With regards to the previous comments regarding the operation of Metro Vickers 'XA' class in the Perth metropolitan are, I would like to clarify a few points for Eastern States readers who may be led to believe that XA locos do not run at all as a result of not being able to run through Perth City Station, Subiaco etc. The following statement "Whilst it would be mind blowing to see these fantastic locos running again - it'll never happen!", could have Metro Vickers fans believing there are no XA working whatsoever.
XA1401 "Pedong" owned by a member Hotham Valley Railway (based at Pinjarra), runs occasionally from Pinjarra to Armadale and return on the first leg of the Armadale to Dwellingup tours, with 2 X 'W' Class taking over at Pinjarra for the "slog up the hill. 1401 has to work under the wires at Armadale and is indeed permitted to. 1401 has also worked on a number of tour trains for Hotham Valley including a weekend trip to Geraldton with W 903. Hopefully 1401 will agin run this year to fill our eardrums with that unique sound.
ARHS owned XA1402 & 1405 last worked together on a train to York on 29 April 1990, and while we see wrecked derelict diesels being returned to full working order in the UK, it appears sadly, that ARHS WA has no interest in returning these magnificent machines to operating condition, and hiring them out to an accredited rail tour operator. Sadly they sit in the open at the Rail Transport Museum, waiting for the graffiti artists. It appears will will see "imported" locomotives to operate tour trains if the new operator starts up, but I guess it will add to the interest.