By 10am 100 people had lined the platform, looking eagerly down the track for the little train that would carry them to Newbridge and back. 

A large number of children came along with parents and grandparents, all excited about the two-hour journey.

The early run was followed by a return trip to Tarana at 12.30pm, and then a one-way trip to Orange and on to Parkes in the evening. 

The rail shuttle was manned by six volunteers from the Lachlan Valley Railway Society. They come from all over the Central West. 

The Society’s Luke Bingham said it took them all day Thursday to get here.

Now the cross country rail line is closed, the old rail motors have to take the long way around which, at 80km/h, can take up to 10 hours. 

To get to Bathurst the train had to pass through Stockton, Forbes, Parkes, Manildra and Molong.

Unfortunately this means it is only practical to come to Bathurst once every three years or so. 

Mr Bingham is a true rail enthusiast. He suspects his love of trains came from growing up alongside the rail line at Spring Hill and watching the trains go through. 

He said he is really enjoying taking the old engine on tour to other centres.

“I’m loving it,” he said.

“It was good to bring it over to show people that there is still a little rail history left and that we are working hard to keep it going.”

Making the journey were a driver, a spare driver, a guard, a fitter and two carriage attendants. 

On Friday 250 school children took a ride from Orange to Paloma – a trip the rail motor made three times. 

One of the highlights of the weekend was a trip to Tarana on Saturday night for dinner at the Tarana Hotel.

About 115 people made the journey and enjoyed the country hospitality.