By Jed Lanyon
The Yarra Valley Railway (YVR) welcomed a 90-year-old railmotor (RM55) to Healesville on Thursday 1 August.
YVR president Brett Whelan said, “It was built by the Victorian Railways in the 1920s for use on branch lines like the Healesville line, so this is more like a homecoming for this piece of Victoria’s transport heritage.”
The RM55 was transported from Korumburra to Healesville Railway Station, where it was safely transferred to the rails of Healesville Yard and shunted into the YVR workshops where it will undergo restoration before entering passenger service.
The diesel electric railmotor (DERM) is expected to be up and running by next year and it is expected that the railmotor will allow for Saturday and Sunday fares along the Yarra Valley Railway.
“Volunteer teams were on the ground at both Korumburra and Healesville to assist with loading and unloading the truck.
“Work behind the scenes has been ongoing for several months to gain all required permissions and approvals for the transport of such a large item of rolling stock.
“Well done to all the volunteers involved.
“YVR would like to thank the state government and Victrack for their help and assistance.” Mr Whelan said.
The railway project is now entering the next phase of its development as nine kilometres of tracks will be laid along the tourist journey between Yarra Glen and Healesville.
The YVR project is solely run by volunteers who are undertaking the largest volunteer infrastructure project in Australia.
The increased services provide further opportunities for driver, guard and booking officer volunteer roles. If you would like to get involved in volunteering with YVR, contact: info@yvr.com.au
For more information about the railway, visit: http://www.yvr.org.au/
