2008: The Victorian Year in Steam: This superb TWO HOUR and fifteen minute DVD comprehensively covers over 50 Victorian steam operations during 2008 featuring 15 different locos.
2008 saw many historic happenings for Victorian steam. Several 'firsts' and a few 'lasts' occurred during the year, which, along with tourist and mainline line workings gave Steam Media cameras plenty of action to film. The Victorian Goldfields Railway was the dominant operator of special steam events. A triple-header, double-headed J class for the first time in over 40 years and regular service double headers provided plenty of top steam action. Other tourist railways also gave plenty of running to film. On the mainline, R class travelled to a variety of destinations as did K and D class locos. More mainline action took the form of the last broad gauge steam train to Albury, before the line was closed prior to conversion to standard gauge beyond Seymour. Heritage listed No 1 signal box at Spencer Street was closed, ending 120 years of active service. The usual variety of suburban shuttles and crew training specials ran whilst Steamrail's March open day saw six locos in steam providing plenty of entertaining viewing.
Highlights include:
- Victorian Goldfields Railway triple header with K 160, J 515, J541;
- Last broad gauge steam to Albury;
- K 153 and K 190 on push/pull shuttles on the heavily graded Glen Waverley, picturesque Hurstbridge and Mitcham lines;
- Steamrail Open Day with 6 locos in steam;
- Mixed train to Gembrook;
- R 761 in Main St Wycheproof;
- First double J class in 40 years;
- Inside Spencer St No 1 signal box;
- Garratt G 42;
- Aerial shots of K 160 & J 541;
- R class mainline action;
- Nine News 'Great Train Race' coverage;
- Cabrides on K 153, Klondyke, 14A & Vulcan #4 and much more.
A 'must have' production for the steam lover or historian's library.