R711 lifts safety valves today!

[steam4me@enternet.com.au (Yuri J Sos)]

The wonderful, wonderful sound of the lifting of the safety valves
this afternoon at Ballarat East and the roar of the oil burner in the
firebox heralded the return of R711 to the land of the living.

This distinctive locomotive was due to move under its own power for
the first time in 33 years at about 1800 today, Thursday 22 Oct 1998
(I had to leave at 1645 account clients waiting for me at Sunshine at
1700 <g!>) after final fittings and adjustments to the twin single
stage compressors needed to be done.

And wait till you hear the magnificent whistle (an R class on Viagra
<g!>)......... ex SAR 700 class:  very melodic, very American.

I've got pics of the scene there today, including the cab, the
distinctive twin stacks and the altered firebox: look at my web page
after 2300h Thursday.
Regards

Yuri
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Yuri J Sos
Melbourne VIC AUS

Reply to: steam4me@enternet.com.au

Web site at http://people.enternet.com.au/~steam4me
(last updated 22 October 1998 2300h approx.)
First photos of R711 in steam!
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