Lots of us here feel the romance of old-fashioned train travel. I wanted to share my thoughts about a lovely old Australian train that is going to be axed. It even has musical connections.
It's called the Sunlander. For 50 years it's been slowly meandering up the Australian East Coast from Brisbane to Cairns and back. Time to gaze out the window and enjoy the peace. There's a section for luxury travel with sleeping cars and a diner like the ones you see in old movies. The wine barely moves in the crystal glasses. You're treated like royalty. When you return to your private room, after dinner, there's a chocolate on the snowy pillow and your bed is all made up. A musician plays in the lounge-car and there's a selection of old parlor board games and books. Art Decor all through. The food is amazing. Local sea-food and fruit picked up on the way.
Now it's to be replaced by another fast "Tilt train". There are already Tilt trains. They wizz past blocking your view for fully 3 seconds. There are also many other options if all you want is to get somewhere fast cheaply.
I'm sad for people like me who enjoy the experience of travel. I'd hoped I might one day take a grand-daughter on the Sunlander. *sigh*
Am I alone in mourning the loss of another one of these wonderful old trains? Everything seems to be seen through business model glasses.
Joy