29 Dec 2014: Queensland: Farewell Sunlander!

[ozbob]

Media release 29th December 2014

Queensland:  Farewell Sunlander!

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers has highlighted 61 years of operation of the great Queensland Rail long distance passenger train - the Sunlander today.



The Sunlander Dining Car, 1978. Image courtesy of Queensland Rail

http://www.nma.gov.au/exhibitions/great_railway_journeys_of_australia/home?result_6095_result_page=2#slideshow-gallery

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Rail was the transport mode that opened up Queensland and Australia. Queensland has continued with long distance passenger rail and provides a number of services besides the Sunlander, namely the Inlander, Westlander, Spirit of the Outback, and Tilt Train services on the North Coast Line. These are important transport communication links for Queensland and also underpin tourism."

"The Sunlander has been operating 61 years.  What a testament to the longevity of rail!"

"The Sunlander is now on its final journey northbound to Cairns to return for the final time on Thursday in Brisbane to a sad final farewell."

"The Westlander and the Inlander are also to lose their sleeper and buffet/dining car facilities from 1st January 2015."

"It is a great shame that there was not more proactive moves years ago to revitalise the ageing passenger train sets for all the long distance services."

References:

1. Sunlander - 60 years June 2013 http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9827.0

2. Slim Dusty The Sunlander 1955

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Discussion --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9827.msg150800#msg150800

[ozbob]

Due back from Cairns 1.10pm at Roma St, 1st January 2015.

Hope to be there ..

[ozbob]

Due back from Cairns 1.10pm at Roma St, 1st January 2015.

Hope to be there ..

The Sunlander arrived at Roma St at exactly 1.10pm on the 1st January 2015.

Details and pics --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9827.msg150885#msg150885