Sunday 17 December marked a historic day as we officially unveiled the Peter Abba Reserve at Summit Tank Lookout during our Christmas Cockatoo Run. Joined by Peter’s family, we honored the legacy of a beloved Illawarra community figure, Rotarian, and railway enthusiast
Peter Abba (1944-2023) was instrumental in transforming Summit Tank from a disused platform into a stunning lookout enjoyed by thousands aboard the Cockatoo Run since its launch in 1995. His vision and dedication, alongside Wollongong Rotary, made this special place what it is today—a breathtaking stop high on the Illawarra escarpment.
It was our privilege to dedicate this reserve to Peter’s memory, ensuring his contribution lives on for generations of rail enthusiasts and visitors alike.
The Peter Abba Reserve—a fitting tribute to an extraordinary friend of heritage rail.
East Coast Heritage Rail operated their first Dinner Light Train on Saturday 30 November 2024. Guests were greeted on the red carpet at Central Station with a welcome drink. A luxurious 5-course fresh seafood dinner was served as the vintage train glided through Sydney’s northern suburbs and along the picturesque Hawkesbury River at sunset.
The next Dinner Light Train will operate on Saturday 15 February 2025. For Bookings and Full Details click here.
East Coast Heritage Rail ran a very successful return tour to Kandos on Saturday 26 October 2024. Over 200 guests joined the Kandos Express for the very scenic trip over the World Heritage Blue Mountains and onto the old Mudgee country branch line passing through Piper’s Flat, Portland, Ben Bullen, Clandulla and Charbon and through the magnificent Capertee Valley.
Guests had almost two hours in Kandos having the opportunity to visit the Kandos Museum or wander around the historic township as well as enjoying the various lunch options on offer.
Locomotives 42103 and 42105 were the motive power for the day stopping at Clandulla to attach one engine to the rear for the run into Kandos where there are no shunting facilities. This was repeated on the return trip to place the two locos on the front for the run back to Sydney.
Trackwork in the city meant the tour had to start and finish to and from Lidcombe but this did not deter the keen guests who voted the day a most enjoyable success.
Kandos has been an annual destination for our train but due to covid and other factors this was our first trip there for several years. Come and join us again next year!
For the first time in many years ECHR participated in the Transport Heritage Expo held in Sydney over the October long weekend. The event featured a variety of activities at several sites including Steam and Electric Train and Railmotor Rides, Vintage Bus Rides, Steam Boat Rides Central Clock Tower Tours and Heritage Displays. There were a number of static displays at Central Station and ECHR had two of its heritage carriages and locomotive 42105 open for inspection by visitors. A steady stream of visitors took advantage of the opportunity over all three days and our volunteers were kept busy. A number of rail related merchandise items were available for purchase at a stand near our vehicles.
The cat’s out of the bag! For those of you wondering where X54 has been hiding for the past few months, we can reveal that the loco has been undergoing rust repairs and preparation for a new coat of paint at Goulburn Roundhouse.
The preparation work has been spearheaded by our maintenance manager Lorne Brack, who has also used the project to pass skills on to Tracy Harris of Vintage Rail Journeys. Tracy is currently undertaking an apprenticeship in welding and boiler making, and the pair’s efforts speak for themselves!
Lorne and Tracy at work
Rust repairs underway, prior to grinding
Lorne says: “Unlike a new build, restoration in many ways requires greater skill to complete the task. Whilst often challenging, it brings a sense of accomplishment.”
X54 has now been turned out in a unique scheme – the former VicRail ‘Teacup’ livery – and it will be the only operating unit to wear these colours when it returns to service later this month. This striking tangerine and silver scheme was introduced in 1981 as part of a rebranding of Victorian Railways, and quickly gained the nickname ‘Teacup’ after the styling of the VicRail logo. The livery was to prove short lived however, as VicRail morphed into V/Line in 1983, and the latter’s more familiar orange and grey scheme became the norm.
X54 resplendent in its new ‘Teacup’ scheme at Goulburn Roundhouse. Photos: Aaron Hobson
The Teacup livery was somewhat polarising even in its day, and X54’s will be no exception! Our repaint offers the answer to an historic ‘what if’ scenario, as while it was initially intended to outshop the X class locomotives in the Teacup livery, none had been painted by the time VicRail became V/Line, and therefore no X class loco ever wore the VicRail colours – until now! While the break from tradition is sure to turn heads and maybe even ruffle a feather or two, it’s just a coat of paint – even if it’s not your ‘cup of tea’, nothing lasts forever…
Enthusiasts are encouraged to grab their photos while they can, as who knows what the future has in store for X54’s livery… With a few more finishing touches still to come over the next few weeks, X54 is set to make its return to the mainline very soon. ‘Teacup’ is coming to a Cockatoo Run near you – keep an eye out on our website and social media for further announcements!
Whilst in Goulburn, X54’s second cooling fan has also been removed for overhaul. This is one of many components that needs specialist attention in order to ensure the locomotive remains in excellent running order for many years to come. Should you wish to contribute or otherwise assist, please contact us or see our Sponsorship Page.
oast Heritage Rail ran a very successful return tour to Kandos on Saturday 26 October 2024. Over 200 guests joined the Kandos Express for the very scenic trip over the World Heritage Blue Mountains and onto the old Mudgee country branch line passing through Piper’s Flat, Portland, Ben Bullen, Clandulla and Charbon and through the magnificent Capertee Valley.
