10 years ago today I caught coaches Bathurst-Lithgow-Mount Victoria, a V set to Strathfield & the overnight XPT to Brisbane to attend my university graduation ceremony.

These unique blue next train indicators were at Strathfield station. Long gone now, unfortunately.

Are there any of these wooden manual indicator boards still in use at any station in NSW? There wouldn’t be many left if so. Probably more likely on the intercity network rather than the suburban network.

For what it’s worth, that trip to Brisbane was the last time I ever travelled in an XPT sleeper car. I did not get a single second of sleep. My cabin was right above bogies that squeaked, squealed, screamed and screeched every single excruciating minute of the 14 hour journey.

Every time I started to drift off to sleep - SCREEEEEEEECH!!! SQUEAL SQUEAK SQUEAL SCREEEEEECH!!!!

I am never, ever putting myself through that again.

I flew back down to Sydney.

#Railways #NSWTransport #XPT

I missed this article last month – good to see that someone is addressing the limitations of the existing fleet. Now we just need them to promise to add sleeper accommodation to the new trains. #NSWPol #NSWVotes #Train #Trains #XPT
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NSW Labor pledges to improve ageing regional trains after ‘botched’ rollout of new fleet | NSW election 2023 | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/feb/11/nsw-labor-pledges-to-improve-ageing-regional-trains-after-botched-rollout-of-new-fleet

Sure sex is good, but have you ever received a text message canceling a previous message advising of a rail replacement bus? #XPT #RailTravel #TrainTravel #Sydney #Melbourne

Always seems like a clever magic trick to travel between Melbourne and Sydney without ever entering an airport. Who knew they were on the same planet, connected by steel rails? Clever stunt, that.

#RailTravel #TrainTravel #Train #Trains #XPT #Sydney #Melbourne @austrains

Almost there!

#Sydney #RailTravel #TrainTravel #XPT

Just crossed the Murray River on the XPT train to Sydney. Second time I've crossed the Murray on a train this year, last month I was on the Great Southern when we crossed the flooded river at Murray Bridge in South Australia. #Train #Trains #RailTravel #XPT

Hello and goodbye Seymour! #XPT

OK we have a train. Running somewhat late. Just like flying!

(Bit disappointed about the Comic Sans on the front.)

#RailTravel #TrainTravel #XPT

What a mess. And it sounds like the items in contention relate to passenger comfort, hugely important on a long-distance train. Hope they don't cut any corners.
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NSW trains report reveals $1 billion-plus cost blowout #RailTravel #TrainTravel #Train #Trains #XPT https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/secret-report-reveals-1-billion-plus-cost-blowout-in-bungled-nsw-trains-project-20230203-p5chpo.html

The Overland second class carriage has good windows and seats are comfortable. The dining car is so retro. I love it a lot but I haven't tried the food yet! Managing to get good 4G reception, another improvement over the #XPT from Sydney to Melbourne

#train #trains #transport #Overland

Why do they do this. The advantage of travelling by train is the view but every second set of seats on this NSW XPT is between windows providing a minimal view. The views from the seats with windows are fabulous. Bad bad bad design

#nswTrainLink #XPT

Christmas Day train journey from Sydney to Melbourne. It takes just over 11 hours to complete the 953 km rail distance. A Shinkansen could do it in 3.5 hours!

#train #trains #CentralStation #nsw #sydney #xpt

This makes a lot of sense. I would still like to see true high speed rail on this corridor in the longer term, but this would be worthwhile even if that happened, for improving freight transport times over the longer term also.

#railways #Sydney #Melbourne #HSR #XPT #ARTC #NSWTrainLink

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/dec/15/sydney-melbourne-rail-track-upgrade-is-cheaper-quicker-way-to-slash-journey-times-says-expert

This makes a lot of sense. I would still like to see true high speed rail on this corridor in the longer term, but this would be worthwhile even if that happened, for improving freight transport times over the longer term also.

#railways #Sydney #Melbourne #HSR #XPT #ARTC #NSWTrainLink

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/dec/15/sydney-melbourne-rail-track-upgrade-is-cheaper-quicker-way-to-slash-journey-times-says-expert

I just caught the #XPT #train from #Newcastle to #Brisbane and back in last week. Tripadvisor reviews run from 1 to 5 star like a uniform distribution. If I had to summarise in one value I'd give it 4.

I had an enjoyable experience in first class. Not having any mobile reception (Telstra/Vodafone) except at stations could be interpreted as a plus. Needs better connection times & definitely don't recommend bus to/from Casino. Also bring a laptop battery if you want to work, and box your bike.