The end carriage door closer, missing or broken and staff often not closing the door on passing though the cars was an annoyance to those of us sitting by the door
The door also seems to be missing any sort of handle on the other side When going for a walk through the train, I found it impossible to pull this door closed all the way.
Having said that, we had the rear door of Tambo wide open the whole way from Swan Hill to Castlemaine...
Out here in the scrub we use trees for toilets,
One passenger also suggested going off the platform on the back of Tambo.
***
Some of the hi-lights of the trip for me were:
Red carpet laid down on the platform at the door onto the train...
The old world ambience and superb craftsmanship of Tambo is amazing to see.
The VGR's buffet service, with real crockery, where the buffet staff bring your food to your seat for you.
No paper cups or plastic wrapping in sight! I've always been very happy with the buffet service provided by both Steamrail and V/Line, but the VGR are in a different league here.
Being able to step outside (onto the end platform) on a moving train
On the way to Swan Hill, the platform was the best spot on the train to hear the sound of the R when it was working hard.
On the way back there was the sight of the track receding into the distance behind us, and also the surreal experience of going through the Big Hill tunnel, and seeing glimpses the brickwork on the roof of the tunnel through the clouds of smoke...
It was also interesting to see the old kerosene lantern marker lights being put out once it started getting dark.
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