We are delighted to announce that we have been successful in obtaining an Australian Government grant of $1million (exclusive of GST) from the Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities as part of its Community Development Grants Programme.
The funding has been received to return a Tait Train (or "Red Rattler" as it is known) to service by early 2020. The restored train will be available ...for public shuttle trips, occasional railfan excursions and to take passengers from Melbourne to Belgrave to connect with Puffing Billy and the beautiful Dandenong Ranges. The preserved train will bring great delight to young and old, as it did until 2004 when accreditation issues meant it could no longer operate.
Tait trains are of both State and National significance, being used on the very first regular electric train services in not just Victoria but Australia. It is fitting that this announcement is made now, because we are not far off the centenary of regular electric train services for Australia, with the first services operating between Essendon and Sandringham in May 1919. Red Rattlers are nearly as iconic to the Melbourne transport scene as W Class trams. There would be few Melbournians over the age of 60 who do not remember riding a Red Rattler to school, work or to attend sporting/cultural events. They operated on all suburban lines and were the backbone of the suburban fleet for many decades. They played an important part in the State's industrial, transport and cultural heritage. They are amongst the finest examples of preserved electric trains anywhere in the world, featuring varnished interiors, pressed metal ceilings and ornate fittings. The earliest carriages were initially steam hauled and date back to 1910. In the early days, passengers could choose between first or second class seating and smoking or non-smoking compartments.
The grant money will be spent on a series of safety enhancements and other works, including the:
* Purchase and installation of train radios at both ends of the train
* Automation of the trip (emergency brake) reset mechanism
* Installation of speedos (having never been present in Tait trains)
* Electrical modifications to make the train compatible with the latest infrastructure
* Mechanical overhaul of components
* Train testing / recommissioning
* A repaint (if funds remain).
Jason Wood MP, the Federal Member for La Trobe, has supported Steamrail throughout the application process. We are hugely appreciative of his support.
A working group has been established to oversee the project, with excellent support being received from the following key stakeholders:
* V/Line – which will be the accredited operator of the heritage services
* Metro Trains – which will provide access to the rail network and electrical infrastructure
* The RTBU (rail union) – which is developing driver training material and will coordinate crewing
* Downer Group – which has been engaged to test the train
* Steamrail volunteers – who will both coordinate and undertake work.
All stakeholders are very much 'on board'. Without their support the project would not be viable.
The funding is a great boost for ElecRail volunteers, who are still recovering from the arson attack at Newport Workshops in 2015 which destroyed three beautifully restored older swing door carriages and another which was awaiting restoration.
