Queensland by Rail | Part 3 - The Westlander to Charleville

[@worland322575269]

Floyd, you absolutely did the Westlander justice by doing this video. I was actually on the same train as you were. I was heading out to Charleville to visit my aunt.

[@katg5943]

I enjoyed this. Fond memories of my childhood. Thanks Floyd!

[@beverleyprice7877]

My brother,sister in law did this trip a few years ago as I had discovered we had a brother who was buried in the Charleville Cemetery. Never knew of his existence before. Thoroughly enjoyed the trip and the stay. Would recommend it to anyone who is interested in exploring Western Queensland.

[@peteroc7395]

Excellent video excellent commentary and thank you very much regards Peter

[@FloydBromley]

Cheers!

[@bro031]

Thanks Floyd , really enjoyed this one can’t wait for the rest.

[@FloydBromley]

Cheers mate

[@strauchanside]

Very nice instalment. Was interesting to see the triangle used to reverse the train, we used to just run around the wagons and place the locos on the other end of the train to reverse direction after a shunt or once loaded at a grain silo. Look forward to seeing the next of your rail adventures here!

[@FloydBromley]

Cheers mate. Yes just simply running around the loco is what is done elsewhere in Australia, but in Queensland all long-distance passenger trains are designed to be run in one direction only, and must therefore be turned. Even the modern day tilt trains have to be turned.

[@MuiTube]

Love that sunrise shot from the back of the train!

[@FloydBromley]

Yeah was pretty cool to experience it!

[@Tomdogful]

Enjoyed the vid thank you. It’s on my bucket list to do before it disappears. A mention of the timetable would be nice. Cheers

[@rodericksmith8218]

I liked the part when Floyd was so busy filming the train that it left without him. Just about everything which I experienced over many adventures over many years can't be repeated. It was a very different railway world from Victoria, and still is. Follow in Floyd's footsteps. If you are coming from overseas, Gulflander and Savannahlander are must-do. Even though they are now touristy, they are the closest you can get to a 1960s experience anywhere in Australia. In Queensland, triangles were normal (called forks there): most junctions were set up to be triangular, and a very common layout for a station included a triangle with a long headshunt serving stock loading. The main passenger trains were (and still are) unidirectional; the whole train must be turned. Way back, Westlander would head directly west, then a shunting loco would tow the train to the platform. It seems that now a simple backup is approved. Old Cloncurry and Baddow - Maryborough were similar. it was also common in North America, with some quite long backups. The train conductor would attach a brake control and air horn to the rear brakehose (now leading) to protect at level crossings.

[@FloydBromley]

Thanks Rod, I hope to do the Savannahlander and Gulflander next dry season.

[@edmundcarew7235]

Good video with no camera shake. It's unfortunate that you couldn't travel any longer in a sleeper as it was far more comfortable than sitting up: I did 'Westlander' as recently as 2013. But like you, I've still not been to Quilpie, and won't now be able to travel by rail to Cunnamulla. The sunrise shots were great.

[@FloydBromley]

It’s true a sleeper is a lot more comfortable than sitting up, but the LAL carriages aren’t too bad to sleep in. It’s unfortunate that Queensland doesn’t run many heritage trips, as there are plenty of places I would love to visit by rail (in QLD) that aren’t serviced by regular passenger trains.

[@rolfsinkgraven]

A very nice part 3 thnx.

[@FloydBromley]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@kendale2847]

There were 13 crew sets when i was there. Driver,Fireman, and Guard

[@ianclough9857]

Nice one Floyd.

[@FloydBromley]

Thanks mate

[@markeaston7353]

Good video thanks. We are looking at doing this run.

[@benwilson9150]

Wow with that fewer people onboard it explains why they were/are thinking of getting rid of it

[@FloydBromley]

There is a constant threat of it being cut, but a few years ago (2015) the service was cut back to what it is now from having sleeping carriages, dining carriages and sitting carriages in order to keep the train running. It is viewed as a community service, but with an average passenger subsidy of about $4k, it wouldn’t be totally unexpected if it was cut.

[@chrisacworth4729]

Good job well done on the video Floyd. If i have time wanna catch up i have been on the Westlander few times my self. I went down to brisbane and out west.

[@FloydBromley]

Yeah mate Westlander was an awesome trip

[@chrisacworth4729]

@@FloydBromley Maybe could do a trip together

[@FloydBromley]

I generally prefer to fly solo, but appreciate the offer.

[@heatherhall3452]

I wish you named all the stops on the way in the drop box .. good video though 😉👍🏽

[@FloydBromley]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@seanlam929]

Been my nightmare long way far west train journey to Charleville, hopefully you can take rest , stretching leg and body when the train take some 5-10 mins stop in the midway station.

[@FloydBromley]

Yep can do all that

[@carcaridon]

Charleville run seems pretty cool,especially $90. Hey Floyd,it occurred to me that your qr vids have zigzag in the opening credits ??? Avid trainspotter right here mate lol

[@FloydBromley]

Yeah for sure the Westlander is 100% worth it if you’re a Brisbane local. And yes you did see zig zag, that was out the window of a V set on my way to Lithgow in part 8.

[@glendadavies1455]

Do they still have bunks Was thinking of taking a trip But someone told me they don't have bunks

[@FloydBromley]

Not on the Westlander. Only beds available are on the Spirit of the Outback and Spirit of Queensland.

[@kendale2847]

How it has changed since i worked there

[@lachlancampbell3058]

Did u go past the morven cattle siding

[@FloydBromley]

Yes stopped there for 20 minutes I think. It’s in the video.

[@1973Washu]

You missed the westlander when it was at its best , it used to have sleeping cars and a dining car.

[@FloydBromley]

Yes I know. Wish I could have ridden it then. Still better it’s running like it is than not at all.

[@trevormaxwell3480]

where is the baggage car and guard's van

[@FloydBromley]

At the front of the train.

[@hazptmedia]

Victorian trains are better but when you've never been to QLD i would say it is better

[@FloydBromley]

Queensland trains are pretty good, I'd travel there before passing judgement.