New Railtour operator for W.A?

[John <johnboll@upnaway.com>]

Aus loco discussion mailing list

A new operator could soon be ruuning up-market passenger trains in W.A
in a bold initiave by a consortuim of businessmen.  Details are still
sketchy, however it is rumoured that a number of operators around
the country have been approached for sale or lease of motive power and
rolling stock.  Both Hotham Valley Railway and the Australian Railway
Historical Society in W.A are thought to have had talks with
representatives from the
new company believed to be called Leisure Tours W.A.  In  unconfirmed
news A.R.H.S may sell its two Metropolitan Vickers "XA" Diesel Electric
locomotives, which although somewhat neglected and have not run on a
train for some years, are complete. If this sale comes off the
locomotives are likely to be fully overhauled at Goninian's Bassendean
works, which is adjacent to the ARHS museum where the XA's are housed.
Talks have also been rumoured to have been held regarding the possible
sale or lease of the ARHS owned "S"  Class steam locomotive No. 549
"Greenmount" which sits at the museum "redundant" following a breakdown
in hiring arrangements with
Hotham Valley Railway, who are accredited to run on the main line. With
no immediate work at present it would be good to see this loco back out
on the main line possibly under new ownership.. It is also rumoured that
the company plans to hire and refurbish the ex "Australind" carriages
which will need alot of work to bring
them back up to operational condition.  Queensland rail have also been
approached regarding the sale of surplus air-conditioned stock.
We will all have to see how this venture develops and makes it off the
drawing board.
It will certainly give the WA enthusiasts some variety photographing
tour trains following the demise of ARHS rail tours in this state..


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