The Book of Travel

AUSTRALIA | Saturday, 22 November 2014 | Views [423] | View Smaller Image

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.

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.

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4. The yard at where they stop the trains after the last trip for the day. Brendan is finishing his final inspections on the train. Many locomotives in the yard are no longer used because of the unavailability of crucial parts or it is simply not cost effective. Once the examinations are completed the crew leaves and the station is shut down. The steam rail awaiting for its next journey and taking the guests to experience a glimpse of a bygone era. There are other locomotives such as the D3 639 which are not in service anymore because of strict rules or needs to be fixed. People like Brendan is their last chance.

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