All Aboard The Bankstown Sports Express
For the first time in Bankstown Sports Club’s history it has had an operational steam train named after it.
On Sunday ‘The Bankstown Sports Express’ made three shuttle journeys from Central Station to Bankstown and back to Central Station on Sunday as part of a unique historical event open to the public.
On its final run of the day the veteran steam locomotive, that was 100 years old, was met at Bankstown Railway Station by the Mayor of Bankstown, Clr Tanya Mihailuk, Doug Shedden and Dion Bourne, both directors of the club. Pat Shedden, Doug’s wife was also present.
The steam shuttle ride was part of Mainline Tours, which is run by 3801 Limited. The company also runs the Cockatoo Run and Illawarra Tree Top Fly tours.
Club secretary/manager John Mackay, says “the event was another way the club offers train enthusiasts and the wider public an insight to a world hard to find elsewhere in Sydney.”
“For years the club has had an enviable collection of train and railway memorabilia on display, in the Platform One Restaurant and the Greenfield Station Bistro, and we encourage all enthusiasts to come in and see this valuable memorabilia for themselves,” Mr Mackay says.
“The steam train event has been a great way for the club to further enhance our relationship with railway history and we look forward to continuing our support for it in the coming years.”
The club, which is located near the Bankstown Railway Station, has two railway themed restaurants – the Greenfield Station Bistro and Platform One – which pay homage to
Opened in 1994 by former Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating, the restaurants are a train enthusiasts dream.
As well as offering patrons excellent cuisine and drink options the restaurants feature a priceless collection of railway memorabilia.
On display are signage, water decanters, ticket stampers, NSW Rail issue crockery and silverware, oil lamps and steel ticket tokens that all give a wonderful glimpse into a time and place of Australia ‘s past.
Because the club has such a vast array of items, with many pieces in storage, it is able to change the display regularly allowing guests new insights throughout the year.
The Greenfield Station Bistro offers a quality dining experience set in the hustle and excitement of a train station whilst Platform One serves an a la carte menu in private dining cars that is akin to being on the Orient Express.
Contact: Gifford Lee, Quick Thinking Communications on 9939 3555, 0406 757 256 or gifford@qtcommunications.com
