to Pacific National (successors to Freight Australia) as an additional horsepower unit for an indefinite period under a joint arrangement between the VGR and Seymour Railway Heritage Centre Inc. The SRHC will be undertaking the servicing of the unit whilst on lease. On Monday 30th August, F 212 towed T 333 from Maldon to Muckleford in preparation of the transfer. See T333 photographs. |
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September |
Death of Adrian Ball -
a CMRPS Founding Member, Volunteer and Past President passed away on Monday 6th September, 2004 after a short illness. Adrian has had an active involvement in the CMR from the Society's inception in 1976. In reaching his early 50's, he participated in the formation of the CMRPS, was member of the Board for many years, and has been involved a many facets of the CMRPS. A keen interest in railways, owner of Loco. J 541 for a number of years, a regular on the footplate roster at Maldon, a constant involvement in the wider rail enthusiast scene, and a leaning toward a good chat on any railway related matter.
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November |
Pacific National (successors to Freight Australia),to instigate a limited tenure 'closure' of the Castlemaine - Moolort section of the Maryborough Line, this will enable the VGR to operate over the Maldon Junction to Castlemaine section of track for an interim period under the Tourist Railway provisions. Proposed opening date of 19th December gives VGR approx. three weeks to gain rail accreditation, finalise access agreement with Pacific National, agreement with rail union, training for drivers and signalmen for section and complete extensive list of physical works. CMRPS announce proposal to open to Castlemaine at members' evening held 27th November. | |||
December |
Pacific National 'close' Castlemaine - Moolort section - The limited term closure of this section of line came into effect. The Maldon Junction turnout has been reversed and spiked for the Maldon Line. Under supervision, works were condcuted by VGR crews on sleeper replacements within the turnout with the Maryborough Line in the days leading upto to the proposed first train on the 18th December. | |||
December |
First VGR Train into Castlemaine Station - During the first trip, K160 with the DERM attached completed the Muckleford to Castlemaine leg. At Castlemaine K 160 proceeded to the turntable and turned (360o) before returning with the DERM to Muckleford. The second trip saw the K with a train of three passenger cars and a van make the trip, this time the loco was turned to return to Muckleford (and Maldon) funnel first. During these trips the testing of the operation of the level crossing lights, the signalling arrangements and Castlemaine turntable were completed successfully. See 'Trains at Castlemaine' photographs. | |||
December |
VGR Trains commence public operations into Castlemaine Station - the start of regular VGR trains between Maldon and Castlemaine. A small ceremony was held at Maldon Station before the first trip of the day departed for Castlemaine. See 'Trains at Castlemaine' photographs. | |||
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