Full steam ahead for The Tasmanian Transport Museum’s heritage passenger train

The main South Line is set to welcome back historic trains after nearly a decade. DETAILS >>

It’s full steam ahead for The Tasmanian Transport Museum after receiving accreditation to use the main South Line after nearly a decade of closure.

The Tasmanian Transport Museum will be running classic C-class passenger steam trains along the South Line, eventually from Glenorchy to Bridgewater to revive the old railway.

Train driver Tony Coen said the railway line hasn’t operated since 2014.

“Everybody has been looking forward to seeing trains running around here again,” he said.

“It’s a turning point in getting back out on the main line, it’s a start.

“But it hasn’t been an easy trip, it’s been quite difficult.”

Driver Tony Coen with the Tasmanian Government Railways C Class No.22 steam locomotive at the Tasmanian Transport Museum, Glenorchy. Picture: Chris Kidd

Mr Coen said it’s very important to keep the railway running otherwise we might not ever experience train travel in Tasmania.

“The future of tourism and heritage railways is already very good all around the world,” he said.

“Everybody has them, they’re everywhere and the mainland has got them everywhere too but Tasmania doesn’t get support for them and we’re stuck in our own little backyard.

“We need to get out on the main line, that’s very important for our future. We just can’t survive on things going here on a small basis, because there’s not enough income coming in.”

Since the push to revive the track, the South Line has had some maintenance.

“We’ve been working on it for a while putting a few sleepers in there but apart from that, the tracks are in good condition,” Mr Coen said.

Driver Tony Coen with the Tasmanian Government Railways C Class No. 22 steam locomotive at the Tasmanian Transport Museum, Glenorchy. Picture: Chris Kidd

Infrastructure minister Michael Ferguson said the museum could now extend their heritage passenger service along the unused line after receiving accreditation from the National Rail Safety Regulator.

“Receiving accreditation from the regulator is a significant achievement based on a lot of behind-the-scenes hard work and I congratulate the Tasmanian Transport Museum Society on achieving this significant milestone in their history,” he said.

Driver Tony Coen is chuffed on trains. Picture: Chris Kidd

“Dedicated volunteers have collectively donated 5,000 hours of time and effort to ensure the track and rolling stock meet the accreditation safety standards set by the regulator and I am sure the team feels every one of those hours was worth it.

“This passenger service will provide a valuable experience for the community of the joys of travel from another era while preserving our heritage for the future.”