Many residents turned out to see the train in all its glory. 

“We are very excited to have a trip in the train,” Margaret Hickie said. 

The train was making two 40 minute return trips to Wallerawang. 

“These trains feel alive, like they have a mind of their own,” train driver Phil Davis said. 

Mr Davis has been driving steam trains for 15 years and loves how temperamental they can be. 

“You have to make sure you maintain the steam and water at the right time, its such a team effort” he said. 

Train Guard Alex Crass was dressed in his old guards uniform, something that kids were excited to see. 

“I thoroughly enjoy helping people and keeping them safe on the trains,” he said. 

Despite being in semi retirement, Mr Crass always comes out for events like this one. 

“I use to be a fireman on steam trains before going into express trains and way back in 1996 I joined the heritage train movements and have stayed with them ever since,” he said. 

“It keeps me alive.” 

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The train was making the rounds from Bathurst to Tarana on Sunday, September 30 and from Kandos to Rylstone on Saturday, September 29. 

The excited crowd fell silent as the massive behemoth glided into the Kandos Railway Station. Hissing and clanging, the Beyer Garratt locomotive slid through the rail platform.

Horrendously loud, ‘long hoot followed by a short hoot’ broke the spell on the gathered crowd, who broke into cheers and clapping as they surged forward.

The size of the locomotive was massive. Its presence was amazing. The sounds reminiscent of times gone past.

Saturday marked the official opening of the $1.1 million project to reinstate the eight kilometre rail link between Kandos and Rylstone. 

Three hundred passengers from Sydney thoroughly enjoyed the train trip to picturesque Kandos. The weather was perfect. Food stalls provided great tucker while market stalls added colour.