The Prospector (Transwa) - AustraliaThe Prospector (Transwa) The Prospector is a standard-gauge passenger train operated by Transwa between East Perth and Kalgoorlie in Western Australia. The service departs from East Perth Terminal, not from Perth station, as it operates on 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) standard gauge tracks, which are laid in a dual gauge format from East Perth to Northam, where the tracks become just standard gauge. The Prospector History With the standard gauge line from Perth to Kalgoorlie due to open in mid-1969, the Western Australian Government Railways (WAGR) decided to replace The Kalgoorlie overnight sleeper service with a daylight service. The new service commenced on 29 November 1971, cutting the 653-kilometre (406 mi) journey time from fourteen to eight hours. With an average speed of 85 km/h, it was the fastest service in Australia. The Prospector Rolling Stock In 1968 Comeng, Granville were awarded a contract to build eight WAGR WCA/WCE class railcars. Built to take advantage of the generous loading gauge on the new line, they were the largest carriages ever built in Australia. They were the first trains in Australia to have at-seat catering. These held the record for the highest speed attained by an Australian train until bettered by a New South Wales XPT in September 1981. In December 2000 Westrail awarded a contract to United Goninan, Broadmeadow for seven Transwa WDA/WDB/WDC class railcars to replace the original railcars. The first entered service on 28 June 2004. The new railcars are capable of 200 km/h (124 mph), but track conditions restrict their top speed to 160 km/h (99 mph). Nonetheless they further reduced journey times to 6 hours 45 minutes. The Prospector Services On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, there is one train each way between East Perth and Kalgoorlie, calling at all of the above stations except Toodyay. On Mondays and Fridays, the same service runs twice each way. On Wednesdays, there is one semi-fast service each way between East Perth and Kalgoorlie which runs fast between Midland and Merredin (stopping only at Northam), then stops at all of the above stations east of Merredin. On Sundays, there is one train in each direction stopping at all of the above stations (including Toodyay). This gives a total of 9 trains per week in each direction. The Prospector Onboard Facilities Each seat onboard is the same and offers no classes. At every seat there is a touchscreen entertainment system with a small selection of movies, tv shows and music. They also offer a tray table, in-seat power (Australian only), and a foot rest. Food is not complimentary onboard and can be bought at the buffet. The buffet offers a variety of items such as ham and cheese crossaints, pies, muffins, soft drinks, potato chips, lollies and alcohol. The Prospector Overview Service Type: Passenger train Status: Operational Locale: Western Australia Predecessor: The Kalgoorlie First Service: 29 November 1971 Current Operator(s): Transwa (since 2003) Former Operator(s): WAGR (1971-1975) Westrail (1975-2000) WAGR Commission (2000-2003) Route Start: East Perth Route End: Kalgoorlie Distance Travelled: 653 km (406 mi) Average Journey Time: 6 hours 45 minutes Service Frequency: 9 round trips per week Line Used: Eastern Eastern Goldfields Track Gauge: 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) standard gauge The Prospector Route Map
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