Western Mail (train)
The Western Mail was an Australian passenger train that ran from Sydney to Dubbo and Parkes from the 1973 until November 1988. The service commenced when the Dubbo Mail and Forbes Mail were combined.[1]
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Service type | Passenger train |
| Status | Ceased |
| First service | 1973 |
| Last service | 27 November 1988 |
| Former operator(s) | State Rail Authority |
| Route | |
| Start | Sydney |
| End | Dubbo Parkes |
| Distance travelled | 462 km (Dubbo) 446 km (Parkes) |
| Service frequency | Nightly in each direction |
| Line(s) used | Main Western |
The service ran overnight from Sydney via the Main Western line to Orange where the train divided with separate portions for Dubbo and Parkes. At Dubbo it connected with the Far West Express to Bourke, Cobar and Coonamble.[2]
From 1957, the Sydney to Lithgow portion of the journey was hauled by 46 and later 86 class electric locomotives following the electrification of the Blue Mountains line.
Until November 1983, the Parkes service was extended to Forbes on certain nights. From June 1985, most Dubbo based State Rail Authority road coach services that connected with the Western Mail were retimed to meet with the Central West XPT.[3]
The Orange to Parkes portion was withdrawn in May 1986[4][5][6] with the remainder of the service ceasing in November 1988.[6][7][8]
References
- Bromby, Robyn (2004). The Railway Age in Australia. South Melbourne: Thomas Lothan. p. 94. ISBN 0 734407 15 7.
- Cooke, David (1984). Railmotors and XPTs. Australian Railway Historical Society NSW Division. ISBN 0-909650-23-3.
- "Country Train and Coach Changes" Railway Digest August 1985 page 229
- "More Rail Services End" Railway Digest June 1986 page 181
- "New Services from 1 June" Railway Digest July 1986 page 204
- "Melbourne-Sydney Standard Gauge Relief Trains" Australian Railway History April 2012
- "Last Passengers" Railway Digest January 1989 page 20
- "The Last Post for the Last Mail" Railway Digest February 1989 page 53