As a former Castlemaniac I recall seeing friends off on the railcar to Maryborough when I was a small child. I always wanted to travel on the line, but never did. This video allowed me to vicariously do the journey after all.
Wonderful video. People need to see how our towns used to interconnect so they can appreciate rail in Victoria, not only for what it was or what it is today, but what it could be in the future.
As a now former Maldonite (Maldon resident), I am amazed that the Vic. Goldfields Railway (Maldon - C/maine) didn't put dibs on this line for future development, instead of it becoming another white elephant rail trail. I often drive the roads near the track around Newstead/ strangeways/Guildford, What an awesome trip it would be. Oportunity lost, Such a shame.
Great video! This line has always been fascinating. Up until about 2 years ago there were some remnants of the old level crossings at Maryborough, Newstead and Campbells Creek. It's amazing how fast history is erased, it's almost impossible to tell that Campbells Creek used to have a station.
Terrific video,especially using the drone,l look forward to more videos looking at our rail heritage and the closed railines,that sadly😔,there are many,some of the track looks like its waiting for the next🚆
Very interesting video. I travelled on that line in 1966 as part of a rail tour for the reopening of the (broad gauge as it was ) Avoca to Ararat branch. At least some of the station buildings have not been demolished.
This is brilliant, showing exactly the right approach to documenting/visiting closed lines. The use of the drone really works, especially when trying to show ,junctions, old station layouts or viaducts. I think your video on Carlsruhe to Lionville [which I did enjoy] would have greatly benefited from being done this way. I had been up that way with a drone myself, but never really got the kind of footage you have in this video. A suggestion on video: occasionally, the video is quite jerky. You might want to 'de-tune' your drone so you can get really smooth video. Look up 'EXP and/or gimbal settings' for your drone model.
Very happy you enjoyed it. I am relatively new at having a drone but learning as I go. There are a number of other lines I wish to cover as well in the future. Thank you 👍😀
Great Vid. Thanks for posting! Travelled over that section behind R 707 & J515 in the Ninetys ( SSS, Castlemaine, Maryborough, Ararat, Cressy, N Geelong, SSS ) Never in my wildest dreams (read nightmares) did we think that our railways would be so systematically destroyed!
Once again Hello my friend! This video has brought back vey fond memories for me! My Mum and her family are originally from Maryborough/ Carisbrook. I was born at Seymour in August 1960. After we moved to Melbourne in 1962. I can remember going on holidays up at Maryborough with my brother Terry who unfortunately passed😢 in July 2012. I can remember travelling in the rail motor from Castlemaine to Maryborough in the mid to late 1960s??? I can't remember the class of rail motor??? But I remember sitting with my brother up front looking out the front window across from the train driver cabin. I have really enjoyed watching this video and found it very interesting as it brought back vivid memories for me. I can't wait to show my Mum who is now 91💗. Thank You for showing!! And Cheers . From Stephen ❤️👍🙂
Thank you Stephen. I am very happy to hear you enjoyed it and brought back memories for you. I hope your mother enjoys it also when you show her. I'm sure she will. Travelling in the front of the railmotor would be great memories for sure. 👍🙂
Thanks for this video, the drone shots were brilliant. I think it's a shame it's being torn up, this would have been the perfect line to run a Ballarat to Bendigo service, and be part of a link between a Geelong-Ballarat-Bendigo regional rail route. Unfortunately it seems we have to deal with the current mediocre coach services, or waste time with 3-hour+ services catching a train into Melbourne and changing between services and hope that there's no delays that would result in another hour's waiting time.
I travelled this section of line in November 1993, on a railfan tour with Steamrail, double headed by R766, and R761, did several photo stops, Joyces creek bridge and the Loddon river bridge, still have the prints in an album. Sad to see it like this now.
Was a great video. I live in the general area and pass the old line often (Newstead, Guildford, Campbells Creek). But it was interesting seeing the station sites. I knew Campbells Creek had one but not where, same with Stangeways. And I was surprised so much of Moolart was still around as you can’t see that from the main road. Sad the don’t use Carisbrook station but then the town itself always strikes me as struggling anyway. If you look at Google maps satellite images you can map out the route of both the old highway and railway pre-dam. Always thought Yappen had a station as well as it passes right by the old good township site
I was born and raised in that area, really enjoyed your tour, I remember going to Maldon many times from Castlemaine, on a Sunday, when my mother visited relatives there. Old rail motor with a radiator grill, can still recall the sweat running off the poor driver in summer who wore only shorts and singlet back then. Stationmaster at Maldon gave me a thick ear once for playing on the station scales after being told not to, my mother said "Told you so...", that was in the mid to late 1960's. I went to school with a lad from Newstead, his father was a railway sleeper cutter. Wouldn't mind a "tour" of Castlemaine signal box (A & B boxes)? Great work, excellent and informative narration too...
Thank you. The link below is a video following a train along the Maldon line. It does have some footage in the signal box at Castlemaine although it doesn't have commentary. Very happy to hear you enjoyed the video. 👍 😀 ua-cam.com/video/IweOs3rpTOI/v-deo.htmlsi=VLSlbDGY5oYtTsF2
If I recall correctly, that bridge at Guildford was refurbished in the early 2000s only a short time before the line was effectively closed for traffic. Good video
Would be great to see the geelong-ballarat connection reopened plus a connection similar to this. I think a geelong-ballarat-bendigo connection would definitely see some use
When the Cairn Curran is dry (at around 30% capacity) the pylons for the old bridge across the creek can still be seen and I assume pylons for the the old Joyces Creek station too. Next time it’s near empty I might head up there for another look armed with this history. Thank you for the video.
In the late 1960s as kids, we occasionally caught a train from Maryborough to stay with Melbourne relatives after school on Fridays. Initially we used to catch a train from Maryborough to Ballarat then changed at Ballarat to the Melbourne train. However, we discovered that after the Ballarat train left Maryborough, a train to Castlemaine would arrive at the same platform ten or so minutes later. Maryborough to Castlemaine then Castlemaine to Melbourne, got us to Melbourne's Spencer Street station earlier than the Ballarat train. I therefore have fond memories of that trip.
As an old Maryborough boy, I used to catch the train to Maryborough when I was in the Army back in the late '60's, have fond memories of the line, the old Walker Railmotor used to take an hour to get from Castlemaine to Maryborough, which today, even with the reduced speed limits on the road between the two, only takes 30 minutes. It was much quicker going that way than going back via Ballarat, even with the change from the Melbourne train at Castlemaine.
It would be interesting to see what sort of patronage the line would get with a connecting service to Melbourne from Castlemaine. I'm sure the train trip would be a little quicker than the hour trip back then. 👍😀
very interesting. i used to spend time up this way. i did find a video of a train on this line. i think the thumbnail shows the train on the bridge over the cairn curran reservoir.
Wonderful video mate. I remember my dad shifting someone to Carisbrook when I was a boy i helped him and the vinelander was in town was a good memory he took me to see it stop briefly. Shame it's becoming a trail but at least its a preserved corridor
Carisbrook has quite an interesting but undocumented history, ive been trying to scrape together every bit of information I can about it. For a brief period after it was destabilised it was a private residence, its also been extended at some point. I didn’t know it had a carriage dock thats new to me. Pains me to know that the line was considered for reopening, i hope we do get the Geelong-Ballarat-Bendigo rail one day.
@@driver667 I thibk it will make a return, perhaps I’m being too hopeful but I think its an idea but forgotten corridor. It would be a useful freight bypass and if we ever Get Ballarat-Bendigo pax trains I think it would make since given you already have Maryborough trains so you are already half way.
Interestingly, the Goods Shed at Carisbroook, also has a mileage carved into it, 107 59 47. Haven't seen any other sheds marked like this, but the goods docks at Kyneton and Taradale have a marked mileage, different to the Station mileage, as does the carriage dock at Echuca.
You're welcome Petar. Warrnambool would be my first choice of favourite, but I didn't get to drive your other two selections unfortunately, only travelled them as a passenger. 👍😀
The line was refurbished in the early 1990's (think it was 1990/1991?), used to cross it a couple of times a week at the Hepburn-Newstead Rd crossing and at Carisbrook. Line wasn't heavily used but often caught freight trains at the crossings, also used to hear the train horn blowing at crossings from our place. Some trains were grain hopper movements (may have been empties being reassigned) but also container traffic sometimes mixed hopper and container. My understanding was that after refurbishment the line was used to move freight from the marshalling yards at Bendigo across to the west of the state via Maryborough and Ararat to avoid travelling via Melbourne (happy to be corrected on this). Traffic appeared to reduce considerably following conversion of the main line from Melbourne through Ararat to South Australia to Standard gauge in 1995. There was a video on UA-cam (unable to locate it now) of the last train to use the line which was a ballast train destined to go via Maryborough and on via Inglewood but because of track work between Maryborough and Inglewood was diverted via Maryborough to Castlemaine through to Bendigo and then across to Inglewood, think that was sometime around 2010 or later. The line between Bendigo and Inglewood is now closed with the lifting of the junction at Eaglehawk. Also have a track plan from a report on reopening passenger service between Maryborough and Castlemaine dated 27/3/12 from Coffey Rail with a 1.2km passing loop at Newstead, unfortunately don't have a copy of the full report. Would have made genuine Intercity service between Bendigo and Ballarat possible. Rail that has been lifted from the track has been used by Victorian Goldfields Railway www.vgr.com.au/ to upgrade the track between Castlemaine and and Maldon.
This vid (link below) has got to be one of the last few trains to use the line. This one dates to almost exactly 20 years ago. I suppose you've seen it but others may be interested. No sign of the ballast train you mention, so maybe the vid has been taken down. ua-cam.com/video/G1xYzh86HJs/v-deo.html
It was rumoured that Maryborough was meant to be the new Spencer St Station but the local member was Minister of Railways and had it built at Maryborough. Also Maryborough was meant to be a regional headquarters but this went to Bendigo instead.
I've heard many rumours about the building being meant for somewhere else but it was built for Maryborough in times of the gold rush and plenty of money in the area 👍😀
G'day, it's such a pity that line is not able to run tourist Trains anymore as it's one of the most beautiful runs through the Central Victoria, l have rode my old BSA motorcycle from Newstead to Castlemaine crossing the line by road a few times it's a wonderful back road, been away so l have a few of your videos too watch, cheers mate and thanks for the history of this line, Neil.
Thanks Neil. There is some nice country through there. I travelled through on steamrail train years ago. It's a pity it's not possible now. Glad you enjoyed the video 👍🙂
The closure was disgraceful, the private company was using the railway but did a dummy spit with the Maldon crowd and couldn’t see the way clear to share the rails to Maldon junction.
No the AFLUE, Rail Tram and Bus Union spat it. The owner of Pacific National Toll, top man, Mark Rosethorn spoke to his lawyers and the advice was yes, okay, volunteer train crews can drive the section if all safeworkng requirements were met. But the AFLUE wouldn't have it.
On the Timboon Rail trail you ride between the old rails for about 3 km between Curdies and Glenfyne. Probably my favourite section of rail trail I've found. @@driver667
@@driver667Up until the start of Vline, Victorian Railways were champions of recycling material including ballast, rails . So like the Orbost line, ballast was taken and used again, although not heavily used. Track was long gone before the RT. However once Vline hand back the line to Victrack, the owner, don't remove rail and VRG were allowed to remove the track to Guildford. Railtrails have never removed track. Too expensive and no one wants the ballast. Victrack fear liability for possible asbestos contamination even though most trains rollingstock had cast iron blocks until two axle wagons were taken out . It may be economic to standardizse Maryborough to Moolort silos. It links the three export ports.. Both Hepburn and Central Goldfields Shire Councils are loosing the battle to maintain back roads damage from grain trucks. They take the road through the Brisbane Ranges to Geelong, falling apart plus flood damage.. The roads never designed for the mass. Grain trains in the other direction cannot fit into the 160kph Vlocity very frequent service at Castlemaine, also leaking grain wagons cause havoc by insulating the station yard sections of circuited rail. You loose the train off the signal system and interlocking does not exist. Does not effect the axle counter sections.. RT to Maryborough not a community benfit but economic and social beneficial between Campbells Creek and Guildford. The general store is closed and the RT would be perfect distance for family bike rides and locals daily exercise with a hot coffee each end.
I went on Daylesford road few weeks ago and dont see anyone on tracks no one, just thinking its Worksafe is must put fence on Guildford bridge and any long river bridge as well. Waste tax payers money to met requirments for public safety.
Rail trails were introduced to Australia via Victoria by a train and railway enthusiast and lawyer, the late Mark Plummer a commitee member of the Light Railway Research Society, back in the early 1990's. Who else but train enthusiasts would know about lost timber tramways back behind Warburton?. We spoke when I tried to save the Tasmanian North East Railway between Scottsdale and Ledgerwood. He convinced Jeff Kennett not to sell off disused rail easements as the State was broke (like it is now again). To keep the land is public ownership just incase one day it needs to be returned to rail. It had nothing to do with bike riders. Only in 2016 did the Tasmanian Government introduce an Act that prevents rail easements being sold off.
Absolutely stunning drone shots, and thoroughly researched! Great work! 👏👏👏
@@jsa-z1722 thank you 😊 Very happy to hear you enjoyed it 👍 😀
As a former Castlemaniac I recall seeing friends off on the railcar to Maryborough when I was a small child. I always wanted to travel on the line, but never did. This video allowed me to vicariously do the journey after all.
It's a shame you couldn't ride the train for real but I am happy I was able to help you somewhat with the experience 👍😀
This is really interesting! Thank you
You're most welcome. Glad you enjoyed the video 👍 😀
Wonderful video. People need to see how our towns used to interconnect so they can appreciate rail in Victoria, not only for what it was or what it is today, but what it could be in the future.
I agree. Very happy you enjoyed the video 👍 😀
What a fascinating video, great work. There is so much good infrastructure still there, it could be re-opened if there was a desire for use.
It would be nice to see trains on it again. Very happy you enjoyed the video 👍 😀
Thanks for sharing this journey and the history.
The sounds of the birds is majestic, too!
Bring on the rail trail, what a joy it'd be.
I do love listening to the birds. Glad you enjoyed the video 👍 😀
As a now former Maldonite (Maldon resident), I am amazed that the Vic. Goldfields Railway (Maldon - C/maine) didn't put dibs on this line for future development, instead of it becoming another white elephant rail trail. I often drive the roads near the track around Newstead/ strangeways/Guildford, What an awesome trip it would be. Oportunity lost, Such a shame.
It is a shame, that's for sure. 😕🤔👍
Great video! This line has always been fascinating. Up until about 2 years ago there were some remnants of the old level crossings at Maryborough, Newstead and Campbells Creek. It's amazing how fast history is erased, it's almost impossible to tell that Campbells Creek used to have a station.
It's almost impossible but there are tell tale signs to look for. Very happy you enjoyed the video 👍 😀
Terrific video,especially using the drone,l look forward to more videos looking at our rail heritage and the closed railines,that sadly😔,there are many,some of the track looks like its waiting for the next🚆
Some spots do look like a train could run through tomorrow 🤔 Glad you enjoyed the video 👍 😀
Very interesting video. I travelled on that line in 1966 as part of a rail tour for the reopening of the (broad gauge as it was ) Avoca to Ararat branch. At least some of the station buildings have not been demolished.
It's good to see some of the buildings still standing. Glad you enjoyed the video 👍😀
This is brilliant, showing exactly the right approach to documenting/visiting closed lines. The use of the drone really works, especially when trying to show ,junctions, old station layouts or viaducts. I think your video on Carlsruhe to Lionville [which I did enjoy] would have greatly benefited from being done this way. I had been up that way with a drone myself, but never really got the kind of footage you have in this video. A suggestion on video: occasionally, the video is quite jerky. You might want to 'de-tune' your drone so you can get really smooth video. Look up 'EXP and/or gimbal settings' for your drone model.
Very happy you enjoyed it. I am relatively new at having a drone but learning as I go. There are a number of other lines I wish to cover as well in the future. Thank you 👍😀
This was a really nice video. Thanks for taking the time to shoot it.
You're welcome. Very happy you enjoyed it 👍 😀
Great Vid. Thanks for posting! Travelled over that section behind R 707 & J515 in the Ninetys ( SSS, Castlemaine, Maryborough, Ararat, Cressy, N Geelong, SSS ) Never in my wildest dreams (read nightmares) did we think that our railways would be so systematically destroyed!
I was on that same trip across there. A late arrival back into Melbourne if I remember rightly. Glad you enjoyed the ride 👍 😀
NZer here - great video!
I love the rural areas shown here - great scenery!
@@gaius_enceladus you're welcome. I'd like to get back to NZ some time and get my camera on some of the trains over there. 👍😀
Another great video! Sad to see another closed line, though. Love that golden triangle country! Cheers from Wagga.
Glad to hear you enjoyed the video. Cheers to Wagga. 👍😀
Once again Hello my friend! This video has brought back vey fond memories for me!
My Mum and her family are originally from Maryborough/ Carisbrook. I was born at Seymour in August 1960. After we moved to Melbourne in 1962.
I can remember going on holidays up at Maryborough with my brother Terry who unfortunately passed😢 in July 2012.
I can remember travelling in the rail motor from Castlemaine to Maryborough in the mid to late 1960s??? I can't remember the class of rail motor??? But I remember sitting with my brother up front looking out the front window across from the train driver cabin. I have really enjoyed watching this video and found it very interesting as it brought back vivid memories for me.
I can't wait to show my Mum who is now 91💗.
Thank You for showing!!
And Cheers .
From Stephen ❤️👍🙂
Thank you Stephen. I am very happy to hear you enjoyed it and brought back memories for you. I hope your mother enjoys it also when you show her. I'm sure she will. Travelling in the front of the railmotor would be great memories for sure. 👍🙂
Thanks for this video, the drone shots were brilliant. I think it's a shame it's being torn up, this would have been the perfect line to run a Ballarat to Bendigo service, and be part of a link between a Geelong-Ballarat-Bendigo regional rail route. Unfortunately it seems we have to deal with the current mediocre coach services, or waste time with 3-hour+ services catching a train into Melbourne and changing between services and hope that there's no delays that would result in another hour's waiting time.
It would be nice to hop on a train across this line. Glad you enjoyed it 👍😀
I travelled this section of line in November 1993, on a railfan tour with Steamrail, double headed by R766, and R761, did several photo stops, Joyces creek bridge and the Loddon river bridge, still have the prints in an album. Sad to see it like this now.
@@mitmac007 it is sad to see the line in such a state. It would be nice to see trains on it again. 👍😀
Was a great video. I live in the general area and pass the old line often (Newstead, Guildford, Campbells Creek). But it was interesting seeing the station sites. I knew Campbells Creek had one but not where, same with Stangeways. And I was surprised so much of Moolart was still around as you can’t see that from the main road. Sad the don’t use Carisbrook station but then the town itself always strikes me as struggling anyway. If you look at Google maps satellite images you can map out the route of both the old highway and railway pre-dam. Always thought Yappen had a station as well as it passes right by the old good township site
Glad you enjoyed it and helped you see the old station sites. 👍😀
I was born and raised in that area, really enjoyed your tour, I remember going to Maldon many times from Castlemaine, on a Sunday, when my mother visited relatives there. Old rail motor with a radiator grill, can still recall the sweat running off the poor driver in summer who wore only shorts and singlet back then. Stationmaster at Maldon gave me a thick ear once for playing on the station scales after being told not to, my mother said "Told you so...", that was in the mid to late 1960's. I went to school with a lad from Newstead, his father was a railway sleeper cutter. Wouldn't mind a "tour" of Castlemaine signal box (A & B boxes)? Great work, excellent and informative narration too...
Thank you. The link below is a video following a train along the Maldon line. It does have some footage in the signal box at Castlemaine although it doesn't have commentary. Very happy to hear you enjoyed the video. 👍 😀
ua-cam.com/video/IweOs3rpTOI/v-deo.htmlsi=VLSlbDGY5oYtTsF2
@@driver667 Thank you, I seen that about a year ago, but I like a detailed box tour, still it was good.
@@dieseldavetrains8988 👍😀
If I recall correctly, that bridge at Guildford was refurbished in the early 2000s only a short time before the line was effectively closed for traffic. Good video
I'm not sure exactly when it was rebuilt but it was a fairly new bridge when the line closed 👍😀
Would be great to see the geelong-ballarat connection reopened plus a connection similar to this. I think a geelong-ballarat-bendigo connection would definitely see some use
@@guy8968 it would be nice to see. I think the most we could hope for is maybe Geelong to Ballarat, but even still, I wouldn't bank on that. 👍😀
there was a push a few years ago by a group to reopen this line,led by Noel Laidlaw,don't know if they are still operating.
They are still operating and doing a good job to bring awareness to issues. 👍😀
When the Cairn Curran is dry (at around 30% capacity) the pylons for the old bridge across the creek can still be seen and I assume pylons for the the old Joyces Creek station too. Next time it’s near empty I might head up there for another look armed with this history. Thank you for the video.
You're welcome. It would be interesting to have a look at what is left behind when the reservoir is low. Glad you enjoyed the video 👍 😀
In the late 1960s as kids, we occasionally caught a train from Maryborough to stay with Melbourne relatives after school on Fridays. Initially we used to catch a train from Maryborough to Ballarat then changed at Ballarat to the Melbourne train. However, we discovered that after the Ballarat train left Maryborough, a train to Castlemaine would arrive at the same platform ten or so minutes later. Maryborough to Castlemaine then Castlemaine to Melbourne, got us to Melbourne's Spencer Street station earlier than the Ballarat train. I therefore have fond memories of that trip.
It would be nice to be able to travel across to Castlemaine and in to Melbourne once again and relive those memories. 👍😀
As an old Maryborough boy, I used to catch the train to Maryborough when I was in the Army back in the late '60's, have fond memories of the line, the old Walker Railmotor used to take an hour to get from Castlemaine to Maryborough, which today, even with the reduced speed limits on the road between the two, only takes 30 minutes. It was much quicker going that way than going back via Ballarat, even with the change from the Melbourne train at Castlemaine.
It would be interesting to see what sort of patronage the line would get with a connecting service to Melbourne from Castlemaine. I'm sure the train trip would be a little quicker than the hour trip back then. 👍😀
very interesting. i used to spend time up this way. i did find a video of a train on this line. i think the thumbnail shows the train on the bridge over the cairn curran reservoir.
Glad you enjoyed the video 👍 😀
Wonderful video mate. I remember my dad shifting someone to Carisbrook when I was a boy i helped him and the vinelander was in town was a good memory he took me to see it stop briefly. Shame it's becoming a trail but at least its a preserved corridor
It would be nice to see trains on it again but who knows. Glad you enjoyed the video 👍 😀
interesting history
It certainly is. Glad you enjoyed it 👍 😀
Carisbrook has quite an interesting but undocumented history, ive been trying to scrape together every bit of information I can about it. For a brief period after it was destabilised it was a private residence, its also been extended at some point. I didn’t know it had a carriage dock thats new to me.
Pains me to know that the line was considered for reopening, i hope we do get the Geelong-Ballarat-Bendigo rail one day.
It would be great to see it active with trains again. We will see what the future holds 👍😀
@@driver667 I thibk it will make a return, perhaps I’m being too hopeful but I think its an idea but forgotten corridor. It would be a useful freight bypass and if we ever Get Ballarat-Bendigo pax trains I think it would make since given you already have Maryborough trains so you are already half way.
It would be nice. Fingers crossed 🤞 👍😀
Interestingly, the Goods Shed at Carisbroook, also has a mileage carved into it, 107 59 47. Haven't seen any other sheds marked like this, but the goods docks at Kyneton and Taradale have a marked mileage, different to the Station mileage, as does the carriage dock at Echuca.
Interesting 🤔 Thank you 👍 😀
Putty Cat your doing well in keeping me busy watching these Videos, I am fine with it.
It will give your finger plenty of time to heal.👍😀
Is there a V/Line Coach from Castlemaine to Maryborough.?
Yes, as far as I am aware, there is. 👍😀
Yep sometime a passenger or two.
This used to be my 2nd favourite line. Only Maryborough to Avoca was prettier to drive. Of course Warrnambool comes 3rd. Thanks Colin.
You're welcome Petar. Warrnambool would be my first choice of favourite, but I didn't get to drive your other two selections unfortunately, only travelled them as a passenger. 👍😀
The line was refurbished in the early 1990's (think it was 1990/1991?), used to cross it a couple of times a week at the Hepburn-Newstead Rd crossing and at Carisbrook. Line wasn't heavily used but often caught freight trains at the crossings, also used to hear the train horn blowing at crossings from our place. Some trains were grain hopper movements (may have been empties being reassigned) but also container traffic sometimes mixed hopper and container. My understanding was that after refurbishment the line was used to move freight from the marshalling yards at Bendigo across to the west of the state via Maryborough and Ararat to avoid travelling via Melbourne (happy to be corrected on this). Traffic appeared to reduce considerably following conversion of the main line from Melbourne through Ararat to South Australia to Standard gauge in 1995. There was a video on UA-cam (unable to locate it now) of the last train to use the line which was a ballast train destined to go via Maryborough and on via Inglewood but because of track work between Maryborough and Inglewood was diverted via Maryborough to Castlemaine through to Bendigo and then across to Inglewood, think that was sometime around 2010 or later. The line between Bendigo and Inglewood is now closed with the lifting of the junction at Eaglehawk. Also have a track plan from a report on reopening passenger service between Maryborough and Castlemaine dated 27/3/12 from Coffey Rail with a 1.2km passing loop at Newstead, unfortunately don't have a copy of the full report. Would have made genuine Intercity service between Bendigo and Ballarat possible. Rail that has been lifted from the track has been used by Victorian Goldfields Railway www.vgr.com.au/ to upgrade the track between Castlemaine and and Maldon.
👍😀
This vid (link below) has got to be one of the last few trains to use the line. This one dates to almost exactly 20 years ago. I suppose you've seen it but others may be interested.
No sign of the ballast train you mention, so maybe the vid has been taken down.
ua-cam.com/video/G1xYzh86HJs/v-deo.html
@@ThePaulv12 I have looked several times since but haven't been able to locate it.
Very sad. However Canada is was not far behind, Great video
It is sad. Glad you enjoyed the video 👍😀
The Rails from the Station and the Bridge is still sitting there and it's all Rusty 2:10
They certainly are rusty. 👍😀
I can see your shadow while you’re filming Colin 😂 8:44
🤣🤣 Good job 👍 😀
Now VR R766 is on the Standard Gauge Now
👍😀
It was rumoured that Maryborough was meant to be the new Spencer St Station but the local member was Minister of Railways and had it built at Maryborough. Also Maryborough was meant to be a regional headquarters but this went to Bendigo instead.
I've heard many rumours about the building being meant for somewhere else but it was built for Maryborough in times of the gold rush and plenty of money in the area 👍😀
Yes, plenty of conspiracy theories about this station, but aren't we glad it was built anyway! 😄
@@geoff825 it is majestic 👍😀
Did you Filmed it with a drone.?
I did use a drone, yes. 👍😀
G'day, it's such a pity that line is not able to run tourist Trains anymore as it's one of the most beautiful runs through the Central Victoria, l have rode my old BSA motorcycle from Newstead to Castlemaine crossing the line by road a few times it's a wonderful back road, been away so l have a few of your videos too watch, cheers mate and thanks for the history of this line, Neil.
Thanks Neil. There is some nice country through there. I travelled through on steamrail train years ago. It's a pity it's not possible now. Glad you enjoyed the video 👍🙂
The closure was disgraceful, the private company was using the railway but did a dummy spit with the Maldon crowd and couldn’t see the way clear to share the rails to Maldon junction.
The line was deemed not viable by the government of the day and closed which then allowed Maldon to use the track into Castlemaine 👍😀
No the AFLUE, Rail Tram and Bus Union spat it. The owner of Pacific National Toll, top man, Mark Rosethorn spoke to his lawyers and the advice was yes, okay, volunteer train crews can drive the section if all safeworkng requirements were met. But the AFLUE wouldn't have it.
I feel like rail trails diminish the history of railways because most of the rail infrastructure does get removed
I have to agree. There is nothing left of the railway after the rail trail is constructed 👍😊
On the Timboon Rail trail you ride between the old rails for about 3 km between Curdies and Glenfyne. Probably my favourite section of rail trail I've found. @@driver667
I would like to see the others done the same
Leave the rails in place. 👍😀
It does get bumpy though@@driver667
@@driver667Up until the start of Vline, Victorian Railways were champions of recycling material including ballast, rails . So like the Orbost line, ballast was taken and used again, although not heavily used. Track was long gone before the RT. However once Vline hand back the line to Victrack, the owner, don't remove rail and VRG were allowed to remove the track to Guildford. Railtrails have never removed track. Too expensive and no one wants the ballast. Victrack fear liability for possible asbestos contamination even though most trains rollingstock had cast iron blocks until two axle wagons were taken out .
It may be economic to standardizse Maryborough to Moolort silos. It links the three export ports..
Both Hepburn and Central Goldfields Shire Councils are loosing the battle to maintain back roads damage from grain trucks. They take the road through the Brisbane Ranges to Geelong, falling apart plus flood damage..
The roads never designed for the mass. Grain trains in the other direction cannot fit into the 160kph Vlocity very frequent service at Castlemaine, also leaking grain wagons cause havoc by insulating the station yard sections of circuited rail. You loose the train off the signal system and interlocking does not exist. Does not effect the axle counter sections..
RT to Maryborough not a community benfit but economic and social beneficial between Campbells Creek and Guildford. The general store is closed and the RT would be perfect distance for family bike rides and locals daily exercise with a hot coffee each end.
I went on Daylesford road few weeks ago and dont see anyone on tracks no one, just thinking its Worksafe is must put fence on
Guildford bridge and any long river bridge as well. Waste tax payers money to met requirments for public safety.
The fences on disused bridges is a legal requirement. It is a public safety requirement. 👍😀
Enough with the "rails trails"put the trains back on,give goods access to Geelong.
That would be nice 👍 🙂
Rail trails were introduced to Australia via Victoria by a train and railway enthusiast and lawyer, the late Mark Plummer a commitee member of the Light Railway Research Society, back in the early 1990's. Who else but train enthusiasts would know about lost timber tramways back behind Warburton?. We spoke when I tried to save the Tasmanian North East Railway between Scottsdale and Ledgerwood. He convinced Jeff Kennett not to sell off disused rail easements as the State was broke (like it is now again). To keep the land is public ownership just incase one day it needs to be returned to rail. It had nothing to do with bike riders. Only in 2016 did the Tasmanian Government introduce an Act that prevents rail easements being sold off.
.........sad..................very sad. What a waste.
It would be nice to see trains running on this again 👍🙂