2012 pichi richi troop train ren enactment

[Little Jo]

Hi All

I would like to remind you all that the "Wartime Vehicle Conservation Group" will again be participating in this years Pichi Richi Troop Train Re-enactment from Pt Augusta to Quorn between Sat. 29th Sept. to 1st Oct. 2012. We are hoping this year will again be well attended and be even bigger and better than last year. I have attached a few photos of last years event.

Cheers

Tony

[Little Jo]

Hi All

Well here we are back from our little jaunt up north to participate in the 2012 Pichi Richi Troop Train Re-enactment. Our numbers were down on previous years due to the AFL Football Grand Final, The Bay to Birdwood Historical Vehicle run and the Pich Richi Event all falling due on the same weekend. As we all know people can't attend all events.

Those members of the WVCG who did take the time to do the 1000 Klm round trip and we all had a wonderful time enjoying the hopitality of the Historical Railway people who again looked after us. On the first night we all slept in the loco train shed at Port Augusta. I must admit the warmest spot was sitting in the loco cab where the boiler was being prepared for the next days trip to Quorn.

The next morning we loaded the vehicles onto the flat bed wagons for the trip to Woolshed Flat where further carriages and the second loco was attached for the frip to Quorn. Upon arrival in Quorn we placed our vehicles on public display in front of the heritage railway station for the train travellers.

On the last day we all packed up and travelled back home to Adelaide. I must admit a smaller more intimate group certainly made for a memorable weekend end and some good times at night around a blazing fire with a few good ales and some very funny stories. This is what our hobby is all about. Enjoying our vehicles and having a good time with friends.

I towed my 1942 MB Willys Jeep using my new "A" Frame and I was very pleased with the trip. I have no hesitation in recommending the "A" Frame system as an alternative to trailer towing, but again that is a personal choice. I certainly noticed I saved a lot of fuel.

Next year will be a much bigger event and from the planning discussed with the Historical Train people will be an event not to miss, but I don't want to give anything away. All I will say is. "Watch this space".

Cheers

Tony

[Greg Beeston]

Hi Tony.
Can I ask if the Pichi Richi troop train is running this year and do you know the dates.
Thanks
Greg Beeston

[Little Jo]

Originally Posted by Greg Beeston

Hi Tony.
Can I ask if the Pichi Richi troop train is running this year and do you know the dates.
Thanks
Greg Beeston

Hi Greg

The Pichi Richi Troop Train run is always held over the October Long Weekend. We had a busy planning schedule for this year with a the theme changed to include the SA re-enactors group who would supply Allied and Axis troops. The train was to be attacked by Axis forces at two locations for the enjoyment of the passengers on the train.

This was all arranged after last years event and a lot of time was spent in preparations by all participating groups including the Pichi Richi train people. however earlier this year their publicity officer was replaced by a new person and she advised us few weeks ago that she was concerned that the noise of weapons would scare the children on the train and she cancelled the military part of the Pichi Richi Troop Train event at the very last minute.

So for the first time in years there won't even be any military vehicles on the train as in previous years. I know a lot of people will be disappointed as our military vehicles on the train have always been a big hit with members of the public. We have always placed our vehicles on display in front of the station for members of the public to walk around and view close up and have the parents take photos of their kids in and on the vehicles.

It is worrying that it is becoming harder to show off our vehicles and deprive the younger generations a hands on chance to see WW2 vehicles up close.

Cheers

Tony