Eddie White’s mission to bring a steam engine to Warrnambool on Saturday for the first time in 14 years sparked renewed public interest in train travel of yesteryear.

He said while he was hopeful of organising another steam train visit sometime between September and Christmas, there was no guarantees.

However, he has already been in contact with Barwon Water about reconnecting water pipes that were turned off after West Coast Railway ceased operation.

That would allow steam trains to take on water in Colac and avoid the drama that delayed the train on Saturday.

Soaking rains last week, prevented the water truck from driving on the access road at Warncoort where they were scheduled to fill up.

Instead, the train took on a small amount of water in Colac to get it to Camperdown where it was able to fill up.

“The drama we had going back we had traction issues, we weren’t able to get enough traction on the line coming out of Warrnambool with the hill due a little drama we had with the engine.”

He said the crew put sand onto the line to help it get going.

Despite the delays both ways, Mr White said no one cared.

“There was not one complaint at all. Everyone just had a really good time and really enjoyed the trip,” he said.

“The support absolutely blew the train crew away when we come around the corner and we stopped and look around, there was just people everywhere.

“I’m still getting messages today from people on the train who just loved being involved.”