R766 "Super R" Hudson Steam Loco to Swan Hill: Australian Trains

In 2000 West Coast Railway converted former coal burning R class 4-6-4 express passenger steam locomotive R766 into an oil burner with double lempor exhausts for use on their Warrnambool passenger services alongside R711. Both locomotives had been nicknamed "Super R's" and the objective of the upgrades was so they could haul the Warrnambool service to a diesel schedule.

This video features R766 hauling an Association of Railway Enthusiasts railfan tour to Swan Hill in the north of Victoria. This was back in the days of high speed running and plenty of photo stops.

Unfortunately R766 suffered a significant failure to the motion gear on the drivers side about a week later in early April 2001. By the time repairs had been completed in 2004, WCR had ceased operating and the loco operated back to Newport light engine with R711.

R766 has now been converted to standard gauge and is located at Branxton in the Hunter Valley. It is yet to return to operation, but is intended for use on tourist trains in the region.

© 2001 James Brook