A stream train visit to Warrnambool next month has soared to new heights with a bi-plane set to take on the vintage engine in a battle reminiscent of a bygone era.
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But when it comes to predicting just who will win the race from Camperdown to Allansford on October 12, Adventure Flight Co pilot Jordan Koursaris said the weather would probably have the biggest say on who takes line honours.
"We've got a very similar top speed," Mr Koursaris said.
"The train's got to slow down at a couple of towns, and I'm going to have a head wind the whole way, so it depends on what head wind I get. So it will be quite close."
Allansford's Eddie White is behind the 1951 R-class Westcoaster steam train's return visit to Warrnambool.
Last year, Mr White put up $30,000 of his own money to make his dream of bringing a steam train back to Warrnambool come true.
It captured the public's imagination and was such a success that the train is returning, but this time it will offer locals shuttle rides out to Allansford and back in the afternoon.
The steam train, along with a diesel engine, will pull eight passenger cars to Warrnambool.
As soon as the train nears Camperdown, Mr Koursaris will take off from Peterborough airport and is offering two seats in his plane for anyone interested in taking part in the race.
He said planes have been racing trains for years, and when he heard about the train's return to Warrnambool, flagged the idea of a race.
"It just caught fire. I didn't have to twist anyone's arm," he said.
"As soon as the train takes off, I'll take off and blow some smoke as well."
When the train arrives at Allansford, it will briefly stop for a photo shoot with some of the passengers and the plane which will do a few flybys.
The plane will also do some flybys at Warrnambool's train station before heading back to Peterborough, after refueling at Warrnambool airport.
Mr Koursaris' Grumman Ag-Cat was designed in 1964 and probably rolled off the production line in the 1970s.
The engine, which was designed in 1934, has 300 horsepower and will be pitted against the train's 4000 horsepower.
However, Mr White said that with the train pulling atleast 500 tonnes, compared to about one-and-a half for the plane, the power-to-weight ratio will be in the plane's favour.
Train shuttle rides will be at 2.30pm and 3.10pm and costs $10 for children, $20 for adults and $50 a family. To book a trip from Melbourne or to Allansford visit trybooking.com. To join in the plane race call: 0423 282 681.
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