The Rylstone Rambler – which was to bring visitors from Lithgow, through the Capertee Valley to the Rylstone-Kandos Show on February 25 - has been cancelled.
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But now that won’t be an option either due to line works.
The Rylstone Rambler was a partnership between the Kandos Museum and Lithgow State Mine Railway.
Museum president Buzz Sanderson said, “I don’t know where the wheels came off in that process, but they did”.
“There needs to be a better protocol, what I don’t understand is that I was having discussions about bringing the train to Rylstone 3-4 weeks ago.”
He added that the insistence on them needing to obtain a Heritage Operators Licence for the disused track to Rylstone isn’t viable.
The response from John Holland Country Rail Network said track work dates were in place and again pointed to the Heritage Operator’s Licence.
“We regularly consult with key stakeholders and the community on the scheduling of track work dates.
“This is done months in advance to ensure our schedule can remain flexible and accommodate requests to use our network where possible.
“John Holland Rail has had this track work planned and set up since August 2016 for a number of major projects between Bowenfels and Orange, which requires the line to be closed for the duration of the works. Kandos Museum applied to operate services on the Kandos to Rylstone section in November 2016.
“We would be happy to work with the Rylstone-Kandos Committee to discuss their plans for next year’s show with enough notice and the required approvals.
“The track between Kandos and Rylstone is non-operational, so if an organisation wants to operate any kind of rail service they can apply for a Heritage Operator’s Licence.
“Kandos Museum has been made aware of this position and has not made an application.”