Hudson Steam Engines on the Snow Train 2014: Australian Trains

Witness the magic of mainline steam train operations in this video of Steamrail's annual "Snow Train" to Traralgon on 13 July 2014. Featuring double headed hudson 4-6-4 express passenger steam locomotives and thirteen vehicles, this train is a highlight of the 2014 steam calendar.

The action commences at Oakleigh, where R761 and R707 work hard to lift their heavy train from a standing start in still, crisp winter morning air. We then move further east to Drouin bank, where the locomotives storm the 1 in 50 grade in fine style.

The double hudsons then literally make the ground shake as they race up the hill between Trafalgar and Moe, where many of the passengers would leave the train for a side trip to the snowfields at Mt Baw Baw. However, I continue to follow the train to get its arrival at Morwell and then on the undulating grades between Morwell and Traralgon.

The return journey commences with the locomotives lifting their train up the 1 in 50 grade out of Traralgon with a spectacular smoke display, followed by scenes in fading light at Hernes Oak and Yarragon.

© 2014 James Brook