A single diesel locomotive was run on Sunday, September 18 along a section of the tracks allowing volunteers to be retrained in preparation for a full return to service.

Zig Zag railway chairman, Mr Lee Wiggins, said seeing a train running on the famous tracks once again was a momentous occasion.

“The railway has suffered a number of setbacks in the four years since we ceased operations, but to finally have a train running on the tracks again is a moment I will remember forever,” said Mr Wiggins.

“I won’t lie, I was quite nervous before we got her up and running, but once the train was out on the tracks and all of our systems were running as they should it was nice to be able look up, see a train passing those iconic viaducts and know we were part of something special.

“This is just one of many hurdles we have to overcome before we can see a return to passenger services, but it’s definitely one of the most significant.

“Having a train run on these tracks after four years is a testament to the volunteers working hard behind the scenes and the Board who have come together to make this happen.

“Zig Zag Railway has always run on the strength of the members and volunteers and while it’s been a long hard four years, we are finally at a stage where we can see the light at the end of the tunnel.”

Operations Manager, Mr Wayne Eagle, paid tribute to the hard working volunteers who had made the historic day possible.

“Thanks to a great team of volunteers we were able gain certification for one of our diesel locomotives and a section of the track which meant we could finally see a train running on our iconic tracks,” Mr Eagle said. 

“An organisation like Zig Zag Railway needs volunteers with an amazing array of skills.”