News articles and media releases
Wizards Explorer a magical success for Pichi Richi Railway
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The Inaugural Wizards Explorer departed from the Port Augusta Railway Station on Sunday 18 April 2004. The Wizards Explorer was the first of this type of train for Pichi Richi Railway Preservation Society Inc, a wizards and witches theme train, aimed at 5-12 year olds. The Wizards Explorer ran to full capacity, booking out well before the Inaugural train departed, indicating an overwhelming success for Pichi Richi Railway Preservation Society Inc. The success of this train hinged on a group of hardworking volunteers who helped to make the day a huge success for Pichi Richi Railway, and for those travelling on the train.
First Ghan to Darwin
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The first Ghan to Darwin departed Adelaide on Sunday 1 February 2004, and at Stirling North Pichi Richi Railway's Afghan Express joined it to run alongside it into Port Augusta.
To commemorate this historic event, PRR's train carried vintage motor vehicles—making it something representative of a 1920s or 1930s Ghan.
PRR side-by-side with the first train to Darwin
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Thursday 15 January 2004 was an historic day for the Pichi Richi Railway when it again became part of Australia's railway heritage.
The first freight train to cross Australia from south to north departed Adelaide. It was met in Stirling North by a PRR double-headed special, and they ran parallel into Port Augusta. The train was one of the longest ever operated by the Pichi Richi Railway Preservation Society.
Old Ghan locomotive NM25 in steam again
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Yesterday, Friday 11 April 2003, steam locomotive NM25 moved under its own power for the first time in nearly 38 years.
NM25 spent its entire working life on the Commonwealth Railway's narrow gauge Central Australia Railway—the route of the old Ghan from Port Augusta to Alice Springs—including the remaining section from Port Augusta to Quorn preserved by Pichi Richi Railway. Its restoration project is now nearing completion.
Trial runs of steam locomotive W22 "Justin Hancock"
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Several successful trial runs of this locomotive have been undertaken recently. This follows a restoration project which is now virtually complete.
An event to commemorate W22's return to service will be held in the coming months.
Outback icon returns to steam on Pichi Richi Railway
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An historic “Ghan” steam locomotive is set to steam over its old track later this year after a complete restoration by Pichi Richi Railway. Today two identities from the former Commonwealth Railways inspected progress on the restoration. The NM25 locomotive was built in 1925 for the Commonwealth Railways and retired from active service in 1965.
The restoration of NM25 to full working order has taken two years, and is part of the extension of Pichi Richi Railway to Port Augusta. Funding for the project has come from the City of Port Augusta, SA Tourism Commission, and Pichi Richi Railway Preservation Society, as well as numerous supporters and suppliers. The recommissioning is planned for Saturday 26 April, when it will pull special trains between Port Augusta and Quorn in the Flinders Ranges, before returning to regular service with Pichi Richi Railway.