The little engine that came back

ONCE on display at Bendigo Station, Steamrail Victoria is firing up the engine R711 Spirit of Bendigo for a weekend of locomotive tours next month.

Established in 1965, the not-for-profit organisation runs tours all over Victoria, preserving, restoring and operating classic steam, diesel and electric trains and carriages.

Board member Jeremy Lavery said the trains serve as “movable heritage” and turn heads wherever they go.

“Pretty much everything we’ve run this year has sold out, possibly due to the COVID situation I guess because people can’t travel as much, but they still want something to do and experience,” he said.

“It’s also just a bit of a throwback to a simpler time and equipment that’s not so sterile as the modern stuff.

“You open the windows, smell the smoke and steam that wafts through the carriages. It’s a full experience.”

The R711 Spirit of Bendigo engine first started service in 1951, hauling passengers and freight trains through North Melbourne.

In the 80s, the R711 replaced the R766 outside Bendigo Station, where it remained on show, owned by the City of Greater Bendigo.

In 1995 West Coast Railway obtained and restored the engine for passenger services in Warrnambool and when WCR folded in 2004, the City granted a lease of the train to Steamrail Victoria, with volunteers maintaining the engine in Newport.

Now, Bendigo locals will have the chance to experience the historical train when it comes to town from 20 to 23 August.

“We’re coming up to Bendigo on the Friday, we’ll be doing some short shuttle trips up there on the Saturday as well as a day trip to Echuca and back to Bendigo,” Mr Lavery said.

“Sunday we’ll be running day trips from Bendigo to Woodvale, five of those and then Monday we’ll head home back to Melbourne.”

To book your seat on the steam train, head to steamrail.com.au/tours.