The Rail Life

Rail tourist, hipster Gunzel. Victoria, Australia (usually).

Last Notes

2025-11-28 04:34:20 UTC

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Railjet is the answer. Railjet and Nightjet.

2025-11-28 04:17:11 UTC

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I'd like to see that, and hope you're right.
My fear is that there will be a "line upgrade", with no published end date.

2025-11-28 02:41:38 UTC

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Perhaps it won't be Vlocitys, might be a Volvo instead...

2025-11-27 20:59:55 UTC

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IKR! It's one of those places I've always thought "I'll go one day". Found myself with a free day today, so thought I'd go before V/Line work out how to run Vlocitys that far.

2025-11-27 20:43:42 UTC

Heading somewhere I've never been before - Swan Hill!
At 345km from Southern Cross station, Swan Hill is V/Line's longest train route, and the only broad gauge line in Australia still served by locomotive hauled carriage sets (aside from heritage railways and rail tours).
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2025-05-04 13:10:01 UTC

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Like I said, one track is better than none. There are, however, mistakes from which we can learn.

2025-05-03 07:27:36 UTC

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What's really silly about Brisbane's airport rail is that it's single line on viaducts, precluding anything better than a 15 minute frequency (and even that's a stretch).
I suppose 1 track is better than none (just).

2025-01-09 06:00:41 UTC

No trams in Whiteman Park today, but I found a train!
Bennett Brook Railway are operating trains on the Bushland Loop.
#train #perth #WhitemanPark
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2025-01-07 23:14:18 UTC

Good morning from Perth, Western Australia
Today, I'm going for a ride on a couple of long distance trains. The first is The Prospector, which runs from East Perth to Kalgoorlie in the far east of the state. The full journey is just over 650km and takes just under 7 hours.
My journey on this train will be to Northam, about 120km.
#Train #TransWA
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2024-11-01 00:43:18 UTC

Tram C1.3033 in Sunflower livery on Collins St.
The sunflower symbol is used by people with a hidden disability or condition that may not be immediately apparent – and that they may need a helping hand, understanding, or more time in shops, at work, on transport, or in public spaces.
https://hdsunflower.com/au/
#tram #BeSeenWithSunflower #melbourne
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2024-09-29 06:34:07 UTC

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The mini-cabin was very cosy, well ventilated and comfortable (although you wouldn't want to be tall or plus-sized).
It had a sheet, a blanket and a tiny pillow. I thought I wouldn't need the blanket, but it was comfortably cool during the night.
There is a small window, a 230v outlet, USB-A outlet and control panel for lighting. There is also an attendant call button and toilet occupied indicator on the lighting control panel.
Between adjacent cabins, there is a partition that can be opened if people travelling together are in adjacent cabins (this can be requested in the booking). The partition requires the occupant on both sides to unlock before it can be opened.
The compartment is lockable, with a handle on the inside and NFC card access from the outside. The NFC card also opens a shoe locker and bag locker. The bag locker can hold a small suitcase (carry-on size).
A simple complimentary breakfast was served (hot drink, two rolls, jam & butter).
I slept very well. The ride was very smooth and quiet, sometimes difficult to tell if we were actually moving.

2024-09-28 19:18:05 UTC

My NightJet to Hamburg is formed of the new rolling stock. I'm in a "mini-compartment", the same price as a couchette (shared compartment) but more private.
It might be claustrophobic for some, but I'm quite cosy in here!
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2024-08-03 11:20:46 UTC

On this day in 2013, I visited the Brisbane Tram Museum in Ferny Grove.
The museum has a good representation of Brisbane's tram fleet, many of which are in working order and run on the 200m long track (currently suspended due to works).
#tram #brisbane
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