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# East Coast Heritage Rail

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Transport Heritage Expo 2025](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/9155-2/) - The October Long Weekend was a busy time for East Coast Heritage Rail volunteers with the annual Transport Heritage Expo coinciding with a scheduled Cockatoo Run. ECHR operated six Goods Line Tours over the weekend for Transport Heritage giving passengers the opportunity to visit freight only lines not generally accessible by passenger trains. On Sunday
- [Kandos Explorer 2025](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/kandos-explorer-2025/) - On Saturday 27 September East Coast Heritage Rail operated our popular annual tour to the historic town of Kandos. Crossing the Great Dividing Range and passing through the captivating Capertee Valley guests were treated to panoramic views of some of the most beautiful landscapes in Australia—perfect for lovers of history, heritage, and scenic travel. Guests
- [Cockatoo Run by Night](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/cockatoo-run-by-night/) - A special thanks to the 190 wonderful guests who joined us yesterday for a truly historic journey aboard our very first Cockatoo Run by Night rail tour! From the moment we rolled out of Sydney, guests were treated to golden-hour views along the Illawarra coastline before a special stop at Summit Tank Lookout just on
- [The Brigadoon Express](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/the-brigadoon-express/) - On Saturday 5 April we rolled out a very special journey – The Brigadoon Express – taking our passengers from Sydney to the picturesque village of Bundanoon for the iconic Brigadoon at Bundanoon Highland Gathering! It was an early start with a 6:00am departure from Central, ensuring we arrived in time for the official opening,
- [Thank you for a 'Berry Nice Day'](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/thank-you-for-a-berry-nice-day/) - A huge thank you to everyone who joined us today aboard the Shoalhaven Express to Bomaderry (Nowra) and Berry! We hope you had a fantastic time soaking in the scenery, exploring the region, and enjoying a day out by rail. Judging by our photo, it looks like plenty of great memories were made! If you
- [Australia Day Goods Line Tour](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/australia-day-goods-line-tour/) - Our Australia Day Goods Line Tour was a huge success with both morning and afternoon trips well patronised. This year our train, hauled top and tail by X54 and 42103, travelled all the way to the Botany Freight Terminal. Departing from Central Station guests enjoyed a unique 3-hour rail journey through Sydney’s hidden freight network
- [Dinner Light Train 30 November 2024](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/dinner-light-train-30-november-2024/) - 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
- [Peter Abba Reserve Unveiling - Summit Tank](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/peter-abba-reserve-unveiling-summit-tank/) - 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
- [ECHR at Transport Heritage Expo 2024](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/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
- [The Kandos Explorer](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/7817-2/) - 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
- [FRN 2186 Returns to Sydney!](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/frn-2186-returns-to-sydney/) - Exciting News: FRN 2186 Returns to Sydney! We’re thrilled to announce the return of FRN 2186 to Sydney after a lengthy hiatus. The former New South Wales Government Railways N-Type buffet car has been undergoing extensive restoration work at the Goulburn Locomotive Roundhouse, including essential external and bogie repairs. Now back in Sydney, FRN 2186
- [Orange is the New Blue!](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/orange-is-the-new-blue/) - 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,
- [Welcome to the Fleet, X54!](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/welcome-to-the-fleet-x54/) - East Coast Heritage Rail is proud to announce the purchase of former Victorian Railways third series X class locomotive X54. We plan to return X54 to operational condition, which will allow us to expand our tour offerings. X54 was built by Clyde Engineering at their Rosewater plant in Adelaide, and entered service with the Victorian
- [ECHR Wins Greater Illawarra Community Grant](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/echr-wins-greater-illawarra-community-grant/) - East Coast Heritage Rail was successful last year in obtaining $2,000 in community funding from the Illawarra branch of the Greater Bank, by securing the largest amount of public votes in the June 2022 round of the Greater Illawarra Community Funding Program. Further information can be found here: Heritage trains on track for greater support
- [A New Beginning](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/a-new-beginning/) - We are excited to announce that we can shortly start tours again and share our beautiful heritage trains with you, including on our Cockatoo Run tour and others. We thank everyone for their support over the last two years. These years have been perhaps toughest of the company’s lifetime. We recently re-located some of the
- [Time to Paint It](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/time-to-paint-it/) - Another work day and another coat of paint (2nd) is applied to the HKB. After a light rub back the second coat of paint was applied to the body. The second coat shows the high level of gloss in the paint. The paint will now be left for several weeks to harden before a 3rd
- [Marker Lights](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/marker-lights/) - It is time to replace the marker lights on both ends of the HKB. Each marker lamp was previously overhauled and was ready to be remounted onto the ends of the van. The backing plates were unfortunately not in a good enough condition to reuse so new backing blocks and plates had to be manufactured.
- [L516 Update](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/l516-update/) - Whilst we have not been working on L516 in recent times we did take the opportunity to use up some left over paint from the HKB project. The car has been in painted primer previously. We decided to use up the remaining paint from the HKB project and painted one half of the car. Steve
- [SFN2182 Overhaul](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/sfn2182-overhaul/) - During 2011 passenger car SFN2182 has been withdrawn from service and is being overhauled at Eveleigh. Work has commenced repairing the roof area. The malthoid covering on the roof was in need of repairs and the end timbers required replacement. Whilst most of the roof will only require painting some sections had to be removed
- [January Update](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/cam23/) - Eveleigh has been a multi-user facility since 1987. In that time, many items of rollingstock have called Eveleigh home, including world-renowned steam locomotive #4472 Flying Scotsman during Bicentennial celebrations in 1988. We can see that this culture of sharing the Eveleigh LES site continues even now, with items of rollingstock shown including: Lachlan Valley Railway
- [ATP Heritage Community Days (May 2014)](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/echr1/) - On Friday 16th and Saturday 17th, 3801 Limited participated in the Australian Technology Park Heritage Community Days weekend. We opened the doors of our Large Erecting Railway Workshop for the enjoyment of the general public, providing the chance to explore the restoration works as well as inspect the collection of locomotive, and carriage rollingstock that was on display.
- [Autumn Progress](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/cam14/) - With four reconditioned fans bearing down on us, Brian and Daniel have been busy manufacturing and preparing the new timber mounting discs to replace the old ones that had fallen apart. When the paint is dry next week, we will look at installing the fans using these discs. In the mean time, fitting new felts
- [And now for something completely different…](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/and-now-for-something-completely-different/) - Our Eveleigh Projects volunteers have recently spent a weekend working on the iconic Red Rattler carriage situated in the Australian Technology Park. Known as a ‘Sputnik’ power car, of late 1950s vintage and having been manufactured by Comeng in Granville, C3704 has stood sentinel inside the gate since the ATP’s inception in 1995 and has
- [Maintenance Update: To Port!](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/maintenance-update-to-port/) - In 2017 we moved on from Eveleigh due to changes in and around the site and the tenure arrangements. We’re setting ourselves up in the Illawarra and enjoying some great tenure with fantastic supporters like Bluescope and UGL. Down in Port Kembla in particular, we have made the most of the COVID downtime. Our Port
- [A New Chapter – East Coast Heritage Rail](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/a-new-chapter-east-coast-heritage-rail/) - Our Cockatoo Run, proudly operated since 1995, Hawkesbury River Express and various one-off tours that we run are what our passengers know and love. Whilst we operate many interesting and important rolling stock items that the rail community loves to see, the travelling public value the experience of our heritage rail tours, enjoying time with family and
- [Farewell C3704](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/farewell-c3704/) - The more eagle-eyed observer on a Redfern train this morning may have noticed the plaza at South Eveleigh looking a little barer than it did yesterday... After more than 20 years of faithful service as both our office and an important part of the South Eveleigh’s rail heritage, it was sadly time to say goodbye
- [A look back (2012) – New batteries for ABN2194](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/abn1/) - The old lead acid batteries on crew car ABN2194 had failed, and a set of replacement cells were sourced for this car. With the battery box cleared out, timber crates were manufactured, new cells were fitted, and the water was topped up too. Before the lights were tested in the workshop. Then they were tested
- [From TAM to CAM](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/cam28/) - TAM sleeping cars must be one of the most recognised carriage types used by the NSWGR but there is a lot more to them than most perhaps appreciate. Eveleigh, Meadowbank and Ritchie Bros all made this type of TAM, and each manufacturer had their own little nuances in the finer details. All TAMs had berth
- [Christening Time – Welcome to the world CAM502](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/cam29/) - Well it has been an incredible journey. But we are delighted to say that our little pet project of 8 years was recently completed last December, just in time for Christmas! Last November, the Assets Standards Authority within TransportNSW department granted permission for CAM502 to operate on the rail network for the purpose of trials. Locomotive
- [What’s in a name?](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/whats-in-a-name/) - Many followers of the Eveleigh Projects blog would be familiar with our two regular mainline trains – the Cockatoo Run and Hawkesbury River (Deerubbun) Express – but where were their names derived from? The scenic Cockatoo Run from Sydney Central south to Robertson and Moss Vale was a service formerly operated by the then State
- [MBR2078: A Silver Lining](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/mbr2078-a-silver-lining/) - Our long-serving Buffet car MBR2078 ‘Woronora’ has recently been treated to a resealing of its roof, a necessary part of the rigorous regular maintenance program which is required to keep our cars in ‘first class’ operating condition, achieved with the support of our long term supplier and supporter Davco. This government owned car is an
- [Overhauling a Carriage Part 1: First comes the elbow grease](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/sfn1/) - The overhaul of the car body on SFN2182 was completed late in 2011 and the following is a selection of photos showing the completion of the job. Following the treatment of any corrosion, the sides of the car were sanded back. The toilet windows were removed to ensure all areas were properly prepared prior to
- [Overhauling a Carriage Part 2: Bogie Work](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/sfn2/) - The following is a selection of photos were taken from our mechanical team showing some of the key steps ina complete overhaul of one of the bogies on SFN2182. With the carriage body hydraulically lifted and layed onto temporary stilts, the Bogie is removed from the carriage and the stripping out of brake beams and
- [Overhauling a Carriage Part 3: New Battery Boxes](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/sfn3/) - Often overlooked, the battery boxes are an essential part of a well maintained heritage train. While the work is far from glorious, this sort of maintenance work needs to be done. An old (spare) box in storage at Eveleigh was stripped and metal components treated for corrosion. Due to the years of acidic fumes, the
- [Doing it for the fans](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/doing-it-for-the-fans/) - In each compartment of the first class BS carriages was fitted a single wall mounted electric fan running on 24V DC, mounted above the doorway to assist with the circulation of air. These veterans have all no doubt given many hours of stellar service on those stuffy days when travelling in compartments would otherwise have
- [Blades of Glory](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/blades-of-glory/) - Following on from our last post about the disassembly and preparation of the compartment fans in the XBS, work has subsequently progressed on their finishing and reassembly. As always, in the interests of recording the process for posterity (and to assist the next poor souls who decide that refurbishing a set of 24V fans might
- [Contributor Snapshot](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/contributor-snapshot/) - There are a huge number of different ways in which you can help with our restoration efforts at Eveleigh, a number of which may not be immediately obvious. While donations and volunteering are readily apparent, many may not know that there are plenty of other ways to play a part in helping, and to leave
- [Charging Ahead](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/charging-ahead/) - It takes a lot of commitment to keep our heritage tourist trains gracing our rails, with services like 3801 Limited’s Cockatoo Run linking the City of Sydney with Wollongong and the Southern Highlands several times each month, making a significant contribution to NSW tourism in so doing. After 30 years of operations, its fortunate that
- [Links to the past: The Hawkesbury River Express](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/links-to-the-past/) - Today, little do many realise the invaluable assistance that the Indigenous people provided to the fledgling European colony in its early days. Bungoree, of Guringai Nation, was an elder of the saltwater people who lived around Broken Bay. He and his people were excellent navigators of the coastal waterways, so it seemed only natural that
- [We are packing – Can you help?](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/we-are-packing-can-you-help/) - As part of their response to the “Fresh Start” report, Transport for NSW have committed to relaunching the Large Erecting Shop (LES) at Eveleigh (our home for the last 30 years) as an open access, multiuser running shed for any and all heritage operators to use. We look forward to using the new facility along
- [Transport Heritage Expo 2016](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/transport-heritage-expo-2016/) - As some of our loyal rail heritage enthusiasts may be aware of, this June Long Weekend will see the annual Transport Heritage Expo play host at Central Railway Station. With Steam train shuttles, vintage bus rides around the CBD, Devonshire Teas aboard the Southern Aurora, and also the reappearance of the famously preserved red rattler “F1” set,
- [Wiring the Gutted End](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/cam2/) - With excellent progress being made in the compartments of L516, a move was made to installing a functional lighting arrangement (with heritage value) in the gutted end of the car. A survey of the roof beneath the masonite sheeting showed reminants of the old compartments. The luggage racks were located on the left (see faded
- [Ashes to Ashes, Panels to Cars](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/cam6/) - Our car builder Davo has been very busy preparing the Australian red cedar panels for the final fit out of the “Lounge” end of L516. These panels were salvaged from the former NSWGR sleeping cars at the Zig Zag Railway (which were set for scrap) and Dave has done an outstanding job bringing them back
- [Time for a road trip!](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/cam4/) - With lighting now installed in the gutted end of L516, our weekend warriors focused their attention on furnishing this end of the car. This will be a top down approach, starting with the roof and light fittings. Ritchie Bros cars were synonymous with elaborate pressed metal roof mouldings, which remain in the sleeping compartments at
- [Around The Twist](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/cam7/) - With all pressed metal sheets in place, we must now manufacture curved timber mouldings to cover the joint where the main roof sheets and the end vertical sheets meet. The art of bending and re-shaping timber is rather specialised and typically utilises purpose built machinery. We’ve got the next best thing – an 1880s railway
- [TAM Fans & how far they’ve come](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/cam10/) - Over the years, dust and grime has accumulated on the fans in L516’s compartments, leaving them looking rather unloved. The ventilation fans (known as “Imperiston” fans) were sent to our friends at the Rowling Electrical workshops to restore them to their former glory. This is how it’s done: Step 1 – Disassemble the fan units.
- [A look back (2012) – Rewiring L516](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/cam15/) - L516 is a project that has been at the heart of our volunteer working bees at Eveleigh for several years, but has been put on the back-burner with other projects taking the limelight. But with the SFN overhaul safely behind us, L516 is again progressing to the day when she will be carrying paying passengers.
- [A look back (2012) – L516 wiring and fitting electrical work](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/cam16/) - The great thing about working at Eveleigh is the broad range of skill sets and age groups that you come across. Electrical engineering student Brad Benson joined the project to help complete the wiring and electrical fit-out of the car, and was quick to master some new skills. The fan and berth circuits were drawn
- [Fan Fits](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/cam17/) - The volunteers have been working in pairs to install the fans that were restored previously (refer TAM Fans post). The tricky part here is that the bolts extend through into the next compartment and hold that fan in place also. The sills in the corridor end of the car were inspected and it was decided
- [Time To Shine](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/cam18/) - We’ve spent the last month or so painting the external body work of the car into gloss enamel, but we’ll come back and paint the frame once the diaphragms and buffing plates are installed. In the mean time, we’ll focus on the many smaller jobs that need to happen. The door jams are stripped of
- [Spring Update](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/cam19/) - We’ve spent several days fitting all the windows to the car, making a striking difference to its appearance. Steve’s doors are also re-fitted and the final timber trim is machined and attached in situ to ensure a good seal ahead of final painting. At the ends of the car, the new safety glass is fitted.
- [Shutter Runners](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/cam20/) - Work is underway getting the shutter runners into a presentable form. Years ago, these TAM’s had polished timber shutters, runners and sills but somewhere along the way, the railways started painting them brown. Altogether, we require over 90 shutter runners for this car. We start by taking a pair of runners from the pile, which
- [Last Days – “The End is Nigh!”](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/cam27/) - Well it has been a busy couple of months forging towards the end of the project. The lounge is feeling more homely with all the panels attached to the walls. The style of the panelling at this end of the car differs a little from the original “compartment” end of the car. These cute little
- [The Window chapter](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/the-window-chapter/) - We’re well overdue for a blog update, so let’s wind back the clock and review some of our work from late last year. Finding a BS car in largely original configuration is a somewhat rare occurrence these days, with most of the S-type carriages represented in preservation being their second class FS counterparts (in fact,
- [X Marks The Spot – XBS2158](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/x-marks-the-spot-xbs2158/) - With the CAM project all but complete, the team at Eveleigh are keeping the momentum going by starting work on the full overhaul and restoration of first class compartment car XBS2158. This car is currently undergoing a full restoration for the NSW rail heritage community. This car was facing an uncertain future on a private
- [The End of Summer](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/cam26/) - With the seats and bunks now safely back in the car, the group gathers pace and the project is really starting to come together, feeling more homely and less like a building site.Steve made a huge effort to fix up the panels that hold the dickie seats in the compartments, stripping the panels back to
- [Seat Installation](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/cam25/) - Now that Steve has completed the vinyl flooring in each of the sleeping compartments and secured the seat bases, it is time to re-install the seats and berths. We loaded them up at George’s workshop, here’s the first lot. Ahead of the transfer though was dealing with a small gremlin that had kept George awake
- [Shutter Work](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/cam24/) - Timber cars of the NSWGR had timber shutters fitted to each window, comprising an upper and lower pair. Originally, these were finished in polished timber but over the years, almost all of them ended up being painted brown, probably to help hide the numerous repairs they had accumulated. Some of these shutters have had a
- [Panel Works Continue](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/cam22/) - The panel work within L516 continues. 3 more cedar bunk panels have been stripped back to bare timber. And the French polished panels returned to Eveleigh. Steve’s corner is looking great, and come a very long way from the dismantled dingy space that it has been for years. The Lily pattern has been painted and
- [The Saga of the Seats](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/cam21/) - While the Eveleigh team have been busy working on the TAM at the shed, our two highly skilled volunteer upholsterers George and Alan have been doing an amazing job working from their workshop near Penrith in western Sydney. They have taken delivery of the full 5 compartments of seats and bunks, and the following is
- [Window Work](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/cam13/) - L516 has 44 timber framed windows, all of which were in need of a little TLC. To make sure that the windows are painted properly, we followed our usual lead and slipped all the windows out, before our volunteers started removing the old felts to avoid them getting paint on them as well as identifying
- [Car Ends – Part 2](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/cam12/) - Steve has been rebuilding the Redfern end of the carriage roof. Half of it looks alright. But the other side is a bit of a sad story. Somehow it seems to look worse from the inside. The old timbers were clearly beyond repair, so Brett sourced and started manufacturing new replacement timbers. This repair has
- [Tank Time](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/cam11/) - Any steel water vessel eventually succumbs to time and corrosion, and alas the time has come to replace the water tank on L516. The group went about removing the old water tank using a few choice tools: Time was taken to photograph key components to make the reassembly a little easier. While a new tank
- [Lights Up!](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/cam9/) - With all the excitement in the lead up to Christmas 2013, L516 had its own lights up in the “Lounge” end in time to celebrate the festive season. We’ve taken a dingy blank canvas. And installed a high quality 1920’s style ceiling to suit the rest of the car. Refurbished and installed original fittings. The
- [Car Ends – Part 1](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/cam8/) - Steve has been steadily rebuilding the upper ends of the car in order to restore the timbers to a high quality weather proof finish. Some may baulk at these kinds of jobs because they quickly become major, but Steve taking the time to do this work now will help ensure the car has a long
- [Before Too Long](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/cam5/) - Restoration of heritage rolling stock requires many diverse skills, and the 3801 Limited team called on the wood turning expertise of Michael from the Men’s Shed at Engadine. Michael used his workshop lathe to turn up several timber discs which will form the bases for the light fittings prepared previously (refer “Lights and Vents” blog
- [Lights & Vents](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/cam3/) - With the metal roof progressing well, its time to think ahead and get the jewellery ready for the next part of the restoration project. Our friends at the Zig Zag railway kindly allowd us to salvage whatever fittings we could from the three former NSWGR sleeping cars which are set to be scrapped. These cars
- [It’s all in the detail!](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/cam1/) - Big jobs like this need to be broken down into smaller bite-sized pieces, and so we’ve been trying to work our way through the compartments one at a time where possible. But its the small jobs that seem to occupy the time, and new timber mouldings needed to be manufactured to replace the old ones

## Pages

- [Home](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/) - Book Now 100% Volunteer Operated Book an Upcoming Tour High Tea on the Cockatoo Run Sunday 30 August 2026 Full Details and Bookings Bathurst Day Train Saturday 12 September 2026 Full Details and Bookings Southern Highlands Explorer Saturday 19 September Full Details and Bookings Temora Lunch Train Full Details and Bookings Cootamundra Lunch Train Full Home of the iconic Cockatoo Run, East Coast Heritage Rail has been operating from Sydney and beyond, preserving Australia’s rail heritage for the past 40 years.
- [Our Sponsors](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/our-sponsors/) - Our Sponsors East Coast Heritage Rail are lucky to have a number of generous sponsors who have contributed both cash and in-kind materials. Our sponsors are a critical part of our operation, and we would not be in the position we are today without their assistance. Become a Sponsor If you or your organisation are
- [Home](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/home-3/) - Book Now 100% Volunteer Operated Book an Upcoming Tour Saturday 15 November 2025 Suburban Rambler 10am Tour Full Details and Bookings Suburban Rambler 1pm Tour Full Details and Bookings Hunter Valley Flyer Full Details and Bookings Port to Port Tour Full Details and Bookings Christmas in July Full Details and Bookings 2026 Cockatoo Runs Sunday
- [Home Old](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/home-22/) - EAST COAST HERITAGE RAIL Book Now 100% Volunteer Operated Group Events - Enquire Family Tickets now available Book a Tour The Cockatoo Run Saturday 6 September Cockatoo By Night Sunday 5 October (Waratah Festival) Robertson Mainline Tours and Events Saturday 27 Seprember - Kandos Explorer Click on dates above for full travel and timetable details
- [News](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/news/) - News and Announcements Latest Updates Announcements Transport Heritage Expo 2025 October 15, 2025 The October Long Weekend was a busy time for East Coast Heritage Rail volunteers with the annual Transport Heritage Expo coinciding with a scheduled Cockatoo Read More » Kandos Explorer 2025 September 30, 2025 On Saturday 27 September East Coast Heritage Rail
- [Our Fleet](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/our-fleet/) - Our Fleet This page covers our current operating fleet – for information on locomotives and rollingstock that we have run in the past, click here Diesel Locomotives: X Class Diesel Electric Locomotive X54 Working on both broad and standard gauge, the X class could be found all over the Victorian Railways system, working
- [Gift Cards](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/giftcards/) - Purchase Gift Vouchers Contact Us PO Box 107, Port Kembla, NSW 2505 1300 65 3801 trains@3801limited.com.au ABN 64 002 951 671 Follow Us Facebook Instagram TripAdvisor LinkedIn Tours The Cockatoo Run Kandos Explorer Shoalhaven Express Brigadoon at Bundanoon Dinner Light Train Subscribe to our Tours Newsletter
- [Weekend Wine Getaway 2](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/winegetaway/) - Weekend Wine Getaway Escape to the Hunter Valley in Style – Treat yourself and someone special to an unforgettable3-day escape to the Hunter Valley. A Romantic Weekend to RememberFriday, 13th February returning Sunday 15 February 2026. Due to the large number of expressions of interest received previously we are now calling for firm expressions of
- [Express Interest Hunter Wine Getaway](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/express-interest-hunter-wine-getaway/) - 3 Day Hunter Wine Weekend Getaway Express Firm Interest Weekend Wine Getaway Express Interest 3 Day Tour Name * First Last * Last Email * Phone * Number of persons Captcha Submit If you are human, leave this field blank. Cost price $1495 deposit 10% ($150 per person) is required (fully refundable if tour does
- [Home](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/home/) - Book Now 100% Volunteer Operated Book an Upcoming Tour Kandos ExplorerSaturday 27 September 2025 Full details and Bookings The Cockatoo RunSunday 5 October 2025 Full details and Bookings Dinner TrainSaturday 15 November 2025 Bookings open soon Summit Tank with High TeaSunday 16 November 2025 Bookings open soon The Cockatoo RunSunday 23 November 2025 Full details
- [Express Interest Hunter 1](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/express-interest-hunter1/) - 1 Day Hunter Rail/Coach Wine Tasting Tour Express Interest 1 Day Tour Hunter Express Interest 1 Day Tour Name * First Last * Last Email * Phone * Number of persons Captcha Submit If you are human, leave this field blank. Contact Us PO Box 107, Port Kembla, NSW 2505 1300 65 3801 trains@3801limited.com.au ABN
- [Express Interest Hunter 3](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/express-interest-hunter3/) - 3 Day Hunter Rail/Coach Wine Tasting Tour Express Interest 3 Day Tour Weekend Wine Getaway Express Interest 3 Day Tour Name * First Last * Last Email * Phone * Number of persons Captcha Submit If you are human, leave this field blank. Contact Us PO Box 107, Port Kembla, NSW 2505 1300 65 3801
- [Tours](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/tours/) - Mainline Tours Join us for a scenic day journey to the Illawarra and Southern Highlands – enjoy the rugged natural beauty of the Royal National Park and spectacular coastal scenery along the south coast from Stanwell Tops through to Wollongong and Unanderra. Marvel as our vintage diesel locomotive tackles the steep grades up the Illawarra
- [Tours List](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/tours-2/) - Click on the links below for information on our Tours. The Cockatoo Run Hawkesbury River Express Charters Mainline Tours Contact Us Follow Us Tours The Cockatoo Run Hawkesbury River Express Airshow Flyer Charters Mainline Tours Subscribe to Email List
- [Work with us](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/work-with-us/) - Work with us - become a volunteer! East Coast Heritage Rail faces a huge task in maintaining our heritage fleet of diesel locomotives and carriages ranging from the 1920s to the 1970s with a mainly volunteer workforce. We are always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join the team to help with various tasks in both
- [The Cockatoo Run](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/cockatoorun/) - Linking the Highlands and the Sea from Sydney or Wollongong East Coast Heritage Rail have been operating heritage rail services in the Greater Sydney region since 1985, and we invite you to join us on our flagship tour – the famous Cockatoo Run, a vintage day return train departing Sydney Terminal for Robertson and Moss
- [Thank You](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/thankyou/) - Thank you for subscribing to our Newsletter Thank you for subscribing. You have successfully been added to our email list. What are you going to get?Our email marketing is permission-based and we will only send you information relevant to what you signed up for. How can you stop receiving email from us?You can click the
- [Seating Types](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/seating/) - Seating Types Please note that not all options will be available on every train – please check the booking page for the options available on your tour. Interurban (Economy) Our most economical option, our interurban-style carriages are equipped with bench style seats, primarily in 2×2 configuration with four facing seats and a shared central table.
- [Past Fleet](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/past-fleet/) - Past Fleet This page covers locomotives and rollingstock which we have operated previously – for information on our current running fleet, click here Steam Locomotives: C38 Class Steam Locomotive 3801 Undoubtedly Australia’s most famous steam locomotive, 3801’s story is inextricably linked to that of East Coast Heritage Rail, being the very reason our
- [Mainline Tours](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/mainline/) - Journey to places you've never been before From time to time we operate mainline tours to other interesting places in New South Wales – past excursions have included destinations such as the Hunter Valley, the Central West and Kiama. Future mainline tours will be advertised on this page, and you can also subscribe to our
- [Donations](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/donations-2/) - Make a Donation Make a donation of cash, your return and earn containers, scrap metals, or other in kind materials to help us preserve our railway heritage. All items gratefully considered! We are endorsed as a deductible gift recipient by the ATO. All donations above $2 are tax deductible. If you have materials that you
- [Contact Us](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/contact-us/) - Contact Us Subscribe to our Email List to receive advice of upcoming tours and events Submit an enquiry Contact Us Name * First Last * Last Email * Phone * Subject * Message * reCAPTCHA Submit If you are human, leave this field blank. Contact Us PO Box 107, Port Kembla, NSW 2505 1300 65
- [About Us](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/about-us/) - About Us Our History In 1983 as an initiative of the then Chief Executive of State Rail Mr. David Hill, a small working party met to investigate the feasibility of returning one of the 38 class steam locomotives to working order. Attention was focused on the class leader, 3801, as the best existing exhibit for
- [Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/frequently-asked-questions-faqs/) - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Is your question not answered here? Please email trains@3801limited.com.au or phone 1300 65 3801 to get an answer. 1. When is the next train? What tours are available to book? All tours currently open for booking are listed on our website: www.echr.com.au. New tours will be posted on our website as
- [Charters](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/charters/) - Make that occasion something to remember Carriage and full train charters are available for our Cockatoo Run, Blue Mountaineer and Hawkesbury River Express services, and we’re more than happy to assist with any enquiries. We’re also happy to run to other destinations in the case of full train charters – please get in touch to
- [Blue Mountaineer](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/bluemountaineer/) - Venture across the Great Divide! Join us as ECHR brings you a brand new tour, heading west on the Blue Mountaineer! Explore the delights of the Blue Mountains National Park and its mountain communities as we take you to Leura*, Katoomba, Medlow Bath and Lithgow*, hauled by diesel locomotives and featuring our beautifully restored and
- [Thank You for your Donation](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/thank-you-for-your-donation/) - Thank you for your Donation Thank you for subscribing. You have successfully been added to our email list. What are you going to get? Contact Us PO Box 107, Port Kembla, NSW 2505 1300 65 3801 trains@3801limited.com.au ABN 64 002 951 671 Follow Us Facebook Instagram TripAdvisor LinkedIn Tours The Cockatoo Run Kandos Explorer Shoalhaven
- [Dinner Light Train](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/dinner/) - Dinner Light Train Step back in time and enjoy us for a 5-course dinner on the Dinner Light Train. Immerse yourself in the golden era of train travel with your hosts, East Coast Heritage Rail. Guests will arrive 30 minutes prior to the departure time where they will be treated to a red-carpet experience: a
- [Kandos Explorer](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/kandos/) - Turn back time in historic Kandos Come and join us for a nostalgic one-day rail tour to the historic branch line town of Kandos, situated at the edge of the spectacular Capertee Valley some 249km from Sydney. Enjoy and admire the panoramic views as the train crosses the Great Dividing Range, before joining the old
- [Lineside Notes](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/cockatoo-run-lineside-notes/) - Linking the Highlands and the Sea Lineside Notes The iconic Cockatoo Run is one of Australia’s great railway tours – a ‘must do’ for rail enthusiasts around the world. Our journey today will take us winding through the timeless scenery of the 55,000-hectare Royal National Park before following the Illawarra coastline to Unanderra, turning then
- [Hawkesbury River Express](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/hre/) - Discover Sydney's best kept secret... East Coast Heritage Rail are proud to present the Hawkesbury River Express – enjoy a relaxing day tour with us from Sydney behind a restored vintage diesel locomotive, featuring restored carriages from the 1920s and ‘30s. The Journey:Departing Sydney Terminal at around around 9:50am*, the train heads north via Strathfield,
- [Wings Over Illawarra Airshow Flyer](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/airshow-flyer/) - Wings Over Illawarra Airshow Flyer New dates TBC East Coast Heritage Rail is proud to support the Wings Over Illawarra Airshow! Travel in style, avoid the traffic and make your day even more enjoyable and memorable – let us do the driving! Enjoy the best of both worlds – combine heritage aviation with heritage rail
- [Make a Donation](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/donations/) - Book an upcoming tour The Cockatoo Run - Sunday 10 December 2023 Sydney's Goods Road Tours - 12pm Sunday 28th January 2024 Click on dates above for full travel and timetable details and to book Make a Donation Make a donation of cash, your return and earn containers, scrap metals, or other in kind materials
- [Brigadoon at Bundanoon](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/tours/brigadoon/) - Brigadoon Express Brigadoon ExpressStep back in time and experience the golden era of rail travel with the Brigadoon Express, a heritage train journey to the picturesque Southern Highlands and the charming town of Bundanoon. Travel in StyleBegin your adventure with an express run from Central Station and suburbs, hauled by our classic diesel locomotives. Ascend
- [Test Tuesday](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/test-tuesday/) - Transport Heritage Expo 2025 October 15, 2025 No Comments The October Long Weekend was a busy time for East Coast Heritage Rail volunteers with the annual Transport Heritage Expo coinciding with a scheduled Cockatoo Read More » Kandos Explorer 2025 September 30, 2025 No Comments On Saturday 27 September East Coast Heritage Rail operated our
- [Volunteer Application Form](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/work-with-us-application/) - Volunteer Application Form * Required Field Volunteer I am interested in working as (you may tick as many as you want) * 1. Passenger Attendant/Carriage Presentation 2. Buffet and on-board service 3. Carriage maintenance/presentation/restoration 4. Locomotive Maintenance 5. Office and administration 6. Commercial, legal, planning Title * MrMrsMsOther (see box at right) Other Title First
- [Thanks](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/emrepl/) - Thank you for subscribing to our Newsletter Thank you for subscribing. You have successfully been added to our email list. What are you going to get?Our email marketing is permission-based and we will only send you information relevant to what you signed up for. How can you stop receiving email from us?You can click the
- [ECHR Volunteer Rosters and Information](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/echr-login-portal/volunteers/) - ECHR Volunteer Rosters and Information List of items Back to Login Portal Contact Us PO Box 333 Alexandria 1435 1300 65 3801 trains@3801limited.com.au Follow Us Tours The Cockatoo Run Hawkesbury River Express Airshow Flyer Charters Mainline Tours Subscribe to Email List More info More info
- [ECHR Passenger Service Managers Information](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/echr-login-portal/psm/) - ECHR Passenger Service Managers Information List of items Back to Login Portal Contact Us PO Box 333 Alexandria 1435 1300 65 3801 trains@3801limited.com.au Follow Us Tours The Cockatoo Run Hawkesbury River Express Airshow Flyer Charters Mainline Tours Subscribe to Email List More info
- [ECHR Operations Staff Information](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/echr-login-portal/operations/) - ECHR Operations Staff Information List of items Back to Login Portal Contact Us PO Box 333 Alexandria 1435 1300 65 3801 trains@3801limited.com.au Follow Us Tours The Cockatoo Run Hawkesbury River Express Airshow Flyer Charters Mainline Tours Subscribe to Email List More info
- [ECHR Login Portal](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/echr-login-portal/) - ECHR Login Portal Operations Staff Information Volunteer Rosters and Information Passenger Service Managers Information Login Login Login Contact Us PO Box 333 Alexandria 1435 1300 65 3801 trains@3801limited.com.au Follow Us Tours The Cockatoo Run Hawkesbury River Express Airshow Flyer Charters Mainline Tours Subscribe to Email List More info

## Categories

- [Uncategorized](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/category/uncategorized/)
- [CAM502 – 72ft Composite Sitting and Lounge Car](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/category/cam/)
- [MBR2078 – S Type Sitting Car with Buffet](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/category/mbr/)
- [SFN2182 – N Type Second Class Sitting Car](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/category/sfn/)
- [XBS2158 – 65ft First Class Corridor Car](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/category/xbs/)
- [ECHR Stories](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/category/stories/)
- [ABN2194 – N Type Crew Car](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/category/abn/)
- [Announcements](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/category/news/)
- [Around the Depot](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/category/projects/)
- [HKB 836 – Mail Van with Guard’s Compartment](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/category/hkb/)
- [X54 - X Class Diesel Electric Locomotive](https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/category/x54/)