THE ROYAL TRAIN IS BACK ON TRACK
ALL aboard may not have been the command when the Prince and Princess of Wales travelled on Victoria’s Royal Train in 1983.
But it will be heard throughout central Victoria for the next four months as the Royal Train emerges to steam along the tracks in the fine style enjoyed by royalty since it was built in 1912.
Royal train volunteer
David Walsh attended to Prince Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales, when they travelled on the train during their 1983 Australian tour.
“We had been told Prince Charles only drank coffee and Diana only drank Twinings Earl Grey but when they boarded she wanted a coffee and he wanted a beer,” Mr Walsh said.
“Luckily, we were able to accommodate them.”
The train also carried the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh during their 1954 and 1988 tours. Princess Margaret, the Queen Mother and Princess Alexandra were also passengers but it was mostly used to transport state governors on official country trips.
While the touring royals stayed in the more updated carriage, which went into service from 1954, they chose to retain the 1912 carriage because of its rear platform where they could stand and wave to passers-by. Both carriages have been restored.
Premier Daniel Andrews will send the train off from Southern Cross Station tomorrow and, from March 30, the train will take passengers from Castlemaine to Bendigo.