Outback Xplorer
{{Short description|Passenger rail service in New South Wales, Australia}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2024}}
{{Infobox rail service
| box_width =
| name = Outback Xplorer
| logo =
| logo_width =
| image = Outback Xplorer 10 Mar 20.jpg
| image_size =
| caption = The Outback Xplorer leaving Broken Hill on the morning of 10 March 2020. Note the special coupler covering used for protection against wildlife strikes.
| type = Passenger train
| status = Operational
| locale =
| predecessor =
| first = March 1996
| last =
| successor =
| operator = NSW TrainLink
| formeroperator = State Rail Authority
| ridership =
| start = Sydney
| stops = 15
| end = Broken Hill
| distance = 1,125 kilometres
| journeytime = 13 hours
| frequency = weekly
| trainnumber =
| line_used = Main Western
Broken Hill
| class = First class & Economy
| access =
| seating = 2x2 configuration
| catering = On-board buffet
| entertainment =
| baggage = Overhead racks
| otherfacilities =
| stock = Xplorer
| gauge =
| speed =
| owners =
| routenumber =
| map =
}}
The Outback Xplorer is an Australian passenger train service operated by NSW TrainLink between Sydney and Broken Hill via the Main Western line. Commencing in March 1996, it was initially a locomotive-pulled service. It ceased in early 2000 due to the poor state of the passenger carriages, but resumed in May 2000 using Xplorer railcars."CountryLink Loco-Hauled Services Cancelled" Railway Digest May 2000
History
File:Broken Hill XPL diagram.png
CountryLink commenced operating the service in March 1996 honouring a commitment by the Carr State Government to reintroduce a rail service to Broken Hill which had lost its rail service when the Silver City Comet was replaced by a road coach service in November 1989."The Official Last Comet" Railway Digest February 1990 page 55
Unofficially known as the Outback Express, it was initially formed of 1940s vintage locomotive-hauled HUB/RUB carriages, usually hauled by a Clyde Engineering built 81 class locomotive."Countrylink's 'new' Daylight Express cars" Railway Digest February 1996 page 40 In April 2000, the service ceased due to the condition of the carriages."CountryLink Loco-Hauled Services Cancelled" Railway Digest May 2000 page 7
In May 2000, the service resumed with Xplorer railcars, operating as a set of three with carriage numbering A (first class and buffet car), B (economy) and D (economy with disability access seating area/toilet facilities). Since the introduction of Xplorer railcars, the service runs to Broken Hill on Mondays, returning to Sydney on Tuesdays.{{Cite New South Wales transport timetables|Western Region}}
References
{{Reflist}}
{{Named trains of New South Wales|state=collapsed}}
Category:Named passenger trains of New South Wales
Category:Railway services introduced in 1996