For the first time in 17 years, a historic electric train was permitted to run under its own power on the mainline in Melbourne. Steamrail Victoria (Elecrail division)'s preserved Tait set consisting of 317M-208D-341T-208T-381M (M=motor, T=trailer, D=driving trailer) ran a series of test runs between Newport, Laverton and Werribee, as part of the re-accreditation process. These Tait cars date from 1908-1910. They entered service without electrical equipment fitted, and were steam hauled until electrification was commissioned in 1919. It is hoped they will be able to begin running public tours later this year. You can watch some video of the test runs - and listen to the glorious traction sounds - here: https://youtu.be/BKjVIRznX38
