The Picnic Train’s iconic R766 made a quick trip through the Riverina this week ahead of its Junee to Albury trip next week. Photo: The Picnic Train.
One of Australia’s oldest steam trains made a rare trip across the Riverina last week, with people making their way to train stations from Goulburn to Albury to get a glimpse of it.
The R766 which arrived in Victoria in 1952 before being discontinued in the 1970s, tooted its way through the region’s towns giving audiences a sneak peek of what’s in store for the popular Picnic Train event next week.
The Picnic Train is a novelty non-profit organisation dedicated to the operation of vintage steam and diesel locomotives and carriages that provides one-way riding experiences for tourists.
The Picnic Train will travel from Junee to Albury on Monday 7 April as part of its visit to the Riverina, having already travelled from Goulburn to Junee on Thursday (27 March).
The R766 travelled from Junee to Albury without passengers on Friday (28 March), giving viewers a taste of what’s to come.
Avid train spotter and owner of J Russell Productions Josh Russell chased the train down on its Junee to Albury leg, taking advantage of the rare sighting.
“These class of trains, you just don’t see every day,” he said.
“These class of trains (R Class) were built in the 1950s and became really popular after Victoria successfully built its steam train line.
“It eventually got phased out due to the diesel train becoming more and more popular, so these trains ended up moving to the wayside.
“I’d love to see these trains make more trips across the Riverina. They are extremely rare so we have to take advantage of it when we can.”
A decent crowd gathered at the Wagga Wagga Train Station to record the train passing through town at just 40 km/h. Those who missed out still have the opportunity to board the train next week when it returns to Junee for its Junee to Albury leg.
The Picnic Train tours began in 1973 in Kiama after the decommissioning of steam trains that year.
The Picnic Train’s original locomotive, the 5917, is still in operation today and is one of just five of its kind left in the country and the only one that still operates.
To view more about the Picnic Train or book tickets for next week’s tour, be sure to visit the website and to view Josh’s train spotting content, visit his YouTube channel.
