It wasn’t just Bathurst residents who were itching to get on board – people from outside the city made the journey just for this unique experience. 

From young children to the elderly, they all wanted to take a trip down memory lane in this beautifully restored heritage train.

Each would enjoy a 90-minute return trip to Wimbledon in one of eight Edwardian style rail carriages with polished cedar interiors from the 1930s.

After passengers had boarded, many opened the big windows to poke their heads out and wave before the steam engine began its trip.

Transport Heritage NSW spokesman David Bennett said there had been a lot of interest in the tour, with many people pre-booking their tickets the weekend before.

“The whole thing was sold out – 2500 tickets over the Bathurst weekend,” he said.

This particular locomotive was once based in Bathurst, and Mr Bennett thinks its 

“homecoming” had a lot to do with everyone being so eager to travel on it.

“I think people are just attracted to the nostalgia of the steam train,” he added. “People just really appreciate all things old these days.”

Greg Standen was one of the thousands of people who rode the train over the weekend during its many journeys through the Central West.

As he watched a new load of passengers ascend into the carriages yesterday morning, he reflected on his own experience.

“It was a good morning,” Mr Standen said.

“Every trip I understand has been booked and I saw a few people standing in the aisle.”

He added that it was unique for everyone, but particularly for children.

“It is good for the little kids too because there is no real rail anymore,” he said. “You could see the kids at the windows with their grandparents, who grew up with steam.”