Filmed on the 27th of April 2024, this was a special trip organised by the Bellarine Railway to bode the ultimate farewell to the late president, Steve Dalton. Dubbed "Steve's Final Ride", T251 was specially adorned with ferns and The Westcoaster headboard, a replica R761 whistle without the shroud, along with the words, Vale Steve Dalton 1970 - 2024, written on the smokebox. The trip ran from Queenscliff to Drysdale and return, in which it carried the late president, and his family and close friends. T251 was also temporarily renumbered to 711, a fitting tribute to Steve, who was passionate about the days of when he worked with West Coast Railway, many of which he spent behind R711. Fittingly, the crew for this trip were some of the youngest loco crew of the railway, yet again another nod to Steve and the monumental efforts he made to make the railway inviting to younger members, and mentoring them on their way. Rest in Peace Steve, your passion and legacy will always be remembered.
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T251 has been with the Geelong Steam Preservation Society (now more commonly known as the Bellarine Railway) since the Belmont Common days, and was one of the first locomotives that was moved to Queenscliff, when narrow gauge operations began on the railway in the late 70's.
The Bellarine Railway is a volunteer run, 3ft 6in gauge railway located on the Bellarine Peninsula, between Drysdale and Queenscliff, near Geelong, Victoria. Home to popular events like Thomas Weekends, and the Polar Express. The railway also features a steam-led heritage service, the 'Swan Bay Express' every Sunday, as well as additional special services during holiday periods.
Find out more about the Bellarine Railway here: bellarinerailw...
Chapters:
0:00 Depart Queenscliff
1:00 Fellows Rd Xing
1:40 Depart Lakers Siding
2:30 P'Arlington Rd (1/60)
5:54 Suma Park Station
11:13 Big Tree BP
14:13 Banks Rd (1/50)
17:17 Mannerim Siding
18:20 Swan Bay Rd (1/50)
21:18 Bank Top BP
28:25 Andersons Rd