Driving a train used to be every boy’s dream – and New England residents can still live the golden age of rail this weekend, aboard a heritage 90-year-old wood-panelled train.
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Drivers Alex Claassens and Alan Chesterton will take passengers between Armidale and Uralla on a 1920s “Tin Hare”, lovingly restored by the Lachlan Valley Railway.
The CPH rail motors, to give them their proper name, were introduced in NSW in 1923, and used until the 1980s.
“They’re essentially a bus on wheels,” Mr Claassens said. “It’s really old technology, but they’re still good, and they still go really well!”
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Mr Claassens began on the NSW rail network in Lithgow in 1977, then moved to steam engines in 1982 when working for the Zig Zag Railway in the Blue Mountains.
These days, Mr Claassens is NSW secretary of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union, but he still loves driving heritage engines.
“There’s a certain nostalgia about old-fashioned trains,” he said. “It doesn’t matter how old or young you are, train travel comes alive when people enjoy themselves on a trip like this! You’ll see lots of people’s faces lit up like Christmas trees, having a great time!”
Here’s the train pulling into Armidale:
And here’s a sneak preview from inside the driver’s cab:
Lachlan Valley Railway will also run short 1-hour return shuttles from Armidale to Uralla this weekend. Trains leave on Saturday at 12:30pm, 1:55pm, and 3:15pm, and at 10:40am, 11:50am. 1pm, and 2:10pm on Sunday.
Uralla residents can take a short 1 hour return shuttle from Uralla station to Armidale Return. Trains leave at 1pm and 2:30 pm on Saturday, and at 11:05am, 12:15pm, and 1:25pm on Sunday.
Fares are $20 adults, $15 seniors, $10 children, or $50 family (two adults, two children).
To book. go to www.lvr.com.au or www.trybooking.com/365573.
