ALBURY railway station was packed almost from end-to-end on Saturday as train enthusiasts and interested onlookers waited for a special arrival.
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The “C's On The Northeast Tour” made its way into town with horns blaring and passengers waving from windows much to the delight of the crowd on the platform.
Excited children and even adults lined up in droves to have a sneak peek inside the driver's cabin during the train's four-hour stopover on the Border.
The tour was in partnership with the Cancer Council, and money was raised from donations, raffles and train tickets.
Organiser Kevin Schultz said he couldn't believe how much the event had exceeded his expectations.
“I am over the moon,” he said emphatically.
“The people we have seen lineside, on the train and the interest has been really good.”
Mr Schultz said the Albury community jumped on board to buy raffle tickets for the Cancer Council on the day.
“Once you start talking about Cancer Council every one gets on board,” he said.
“Every one has been touched by cancer and I just didn't want this to be a fan trip, I wanted to help the community.”
It was looking back down the train while en route from Melbourne that Mr Schultz realised everything had worked.
“Leaving Melbourne this morning after 18 months of planning and knowing it's your train, it's come out well,” he said.
“It's a dream come true and raising money for the Cancer Council is the icing on the cake.”
Cancer Council events administrator for Western New South Wales Lily White said she was moved by the events she saw.
“It was inspiring,” she said.
“Kevin put so much time and effort into this event and he pulled it off.”
Lionel Camilleri was one of several train managers and said the support was incredible.
“A lot of the townspeople have come to see the train and we're extremely happy,” he said.
“The people who travel on the train and see the train are the ones that talk about it.”
Albury train fanatic Michael Randall said it was a touch of nostalgia seeing the engines on the North East line again.
“My son was sitting on my feet and we'd watch the shunting every Friday night,” he said.
“When the C Class came around the corner it was different, the sound was unique and we've been nuts over it since then.”
"You can't help yourself, once I hear about the train that's me done for the rest of the day.”
