Written By: Tom Schache
Photos By: Dean Jones, Tom Schache, Alex Thorn and Ian Green
Page Last Updated: 17/7/20
Currently operated by Pacific National, the Warrnambool Goods runs between Appleton Dock in Melbourne and the Westvic Siding in Warrnambool, located at Walsh Rd, a few km west of Warrnambool Station. The train has previously been operated by V/Line, Freight Australia and El Zorro.
Now only carrying containers, the service used to convey louvre vans, as well as briquettes. Briquettes were taken to the Nestle Factory in Dennington, which was a short distance west of the siding. The last train ran to Dennington in 2002, when the boilers were converted to natural gas. Louvre Vans also used to be dropped off at the Warrnambool Goods shed, which ceased in late 2006 / early 2007. This was one of the last uses of louvre vans in Victoria. Also in the early 2000s, one van would be dropped off at the FreightGate in Colac.
The train is restricted in length due to crossing loops, particularly at Camperdown. As a result of this, the train is typically around 22 platforms in length. The wagon count can vary, normally 16, as often 3-pack wagons are used. Typically the majority of the train is made up of VQOF 40’ container flats, as well as 2 or 3 VQAW 3-packs, and a few 60’ VQCX, VQLX or VQRF wagons. Very rarely will you see 80’ VQDWs on the service, but it has occurred sporadically. Usually the total train length is around 350m, which makes for a fairly short train.
Now only carrying containers, the service used to convey louvre vans, as well as briquettes. Briquettes were taken to the Nestle Factory in Dennington, which was a short distance west of the siding. The last train ran to Dennington in 2002, when the boilers were converted to natural gas. Louvre Vans also used to be dropped off at the Warrnambool Goods shed, which ceased in late 2006 / early 2007. This was one of the last uses of louvre vans in Victoria. Also in the early 2000s, one van would be dropped off at the FreightGate in Colac.
The train is restricted in length due to crossing loops, particularly at Camperdown. As a result of this, the train is typically around 22 platforms in length. The wagon count can vary, normally 16, as often 3-pack wagons are used. Typically the majority of the train is made up of VQOF 40’ container flats, as well as 2 or 3 VQAW 3-packs, and a few 60’ VQCX, VQLX or VQRF wagons. Very rarely will you see 80’ VQDWs on the service, but it has occurred sporadically. Usually the total train length is around 350m, which makes for a fairly short train.
G528 nearing Warrnambool with #9204. (20/3/17)
Photo By: Dean Jones |
BL29 with #9203 near Warrnambool. (27/12/19)
Photo By: Tom Schache |
Motive power wise, the train is now dominated by PN’s Broad Gauge G and BL Class pool. On a normal day, a single G or BL will be on the front, usually G522, G524, G528, G529, G543 or BL29. If the Long Island Steel is not running however, it is possible to see the steel allocated G525, G527, G531, G536 or G541 on the front.
It is extremely uncommon for XRs to be seen on the train. XR554-XR557 once in 2014, and XR555-XR559 once in 2015 are the only known occurrences. The reason for this is that there needs to be a second loco, and this both sacrifices train length and the extra power is not necessary.
In 2014 and earlier however, the train was primarily hauled by a single A or X Class. The last A class hauled Warrnambool freight was with A71 on the 30th May 2014, and was indeed the last ever freight train in Victoria to be hauled by an A Class altogether.
The train typically runs Monday through to Friday except public holidays. A rough timetable of the service can be found below:
It is extremely uncommon for XRs to be seen on the train. XR554-XR557 once in 2014, and XR555-XR559 once in 2015 are the only known occurrences. The reason for this is that there needs to be a second loco, and this both sacrifices train length and the extra power is not necessary.
In 2014 and earlier however, the train was primarily hauled by a single A or X Class. The last A class hauled Warrnambool freight was with A71 on the 30th May 2014, and was indeed the last ever freight train in Victoria to be hauled by an A Class altogether.
The train typically runs Monday through to Friday except public holidays. A rough timetable of the service can be found below:
|
9203
Appleton Dock Geelong Camperdown Arr Camperdown Dep Warrnambool Arr |
0310 0445 0635 0705 0820 |
9204
Warrnambool dep Camperdown Arr Camperdown Dep Geelong Appleton Dock |
1830 1945 2015 2225 2355 |
G528 with a late running #9204 near Galvin. (21/12/18)
Photo By: Alex Thorn |
T378-B76 with #9261 El Zorro Warrnambool freight at Brooklyn. (11/5/13)
Photo By: Ian Green |
A map showing the typical route across Victoria.
All information sourced from Rail Geelong, Railpage & personal observations.