Bluebird wine train[SA]

["James C" <noemail@emailsux.com>]

I tried out Bluebird Winetrain while in Adelaide. I didn't realise this is a
wine tasting tour until I was been told after departure?. Blue bird railcars
still look handsome and new. The tour company named the carriage "Chardonnay
and Merton". The railcar was 251 "Lowan" and 252, "Blue Wren". Underfloor
engine is quite noisy and creates lots of vibration, but the seats are still
comfortable. The company beautifully restored the railcar along with a
beautiful buffet counter. Strangely the Bluebird railcar in Port Dock museum
looked slightly different inside. The tour guide said their operation is
been a success and were encourage and helped by the local council and state
government, they had a few full train lately and needed 3 railcars from time
to time.

We left Adelaide station on time and follow a Gawler service saw a few
ex-Freight Corp 422 class stable near ASR's depot. After Gawler Central the
train slows down considerably. Slowly climb up hill and through number of
curves. A huge reversing curve near Lyndoch would be a good spot to photo
the train. After Gawler we never reach high speed, the track condition also
much worse then metro section.

Train sneak through vineyards and beautiful hills, I was wondering maybe it'
s too much to ask if is possible to see a Sprinter railcar cursing through
Yarra Valley's vineyard???? Tanunda is the current terminal, a beautiful
sand stone built station. Locals helped bluebird rail company clean up and
restore the station. Currently a radio station hires the station. The
complication of the privatisation agreement between local council, state
government and ASR prevent Bluebirds adding facilities like toilets to the
station. We got off the railcar and exchange with coaches for the day tour.
Railcar left us empty for Nurootpa for stabling. I noticed between Tanunda
and Nuritoopa the line is very scenic as well, apart from vineyards there
are roses and trees planted all the way along the track as well as castle
like winery buildings along the track. My purpose of this tour was to check
out the Bluebird railcar not really try out wine and stuff, Neverless I
enjoy the wine and hospitality of locals. The railcar stable at Nuriootpa
for hours before picking us up again at Tanunda, why not go back to Adelaide
pick up more passengers back to the valley? Or take some town folks to city
for shopping?

Angaston is our last stop, a beautiful township in the valley. Bluebird
intends to extend its operation to this stop but expensive charge by ASR
prevented this move (60000$ per year). Angaston council and locals and
Bluebirds are trying to approach state government for letting Bluebird use
this track as ASR didn't use this short branch at all for the last 3 years
which State government have the rights to take back control of the branch.

Overall, I enjoyed the trip very much and hopefully next time when I come
back, Bluebirds will go further.

Cheers
James