The Picnic Train

John’s Inspiration: “Steam locomotive. R766. is pictured here approaching Dungog. With a fine head of steam, at the head of the picnic train in August 2024. Looking smart in her freshly painted livery of black and red, the newly restored Hudson class locomotive was originally purchased by the Victorian Railways to supersede. and replace their ageing fleet of steam locomotives. This new class, superseded the A2 class locomotives on fast passenger runs. However, the simultaneous arrival of the 1st generation diesel electrics reduced their usefulness and unfortunately this very effective R class was destined for a relatively short life and low mileages.

R766 was among the last of this class of locomotives, withdrawn in 1968. Many of her sisters having already been scrapped. R 766 was later leased to the West Coast Railway for operation on the West Coast trains between Melbourne and Warrnambool together with R711 and received the name ‘City of Bendigo.” In May 2005. 766 was leased to the Hunter Valley Railway Trust for movement to Branxton, NSW and conversion to standard gauge. Following a massive overhaul and re certification, 766. Is now riding the rails around NSW, much to the delight of dedicated steam buffs from all around Australia”.