Day 9: 2017 National Rally - Warwick to Clifton

Thursday 11th May, Steam train to Clifton


Today is a driving free day! Gives the drivers a chance to relax and enjoy the scenery.  

The morning was quite sunny - so hoping for a good day weather wise.  After breakfast the bus picked us up at the motel at 9 am and took us to the Warwick railway station.  Here we boarded a lovely 1956 Steam train and our destination was Clifton. The loco was built in Maryborough, Queensland, so is a true local.
 

A bit like Maritta - it tends to take a while to get going in the morning!
Shunting the carriages

Had to shunt a long way back and change lines to get to the platform.
Once we boarded the trip to Clifton took about 2 hours with a couple of short stops, first to obtain permission to proceed, and second to turn the loco as it can’t be turned around at Clifton (or Warwick for that matter).  It is a lovely train ride and staffed by volunteers.

Side view from the rear of the train.

Enormous flower on these "prehistoric"looking succulents on the side of the track.

View from the rear, tank is water for the return journey, it uses about 300 gallons each way.

Arriving at Clifton
We had a good hearty lunch at the Clifton Arms Hotel and then re-boarded the train for the trip back to Warwick.  It was noted that a number of our troop were dashing up the street to see if they could find that elusive extra item for the costumed themed dinner tonight.    

Close up of locomotive - an impressive sight.

Drivers cab and firebox - not much room but very warm on cold winter days!

Arriving back at Warwick Railway Station, we mill about waiting for the bus home.

The "Children" are getting bored!! Dale, Alan and Richard discuss events of the day.
 Tonight is a BBQ dinner at the motel and it is a costume themed night "Federation and Bushies”.

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