The Great "INDIAN PACIFIC" 30 Years On With the completion of a through standard gauge railway across Australia from the Indian to the Pacific Oceans, it is most appropriate that the new air-conditioned luxury expresses now operating across this route between Perth and Sydney via Broken Hill have been named "The Indian-Pacific". Each week the twin stainless steel express trains make a return journey across the Continent,departing Perth at 9.30 p.m. on Sundays and Thursdays, and departing Sydney at 3.15 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays. Designed and built in Australia for the Railways of Australia, passenger accommodation on these trains is fully air-conditioned and sound-proofed, providing a standard in passenger travel equal to any in the world, and compares more than favourably with the high standards already provided on the interstate expresses operating over the various State Railway systems between Perth and Cairns. An emphasis on luxury has been placed in the design and construction of rolling stock for the Indian-Pacific, and the comfort of passengers on the 2.5 days, 2,461 mile fascinating journey across Australia has been lavishly catered for. Train Consists With a normal composition of 12 vehicles, each train will provide sleeping accommodation for 52 first class and 92 economy class passengers, and a crew of 14 (excluding the loco crew ). Both west and east-bound trains will normally be marshalled with the following vehicles (from the carrier end at both Perth and Sydney): one HM class mail/brakevan, one ARM class first class deluxe twinette (car 1), one ARL class first class twinctte (car 2), one ARJ class first class roomctte (car 3), one AFC class lounge car for first class passengers, one DF class dining car,one CDF class cafeteria/club car, three BRJ class economy class sleeping cars (cars 4, 5 and 6), one ER class dormitory car, and one HGM class power/brakevan. This consist has changed in recent years. At Port Pirie, on both east and west bound trains, the leading vehicle into the station becomes the trailing vehicle on departure due to the terminal yard and platform arrangement at this station. The normal consists of the Indian-Pacific expresses may be varied to suit traffic requirements by the attaching of additional carriages; and during peak passenger periods such as Easter, Christmas and school vacations, double consist trains may work between Port Pirie and Perth to handle the extra traffic offering. A Motor trailer has been added, this allows passengers to transport their Motor Vehicles for added convieniance. First Class Twinettes Passengers in the luxuriously appointed first class twinette cars are accommodated in two berth compartments separated by a 4 ft. section housing the toilet and shower. Each sleeping compartment has a full width passenger seat for day travel, the back of whicf forms the base of the lower berth for night travel. The upper berth folds down from the partition. Passengers have individual wardrobes and read-ing lights. An electric point for shavers, and a refrigerated water dispenser are featured. These compartments measure 7 ft.11 ins. by 4 ft.11 ins. For the rail traveller across Australia who requires that little extra comfort for a special occasion, the ARM class deluxe twinette car provides a cabin that boasts more spacious sleeping accommodation, extra large wardrobes, two swivel lounge chairs, a dressing table, mirror and vanity stool, a full length dressing mirror and a folding table. The divan type lower berth is 3 ft. 8 ins. wide and is fitted with two drawers. This deluxe compartment occupies the space of two normal twinette cabins. A moderate surcharge is made for its occupancy. The remaining seven cabins in the ARM class twinettes cars are of the usual layout except for the dividing partition between the toilet/shower rooms of the third and fourth, fifth and sixth com-partments which have been replaced by an access door for the use of family groups. This door can be locked when not required for group use. The conductor's compartment in both the ARM and ARL class cars are fitted with a seat,folding berth, wardrobe, table and reading lamps.On the opposite side of the corridor, which is centrally located at this part of the car, is a toilet/shower room. The ARJ class roomette cars have 18 passenger compartments, nine on each side of a staggered centre aisle. Each compartment is 6 ft. 7ins. long, with a maximum width of 4 ft. 1¬ ins. and a minimum width of 2 ft. 10.45 ins. Each compartment has a passenger and a guest seat, hinged table, wardrobe, combined toilet/wash basin combolet unit, mirror, chilled water unit and luggage rack. In addition to the main ceiling lighting, reading and mirror lamps are provided. The conductor's compartment is similar to those in the twinette cars. A cupboard for luggage, linen, etc., and a toilet, is provided on the opposite side of the centre aisle. Two shower rooms are provided at the non-vestibule end of the car. Economy Class Sleeping Cars Passengers travelling Economy Class are accommodated in two-berth compartments on each side of a staggered centre corridor. Each of the 16 compartments have two facing seats for day use the lower berth then being in the verticle position and the upper berth in the horizontal position above head height. For night use, the lower berth folds down to the horizontal position, and the upper berth is lowered to a position above the window top level. Each compartment has two wardrobes, a fold- ing table between the seats, wash basin, chilled water font, and lighting similar to the first class cars. The conductor's compartment is similarly equipped to those in the first class cars. Separate showers and toilets are provided at each end of the car and a luggage and linen section is located opposite the conductor's cabin. Lounge and Club Cars Passengers travelling first class enjoy the comfort of the luxuriously appointed lounge car which can seat all first class passengers at the one time. A cross partition forms two separate lounge sections in this car. The smaller section has a bar, and seats 19 passengers. The bar front is attractively decorated with aboriginal art motifs above counter level. A polished aluminium grill is used to close off the bar when required, and the front of the counter has a soft upholstery finish. The main lounge seats 34 passengers, and features a piano. Ample facilities exist for passengers to play cards or just sit and relax. A high powered radio receiver and tape deck are situated in the entrance vestibule of the lounge car to provide broadcast information,news, or background music throughout the train. Switches in every compartment, including the lounge, club and dining cars, enable this facility to be adjusted to suit the requirements of passengers. Recreation facilities for economy class passengers have been catered for in the Cafeteria/ Club Car which functions as a lounge for pas- sengers booked in cars 4, 5 and 6. Restaurant Service The dining car seats 48 diners at a sitting. Passengers are issued with meal sitting tickets by the Senior Conductor, three sittings being required for a full complement of passengers and each sitting taking approximately 45 minutes. Almost half of the dining car is occupied by the kitchen section for the preparation of menus for breakfast, luncheon and dinner. An all electric kitchen, fully equipped for the preparation of light meals, is located in the Cafeteria/Club Car. Passengers not in possession of meal tickets may obtain their requirements cafeteria style at the servery at the dining section end of the kitchen. A bar is located at the saloon end for the dispensing of beverages. Passengers are served with an early morning cup of tea or coffee and biscuits before breakfast,and afternoon tea is provided to all passengers in their cabins. A liquor service is available in the lounge and cafeteria/club car, where confectionery, cigarettes,magazines, etc., are also available. Crew and Staff In addition to the normal train engine crew, the Indian-Pacific requires a staff of 20 men and woman for the efficient operation of all services available on this prestige train. This staff is made up of sleeping car conductors, a head conductor, seven waiters,waitresses,two chefs, four kitchen assistants, two bar attendants, and technicians who attend the power generating equipment, etc., on the train. To accommodate these staff, a dormitory car is provided on each train, and is marshalled next to the power van. The dormitory car provides off duty employees with adequate sleeping, dining and ablution facilities. The kitchen/dining area is equipped with a refrigerator, stainless steel sink, electric stove,dining table and four seats, and other amenities. --------------------------------- ENJOY AUSTRALIA'S NAME TRAINS These details are not 100% up to Date [RAILWAYS INSTITUTE MAGAZINE MAY/JUNE 1970]