Boxing Kangaroo

Train Examiner enjoys a cigarette between duties as X40 runs past on its way to carriage shed. 

Overnight the USA lost the America's Cup for the first time - after 132 years of dominance to a boat with a winged keel from Down Under, 

The driver and fireman on X40 rostered on the 8118 pass hastily tied a boxing kangaroo flag to the front of the loco to celebrate the historic yachting win. The loco drawing the attention of passengers before its 6:45am departure for Spencer Street.

Passengers chat to the driver of X40 about Australia II historic win.

The final race was televised in Australia in the early hours of 27 September 1983 (AEST) just before dawn, and the victory was celebrated in public venues across Australia. Australia II had completed an improbable comeback over US boat, Liberty, winning race seven at Newport, Rhode Island, for a 4-3 victory overall, having trailed 3-1. Back in Australia, a nation celebrated, led by a champagne-soaked prime minister at a packed Royal Perth Yacht Club.  Interviewed at the dawn celebration in a gaudy Australian-branded sports coat, Prime Minister Bob Hawke humorously said : "Any boss who sacks a worker for not turning up today is a bum".

At 6:45am X40 departs Ballarat on the 8118 pass while Y152 idles in the Carriage shed sidings. 

The Boxing Kangaroo flag that fluttered off Australia II's forestay became a symbol of its triumph. The flag had come to represent our fighting spirit, our ability to come from behind when all seemed lost, proving that anything was possible. Who can forget the feeling it gave millions of Aussies. A defining moment in Aussie history, brought to life by Australia II with it's famous winged keel. 

X40 proudly displaying the boxing kangaroo flag runs past Ballarat East Signal Box and the Humffray Street gates.

After no doubt enjoying a celebratory pot with lunch at one of the local pubs, one of the shunters on the yard pilot decorated the hood of W243 with a winged keel made from cardboard scavenged from the goods shed. Maybe they thought it might make the much maligned W class more reliable. 

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W243 on Ballarat yard pilot duties sporting a cardboard winged keel.