Steam Loco R766 Now Certified for Sydney Network | Inside the Picnic Train’s Historic Launch

A remarkable new chapter begins for R766, the magnificent Victorian Railways R-class steam locomotive now operating in New South Wales with The Picnic Train. Built by the North British Locomotive Company in Glasgow in 1951, R766 was designed for the Victorian Railways and entered service in 1952. After a long working life and many years in preservation, this historic locomotive has undergone an extensive restoration — including its conversion from Victorian broad gauge to standard gauge. Now, in 2026, R766 has achieved another major milestone: approval to operate on the Sydney Trains network. In this video, we attend the official launch and certification ceremony, where we hear speeches from those involved in bringing R766 to Sydney, witness the ribbon-cutting ceremony, and get an up-close look at this magnificent locomotive. We'll also step aboard the Picnic Train and explore the beautifully restored interiors of the officials' cars, giving you a glimpse inside these fascinating pieces of railway history. From Glasgow to Victoria, from broad gauge to standard gauge, and now to Sydney, R766 has certainly had an extraordinary journey. 🚂 R766 — built in 1951, still making railway history in 2026. If you enjoy Australian railway history, steam locomotives, heritage trains and train spotting, please consider subscribing to Train Spotting with Barrie for more videos from around Australia. 🔎 In this video • R766 steam locomotive • Victorian Railways R class • North British Locomotive Company, Glasgow • R766 restoration • Conversion to standard gauge • The Picnic Train • Sydney Trains network • R766 certification and approval • Official launch ceremony • Ribbon cutting • Officials' cars • Heritage railway ****************************************************************************** Come and join our Patreon family and receive behind the scenes footage, shout outs, requests and more. Patreon link: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=77923835 ***************************************************************************** Email: trainspottingwithbarrie@gmail.com