Table turns for visiting steam trains

AFTER twelve years of inactivity, the Ballarat East Locomotive Depot’s turntable is operational and will be used by Steamrail Victoria.

Jeremy Lavery from Steamrail Victoria operations said the organisation has signed a lease for the area “encompassing the Ballarat East turntable from V/Line.”

“The turntable was last used around 2009 before it was booked out of service, requiring some repairs,” he said.

“Although it was a V/Line asset, it was not required, as regular locomotive-hauled services had ceased running to Ballarat some years earlier.”

Steamrail Victoria is now the “accredited Rail infrastructure manager” on site, and with volunteer support, the turntable has been repaired.

It emerged from its dormant period in May for Victoria’s six-day Cruise Express Southern Steam Spectacular.

“Five steam locomotives were able to be turned. Further use was planned for the Ballarat Heritage Festival, however, unfortunately this was cancelled,” Mr Lavery said.

An accessible and usable turntable in Ballarat East means there are opportunities for many day tours to be run through the city.

“The return to service of the turntable provides great benefit. Previously steam-hauled day-tours to Ballarat were not a viable proposition due to having to run tender first, or backwards, in one direction.

“As these movements are restricted to 50 kilometres per hour, timetabling amongst regularly scheduled trains is problematic. The slower speed also added several hours,” Mr Lavery said.

Classic turntable technology has been a focus for Steamrail Victoria in 2021.

They recently repaired one in the town of Wycheproof in the north-west of the state. When in recent operation, it drew crowds.

“Wycheproof is a unique Mallee destination where the railway line runs down the middle of the Main Street,” Mr Lavery said.