FOR two decades Junee train driver Kev Schultz has wanted to a tour in a C-Class locomotive.
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Just 10 of the big diesel locomotives were built between 1977 and 1978 and were initially used by Victorian Railways.
Mr Schultz first say his first C-class in 1979 as it rumbled through Albury Railway Station as a child.
Mr Schultz said the engines had 1970s flair and captured the hearts of many Victorians as well as himself.
With an opportunity to make his dream of a C-Class tour a reality, he decided to dedicate it to a better cause raising funds for the Cancer Council.
“We raised absolutely thousands, beyond what I could ever hope for,” Mr Schultz said.
“My uncle, Les Schultz, was a well-respected locomotive engineman.
“He passed away from cancer many years ago so it is nice to do this in honour of him and many others who have been affected and lost loved ones to cancer.”
The tour wasn’t possible without help and Mr Schultz said two crews were rostered on to keep the locomotive moving.
“I was just making sure everyone was happy and keeping the fundraising activities going,” he said.
With carriages packed with people for the ride from Albury to Melbourne and back, Mr Schultz said the final fundraising figures had yet to be calculated.
When C510 arrived back in Albury, Mr Schultz said the people gathered on the platform was unlike anything he’d ever seen before.
“It’s double what is seen when steam trains have arrived,” he said.
Mr Schultz said it was very humbling to see such a large turn-out and it proved the popularity of the C-Class locomotive.
“They sound different, look different to any other diesel, they've got character and 1970s flare,” he said.
A portion of each ticket sold as well as a few activities during the train journey and at Albury Railway Station will be donated to the Cancer Council.
“I chose to donate to Cancer Council because all of us have been affected by this horrible disease in some way or another, including one of the people who has been a huge support of the C’s On The North East Tour, Stewart Anderson,” Mr Schultz said.
“Stewart has recently passed away from his own battle with cancer.”
Mr Schultz said a final figure for donations would be released in the coming week.
They sound different, look different to any other diesel, they've got character and 1970s flare.
- Train driver Kev Schultz on the C-Class locomotive
