Sunlander - 60 years June 2013

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Sunlander makes last trip before Spirit of Queensland comes in

Rail romantics will have one last fling with old-world comfort when the Sunlander departs Brisbane bound for Cairns for the very last time.

After travelling somewhere between 8 million and 10 million kilometres in its 61 years, the Sunlander, which has been in operation since 1953, will be retired once it completes its return trip from Cairns on Thursday.

It will be replaced by one of three Spirit of Queensland long-distance nine-carriage tilt trains, introduced by the Newman government as an alternative to the Bligh government's Sunlander 14 proposal.

The Sunlander may have lacked a lot of mod-cons, but its old-school charm was likely to be missed by many.

Rail enthusiast Robert Dow, of lobby group Rail Back on Track, said he had travelled on the Sunlander regularly, particularly when he was a young soldier travelling between Brisbane, Townsville and Cairns.

Mr Dow said while modernisation was a necessity, it was sad it came at the expense of the "romance of rail".

"In those times, the sleeping car facilities, the dining facilities, the buffet car, it was really a relaxing, comfortable journey," he said.

"I suppose times have moved on. The carriages are approaching the end of their economic life and they have to be upgraded for full disabled access and that's one of the issues."

The Spirit of Queensland trains, which will replace the Sunlander on the 1681-kilometre route from January 1, cost taxpayers about $204 million.

"It's not quite the same rail experience in some ways," Mr Dow said.

"It's certainly a bit quicker in the time between Brisbane and Cairns, I think it's about 24 hours, which is quite a reasonable time for that length of journey.

"But, I suppose, in the romance of rail it was great to sit back at the bar, have a couple of quiet ones, have a meal and retire to what were very comfortable bunk beds.

"It made the travel almost a holiday in itself."

Acting Transport Minister Steve Minnikin said the Sunlander gave people a "whole new perspective on regional rail travel" when the air-conditioned service was introduced more than 60 years ago.

Mr Minnikin said more than 3.5 million people had used the Sunlander, which he described as "one of Australia's longest running and most spectacular rail journeys".

"There have been couples that have spent their honeymoon on the train more than 50 years ago and people that have grown up on the train travelling up and down the coast to see their families," he said.

"People have made lifelong friends on the Sunlander, so it is no surprise with such a rich history that the Sunlander became one of Australia's most popular train holidays."

Passengers on board the final return service, which will depart Cairns at 7.15am on Wednesday, will celebrate New Year's Eve on board.

Mr Minnikin said the new Spirit of Queensland trains were a "faster and more modern way" to travel along the state's coastline and featured Australian-first lie-flat "RailBeds" and on-demand music and movies.

The Sunlander was scheduled to arrive at Roma Street for the last time at 1.10pm on Thursday, January 1.

The move from the Sunlander to the Spirit of Queensland has not been without controversy.

The LNP "rescoped" the Sunlander 14 project when it came to power and moved ahead with the Spirit of Queensland project instead, amid accusations of the former's multimillion-dollar cost blow-outs.

Earlier this month, Auditor-General Andrew Greaves issued a scathing report into the abandoned Sunlander 14 project, which he described as a "case study in obfuscation and ill-informed decision-making" on Queensland Rail's part.

In the report, tabled in State Parliament earlier this month, Mr Greaves found Queensland Rail had kept the then-Labor government in the dark about the full cost of the Sunlander's replacement.

"The parties involved ignored or did not want to advise government on the full costs of the project, preferring instead to communicate costs in what they perceived to be more palatable portions," he said.

"On the evidence available to us, we could not establish whether information was withheld intentionally: the distinction is important, as it is the difference between maladministration and possible malfeasance."

That finding did not stop Transport Minister Scott Emerson seizing on the report and accusing Opposition Leader Annastacia Palaszczuk, who was transport minister at the time of Queensland Rail's "obfuscation", of covering up the cost blow-out.

Mr Emerson announced in August 2013 the Spirit of Queensland tilt trains, without luxury sleeper and restaurant cars, would replace the Sunlander.

Mr Dow said while the new trains were comfortable, they were "not the same experience".

"People who travelled on the sleeping cars that have been running in Queensland will probably find it a little bit of a backward step, going into what's almost like an airline sleeping capsule," he said.

"But people who have not really experienced long-distance rail as it was will probably find it very comfortable.

"... They've had to move with the times, they've had to introduce rolling stock that's going to be accessible to everyone and that's the way it is."

[ozbob]

The Sunlander-Paul Kelly & Joy McKean.

[darthcaligula666]

anyone else heading in to roma street this morning say farewell to the sunlander? i think she departs at 9:20am according to the facebook page.

[red dragin]

Heading to bundy today and if we are in town at 4.30pm when it stops was planning to head to the station.

[ozbob]

anyone else heading in to roma street this morning say farewell to the sunlander? i think she departs at 9:20am according to the facebook page.

Like too but in Melbourne, QR have my apologies.  I might try to get to Roma St on New Years day, think it is due 1.20pm or so on the final return journey ex Cairns.

See if you get get some pics! 

[ozbob]

Heading to bundy today and if we are in town at 4.30pm when it stops was planning to head to the station.

[ozbob]

Twitter

Patrick Williams ‏@iampatwilliams

Looking out the driver's window on The Sunlander @ABCNewsBrisbane @QueenslandRail

[ozbob]

Twitter

Patrick Williams ‏@iampatwilliams

Dressed for the occasion. Two lovely ladies taking one final trip on The Sunlander @ABCNewsBrisbane @QueenslandRail

[ozbob]

Twitter

Patrick Williams ‏@iampatwilliams

Here to say goodbye to The Sunlander. Covering for @ABCNews online @QueenslandRail @ABCNewsBrisbane

[ozbob]

Twitter

Alex Bernhardt ‏@ABernhardt9

One of Qld's most iconic trains preparing to depart for its final journey. @9NewsBrisbane #9News

[ozbob]

Twitter

Emma Pollard ‏@emmapollard

Last ever journey north for the #sunlander. Nostalgic day for the drivers and passengers @ABCNewsBrisbane

[darthcaligula666]

great twitter pics!

there were lots more people here at roma street this morning to farewell the sunlander than i thought, so for once i didnt look out of place at a railway station with my camea!! plenty of photos, no idea how to upload them here but will probably do s special entry for the old girl when i get some spare time in the coming months after my surgery.

hopefully i can make it back here on new years day too, would be a treat to get a shot of her coming out of the tunnel as she approaches platform 10.

thanks for the memories, sunny.

[ozbob]

[ozbob]

[ozbob]

Fairfax radio news (4BC)  have followed up for some news comments!  Thanks

[red dragin]

At bundy station

[ozbob]

ABC News --> Sunlander farewell: Brisbane to Cairns service begins final journey after 61 years and 3.5 million passengers

[ozbob]

At bundy station

  any locals?

[ozbob]

Media Release
Assistant Minister for Public Transport
Mr Steve Minnikin

The Sunlander to retire after 61 years of service

The final Sunlander service from Brisbane to Cairns will leave Roma St Station today before being retired on New Year's Day.

Assistant Minister for Public Transport Steve Minnikin said the Sunlander had been a favourite among local, interstate and international travellers for many years.

"The Sunlander has had a tremendous career dating back to 1953, when the air-conditioned carriages started running up the north coast of Queensland three times per week, giving people a whole new perspective on regional rail travel," Mr Minnikin said.

"The Sunlander's retirement marks a significant milestone in Queensland Rail's history, as one of Australia's longest running and most spectacular rail journeys, servicing more than 3.5 million customers.

"There have been couples that have spent their honeymoon on the train more than 50 years ago and people that have grown up on the train travelling up and down the coast to see their families.

"People have made lifelong friends on the Sunlander, so it is no surprise with such a rich history that the Sunlander became one of Australia's most popular train holidays.

"On her final journey customers will become part of rail history, celebrating New Year's Eve on board in style.

"Party poppers will be popped on board at midnight, as we farewell the Sunlander and welcome a new era in rail travel."

Mr Minnikin said train travel between Brisbane and Cairns was now entering an exciting time, with the third and final Spirit of Queensland train joining the Queensland Rail fleet this month as part of a $200 million investment in long distance rail travel.

"The Spirit of Queensland provides travellers with a faster and more modern way to experience the coastline, with revolutionary lie-flat RailBeds, the first in Australia, and improved facilities including on-demand movies and music," Mr Minnikin said.

"Through this investment we will increase rail services from four to five per week, providing an additional option for customers travelling between Brisbane and Cairns.

"The new fleet is part of our strong plan to revitalise frontline services and support tourism to regional communities."

Rail celebrations will continue next year, with special steam train journeys between Brisbane and Cairns to commemorate 150 years of rail travel in Queensland. Tickets are now on sale.

For find out more visit www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au or call 1800 TRAINS (872 467).

[red dragin]

At bundy station

  any locals?

One in high visibility under the pedestrian bridge south of the station, a few on the platform.  Lots of people boarding.

Will email photos 

[ozbob]

^ thanks red dragin

Some photographs at Bundaberg







Photographs red dragin 28th December 2014

[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

[petey3801]

Couple of shots from yesterday:
Carseldine: https://www.flickr.com/photos/pjreading/15946118508/

Beerburrum: https://www.flickr.com/photos/pjreading/15513837943/

[ozbob]

^ 

[ozbob]

7 News --> Last stop for the Sunlander

[ozbob]

Consist for last northbound Sunlander

Locos:

2471

2410

2152



1458 MBC Baggage

1471 MSC Staff

1469 MSC Staff

1936 LDC Dining

1518 MCC Club Car

1520 MCL Composite

1500 MAS First Class Sleeping

1496 MAS First Class Sleeping

1492 MAS First Class Sleeping

1489 MAS Sleeping

1494 MAS Sleeping

1486 MBS Sleeping

1462 MDC Dining

1502 MCL Tropics Club Car

1880 LBL Sitting

1882 LBL Sitting

1881 LBL Sitting

1927 LBL Sitting

1995 QPBB Power

[ozbob]

Northbound Sunlander

Eudlo:

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7556/15938898638_6a4a0244e8_b.jpg

Yandina:

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7477/15940253489_ee9b32b6a0_b.jpg

Cooroy-Pomona section:

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7526/15506624583_0a01412df7_b.jpg

[red dragin]

Thanks for posting those Bob

QR also posted the one I sent in on their Facebook.

[ozbob]

Twitter

Benjamin Gertz ‏@BenjieBungaru

A sad day for QLD, a sadder day for train travel, as the Sunlander rode one last time. @QueenslandRail #Townsville

[ozbob]

Australian Trains - the last Sunlander, December 29th, 2014
See the last Sunlander heading north through Townsville and the Herbert River region as it makes the final trip before retirement

[ozbob]

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=913073332044361

Queensland Rail

Tomorrow our Sunlander will travel on its final trip from Cairns to Brisbane after 61 years of service.

We welcome all train enthusiasts along the Coast to come and wave off the train: http://ow.ly/GuREl

Far North residents, join us at Cairns station from 6am to kick off the celebrations.

[ozbob]

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

Hope to be there ..

[ozbob]

I am a fortunate fellow to have travelled on many great long distance passenger trains in Australia, including the Sunlander, in their hey days.  They really were great times.  Rail transport reinforced a strong sense of community both in the cities and country. 

Will always be grateful for that.  Who knows, what will happen in the years to come.  We might see proper sleeper cars reintroduced one day.

[ozbob]

Twitter

SteveMinnikinMP ‏@SteveMinnikinMP

As the last Sunlander makes its way back home congrats to the magnificent crews who helped make it iconic. #qldpol

[ozbob]

The final southbound Sunlander is presently 15 minutes late (was 45 min).  So I will be heading into Roma St as planned.
http://www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au/RailServices/ServiceUpdates/Pages/TheSouthboundSunlander-CairnstoBrisbane04112014.aspx

Will probably catch the 11.57am down ex Goodna.  Sunlander will arrive at Roma St probably not much past scheduled time of 1.10pm.

[ozbob]

http://www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au/RailServices/Pages/TheSunlander-Serviceupdates.aspx

still showing as 15 minutes behind schedule ... hopefully that is a true reflection.

[ozbob]

Twitter

Queensland Rail ‏@QueenslandRail 10 seconds ago

The Sunlander has just departed Nambour and is on the final stretch to Brisbane. #FarewelltheSunlander http://fb.me/6ZkD14Y2f

[HappyTrainGuy]

She went past strathpine for the last time about 13 minutes ago.

[Stillwater]

Like an elder feeling the weariness of the years, the Sunlander dawdled into Gympie North Station on its last run today, about 20 minutes late.  It departed Gympie North at 9.45am to continue its journey south, passengers waving to the smattering of spotters on the platform, witnesses to history, and streamers visible in the windows of the dining car.  Fingers parted the grime on carriages to record messages of thanks for the Sunlander's distinguished service.  The triple-header loco set rumbled above idle, took up the strain and the icon slowly disappeared into the misty rain, never to be seen again in regular service. 

[ozbob]

Sunlander arrived at Roma St 1.10pm as scheduled.  It was a boisterous send off.  Pics later.