Our November 2024 edition has an interesting selection of topics for you to enjoy.

Our front cover features a photo by Braiden Beer of the recent first-ever use of R Class locomotives to operate a day tour to Bairnsdale, a story we explore in our Tourist and heritage rail section. Our other big story from the T&HR sector is from Bellarine Railway, where the restoration of Australian Standard Garratt locomotive G33 to operating condition has reached a major milestone with the successful pressure-testing of its boiler.

Our News section explores the introduction of VLocity sets to regular service on the Warrnambool Line that commenced today (November 1), as well as the proposed rationalisation of stations on the Upfield Line.

We have two interesting features: Chris Banger concludes his definitive feature of Warrenheip, tracking the modernisation and rationalisation of this once-important junction station. Ross Rowley provides another colourful account of a career on the Victorian Railways, this time, his stint at Moonee Ponds Station in the late 1960s.

In the mid-to-late 1960s, Horsham-based loco driver Brian Brooke would phone his rail photographer friend Ian Scutt to let him know when the No.25 Dimboola passenger train would run with a steam locomotive rather than the usual diesel. We present a wonderful assortment of the photos that Ian took further to those tip-offs.

We also have another of our Photos in focus series, this time a detailed analysis of a DDE and Y Class double-headed suburban goods ascending Royal Park Bank.

Our other regular sections are there:

• Rail works
• Operations and sightings
• Tramways
• PTV service quality
• Where is it?
• Taildisc