The vintage Train did run on 5th September 1971, and the SEC policy was not to run "special" cars on closure dates. To avoid that situation on VT day, the SEC placed two extra cars in traffic (Nos 26 and 27) on the Mt Pleasant line to assist VT passengers to get to Soverign Hill. The "extra" cars ran a short working and shunted at Dawson street, then returned to Mt Pleasant. This is consistant with Rods claims, and is verified by Noels second picture on his post.

grahamj661

--- InTramsDownUnder@..., "mmtb817" <mmtb817@...> wrote:
>

> My records say the Vintage Train ran with R707 and K 184 ran on Sunday 5th September 1971. Perhaps they are erroneous in the light of Roderick's claims?

>

> Single trucker 29 ran the last Mt Pleasant on that night. It was a very sad evening with many tearful tram enthusiasts aboard. It was quite in order for people to be emotional at the passing of the line although many enthusiasts maintained the stiff upper lip right to the end. (There may have been some liquor discretely smuggled aboard 29 by those who required solace). The first two closures were relatively quite affairs. However, the final closure was a much bigger occasion with a strong police presence.

>

> MMTB817

>

>

> --- InTramsDownUnder@..., "rnveditor" <rodsmith@> wrote:

> >

> > This was not a Vintage Train: it was an ARHS & TMSV special, run specifically to farewell the trams.

> > * Sat.21.8.71: ARHS & TMSV Ballarat, tram farewell. R761 7/290. (Oct.71 DD p15 item). There were 273 train passengers and 315 tram passengers.

> >

> > I haven't printed the b&w views yet. The stackloader doesn't bring up the detail of the many people in my slides; I would have to scan them first..

> >

> > I had never considered quintuplets. Not Mark Paxton either.

> >

> > My guesses:

> > second window, front: possibly Neil Woodgate.

> > third window, front: possibly Wayne Mills.

> > on step: probably John Dare

> > doorway: agreed with Paul's nomination of John Fitzsimons.

> > front window of 26: possibly Geoff Dean

> > side window of 26: possibly Bill Jessup

> >

> > Roderick B Smith

> > Rail News Victoria Editor

> >

> > <noelmel@> wrote:

> > ...Dexter Drake or Gary Parsons but on closer inspection, I don't think so. However, I am sure they were lurking somewhere...

> >

>