Great Train Race!
Warwick Erwin climbs aboard the Southern Hemisphere’s largest steam locomotive at Maitland’s Steamfest. In a world-first, four steam trains raced against each other in the Great Train Race at Maitland’s Steamfest. The winning locomotive was the largest steam engine in the Southern Hemisphere and two locals were on that train. The Hunter Valley Steamfest celebrated its 30th year as the largest festival of everything steam: steam rollers, steam trucks, stationary steam engines – but the biggest drawcards were the steam locomotives: 3016, 3642, 5917 and the largest 6029 (pictured below). Stephen Wright and I spent four days, over the weekend of April 9 and 10, riding steam trains. First, we travelled to Maitland on Friday in the GMS1 lounge car with service to our seats; then it was the run around Port Waratah Coal Loader loop behind locomotive 3016, and the Singleton Sling up to Singleton and back behind locomotive 5917. Saturday’s highlight was the Silver Screen Steamer to Dungog at the foothills of Barrington Tops. Canapes and drinks were served en route to a screening of The Train Robbers (starring John Wayne) at the heritage James Theatre. Movie goers had choc tops, popcorn in paper bags and lollies at intermission. The trip back to Maitland was very enjoyable, with supper served in the lounge car as can be seen
(below) from the observation deck. On Sunday steam trains and Tiger Moths raced from Waratah to Maitland in the Great Train Race. Hundreds of people lined the railway and watched from platforms and bridges as steam engines swapped positions in the “race” to Maitland. Those on the Great Race trains each received a cap and a badge. Hundreds of people left the race trains and either took another steam-train trip, or viewed the Rally Ground’s antique machinery, or visited the Show ‘n’ Shine classic car display or the market stalls in the main street. There wasn’t even standing room at Maitland station. But the Barrington Bullet had room for us. Lunch at a cafe in Dungog was our next stop, riding behind locomotive 5817. Maitland City Council organised a great Steamfest 2016 with their business sponsors and hundreds of volunteers. Weekend over, we returned to Sydney behind steam locomotives 3642, 5817 and a vintage diesel. It was a nice trip home until a breakdown in Woy Woy tunnel – and an hour and half in the siding at Hawkesbury River Station – made it even better. It’s not about the destination but the trip. We’ve already booked our accommodation for next year. Steamfest is on April 8-9, 2017. 2515
‘Weekends Away’ Travel Writing Competition
WIN!
Have you got a traveller’s tale for us? Send it in! This month marks the launch of our new ‘Weekends Away’ travel writing competition. You could win great prizes, including a full-page advertisement publicising the charity of your choice!
We welcome reports on any destinations within about three hours’ drive – ie, a feasible weekend away. Articles should be a maximum of 400 words. Please submit words and photos (high res JPGs) to editor@2515mag.com.au. An entry will be published each month in the magazine and winners announced in December. 2515
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