The picturesque 1067mm (3`6") gauge line running between Brisbane and Toowoomba in Southeast Queensland, is the subject of this new DVD title. RTN to the Lockyer (Return to the Lockyer) is the follow up to Lockyer Valley OPS (Lockyer Valley Operations) filmed by Crispin Groves-Raines between 2006-2008.
RTN to the Lockyer was filmed at various times between 2008-2010 when the author had the opportunity to return to this interesting stretch of railway line, to again enjoy the sights and sounds of the day to day QR (Queensland Rail) and QR National operations, running through the beautiful Lockyer Valley. Locations include Victoria Tunnel, Laidley, Forest Hill, Gatton, Grantham, Lockyer Siding, Spring Bluff and Toowoomba.
In the first section of this DVD, we take a look at the Westlander service which makes two return trips a week, between Brisbane and Charleville. It is only possible to film the eastbound Westlander during daylight hours through the Lockyer Valley, as the westbound service runs at night.
The second section concentrates on some of the freight operations running through the photogenic scenery of the Lockyer Valley. Coal is the bread and butter of the route and is often given priority over the Westlander passenger operation. Coal services are featured here together with container trains, grain trains and livestock.
In the third section of RTN to the Lockyer, we observe some of the operations running at night. These include freight and passenger services. We take a look at the shunting manoeuvre required to attach additional freight wagons to the westbound Westlander at Toowoomba. Once shunting is complete, the Westlander mixed passenger and freight train is towed out of the station before continuing on its way to Charleville.
Additional footage is included as we take a brief look at the Winelander service, between Laidley and Warwick. The train was on its way from Brisbane to Stanthorpe and Wallangarra. This service can run once or twice a year. Molasses wagons can also be seen in the yard at Warwick station. The Winelander feature and other extra features can be viewed by using the DVD menu.
There is much to see and enjoy in this follow up title to Lockyer Valley OPS, as we RTN to the Lockyer.
Approximate run time: 157 minutes.