The Kandos Explorer

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!

ECHR at Transport Heritage Expo 2024

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.