Mainline Steam Train - Double Headed 38s to Ararat - Easter 2000

Over Easter 2000 and the following week, the New South Wales Rail Transport Museum operated a memorable tour covering most of the standard gauge network in Victoria. Motive power for the most of the trip was C38 pacific steam locomotives 3801 and 3830. On Easter Monday, a special day return trip to Ararat was operated for the benefit of Victorian railfans. 3801 and 3830 led the train out of Melbourne with diesel locos 44211 and 4204 dead attached on the rear. At Berrybank Loop the two 38's were swapped so that 3830 led 3801 to Ararat. At Ararat the two 38's were detached from the train to await the sleeping cars the next day while 4201 and 44211 hauled the day tour back to Melbourne. © 2000 James Brook