GSR Overland refurbishment open day

[arthur marsh <marsh@ties.itu.int>]

On Sunday 14 March, GSR held an open day at the Keswick terminal.

BL33 (Steelink livery) headed up the train on display, with the front
cabin open for anyone to enter and look around. An easy-going GSR employee
stood on the platform near the front of BL33 more to answer questions than
to prevent anyone from touching any of the controls. My youngest daughter
liked being able to sit in the driver's seat and wearing the brightly
coloured safety vest, and the older daughter was mainly intrigued in all
the YARN equipment (Yet Another Radio Needed (-:). A welcome addition to
the cab was the presence of a photocopied manual for the loco.

Visitors were able to enter the refurbished train from the non-generator
end of the power van (wiht generator running to keep the train lit up),
and wander through the twin sleeper car, single sleeper car, club/snack
car (not as luxurious as the old club car but a bit more convenient for
eating from tables than the old Overland club cars), two coach class cars
(with what appeared to be very comfortable seats), and the "Chairman's
car" (ex Commissioner's Car?), featuring two bedrooms with double beds,
dining, kitchen and lounge areas, plus two twinette style cabins (one for
crew). The Chairman's car is available for booking to be attached to the
Ghan, Indian Pacific or Overland.

Aside from the slightly less relaxed club car setup, the refurbishment
appears to be an overall positive step for the Overland.

The refurbished sets are due to officially enter service on 1 April 199.