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Yes it's a fascinating story. Melbourne's trams ended up out of phase with networks in other cities, partly due to the wealth obtained from the 1850s gold rush. The Olympic Games even had a hand in it a century later too, as did the 1970s oil crisis. But even then, lady luck smiled.

What a cluster.

Not so sure about that. If the numbers match (or fall within a tolerance) they won't bother matching. And if anything looks really sus, it will be a manual follow-up.

Though it's possible I'm confusing that with centilitres.

Megabells

I think it's a bit more commonly used in Europe where I believe some drink bottles etc are labelled in decilitres.

* decibels

The SI deci- prefix is rarely used. Probably the most common is decibells.

dm (decimetres)

That's on Le liste du buquét.

There's no way they would be matching on names. They're smarter than that.

There's always more to see.

And that brings to an end my 1986 rail odyssey to Queensland, and also to this series of photos from exactly 40 years ago to the day. Thanks for coming along on the ride, I was lucky to have been able to make that trip as so much of it changed soon after. It’s been fun sharing it! 9 of 9 (end)

Over on platform 2 though, it was comforting to see that at least one old favourite was still with us. The Overland, bound for Adelaide, behind two ANR 930 class diesels, awaits departure from platform 2, Spencer Street, Melbourne. 40 years ago today, August 3 1986 8 of 9

Later that evening, the first Sydney Express, the northbound replacement for the Southern Aurora and Spirit of Progress, prepares to depart Melbourne Spencer Street platform 1 behind G516, the same loco that brought in the last Southern Aurora that morning. 40 years ago today, August 3 1986 7 of 9

The crew of the last ever Spirit of Progress pose beside the buffet car after arrival. The train retained its original blue and gold livery and 1930s Art deco typeface right to the end. 40 years ago today, August 3 1986 6 of 9

After completing its final trip, the last ever Spirit of Progress behind S301 sits in dual gauge platform 1, Spencer Street station, Melbourne. 40 years ago today, August 3 1986 5 of 9

An hour later, the last ever Spirit of Progress, hauled by EMD streamliner S301, approaches Melbourne Spencer Street. The Spirit of Progress, which had run since 1937, introduced the word ‘Spirit’, beloved today by Australian shipping, railways and airlines 40 years ago today, August 3 1986 4 of 9

Seen from the overbridge from the inner roadway, here's the final southbound Southern Aurora sitting in platform 1 at Melbourne Spencer Street station, with the Motorail wagon still attached, and after its removal exposing ‘The Last’ chalked on the rear car 40 years ago today, August 3 1986 3 of 9

G516 at the head of the final ever southbound Southern Aurora sitting in platform 1 after arrival at Melbourne Spencer Street station 40 years ago today, August 3 1986 2 of 9