50 years of the R Class
Preparations & Railtour
June 29 & 30 2001

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The Preparations - June 29 2001

R703 was the first R class to haul a train on the Victorian Railways on June 29 1951 between Melbourne and Benalla. Steamrail organised a very special day out to mark 50 years of service from the R Class 4-6-4s. Steamrail R761 ran as R703 for the day on a railtour from Melbourne Spencer Street to Benalla and return.

Steamrail fitter in charge Warren Hall helps R761 becomes R703. Newport Works Tarp Shop yard. June 29 2001

R703 in the Tarp Shop Yard at Newport works. June 29 2001

The frontend of R703 showing the original style headlight number glasses. June 29 2001

R703 on Newport Works turntable. June 29 2001

R703 on Newport Works turntable now faces the correct way for the railtour to Benalla. June 29 2001

The Railtour - June 30 2001

R703 performs a runpast. June 30 2001

R703 performs a runpast. June 30 2001

R703 in Benalla yard before the return leg to Melbourne. June 30 2001

R703 at Benalla awaiting departure time with the return leg to Melbourne. June 30 2001

R703 prepares for a runpast. June 30 2001

R703 performs the final runpast of the day. June 30 2001

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