The Book of Travel

AUSTRALIA | Saturday, 22 November 2014 | Views [428] | View Smaller Image

2. Meet Brendan, he is “the” mechanic, loco pilot, tester, fitter and everything else to these steam trains. I met him at the station once the train was halted. He explained the various mechanisms of the steam train and how the steam engine functions. The station has a huge garage nearby where the maintenance of trains is carried out. With the reduction in government support the future of steam rail is up to people like brendan and his co workers.

1. The steam train J515 is approaching Maldon station, Vulcan Foundry built this locomotive J515 in 1954 and it is currently loaned from Seymour Railway heritage centre. The rail operates between maldon and castlemain stations, which are part of the broad gauge rail line called the Victorian Goldfields Railway. Opened by the end of 19th century spanning 17km in length, this rail line is a direct link to the gold rush period.

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3. Brendan doing his routine procedures on the J515 locomotive once the train is stopped at Maldon station. He does this for all the trains after each journeys and he is very experienced in this profession. One look at his hands, you realize this man knows the steam rail inside out. He is very passionate about the rail system and knows all the trains and their history by heart. Brendan and his colleagues work hard to put the train running as much as possible so more guests can enjoy the journey. Their motivation stems from the love of steam trains and the joy of customers.

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