C16 106 - Crew Training Runs to Wyreema - 21st and 26th January 2024

On Sunday 21st and Friday 26th (Australia Day) January 2024, DownsSteam took the opportunity to conduct some crew training for trainees to gain some experience in becoming drivers and fireman aboard their steam locomotive C16 106, as it ran light engine to the small township of Wyreema.
A total of 4 runs over the 2 days saw a handful of volunteers get some much needed practice prior to DownsSteam gaining accreditation to commence passenger operations, which will hopefully take place sometime this year.
This video is of the 4 runs compiled together to represent 1 return trip.

[@tonydempsey9404]

Just stumbled across this, late one winter's night in the Scottish Highlands. That is one beautiful locomotive. What a wonderful achievement getting it back on the rails.

[@paul1089]

As the only survivor of its class, it's fantastic to see it gracing the rails again after a 60 year + static retirement.

[@tonydempsey9404]

It's a real gem and will surely generate interest far and wide.@@paul1089

[@roguecraftlovestrainsaustr6269]

I guess I've been following you lol...... I went for their trial in the afternoon I was mostly at the railway museum and then went catching it in the afternoon before heading back home witch it's a 2 hour drive lol

[@paul1089]

All good. At least you got the chance to see it out and about.

[@thomasdever]

great video Paul

[@paul1089]

Thanks. 👍Glad you enjoyed watching.

[@RotableStar]

hey Paul do you know how the 971 is going its been a while since they started working on it

[@paul1089]

The rebuild of the axle boxes has been a real headache, verging on being a migrane now. It's out of SDSR's control at present. They can't say when it will return to service, too many uncertainties.

[@RotableStar]

@@paul1089 can't they find anyone that can rebuild the axle boxes

[@paul1089]

@rtb8343 This is something they'll have to make a decision about very soon if 971 has any chance of returning to the tracks this year.