In 46 degree heat, with an inoperable air conditioning system, a danger of buckled rail lines ahead, bush fires in the region and finally the danger of a fire at the rear of the train the XPT finally found the going too tough.

But all credit to the wonderful on-board crew who kept everyone up to date on what was going on, and supplied us all with free chilled water in endless quantities while we sat stranded in the stifling hot carriages while awaiting coaches from Newcastle to arrive and get us all home. 

I offer a special thanks to the lady staff member who gave a great big 'mum hug’ to settle down a rather nervous and tearful teenage passenger who thought, for some unknown reason, that we were all going to burn to death. 

I was a little disappointed though to hear some of the “it's all about me” generation complain that their Saturday had been wrecked. I assumed that the train's experienced and older crew weren't exactly having a fun Saturday either, but no complaints from them as they handled the situation brilliantly.

I would also like to publicly thank the well mannered young lady passenger who took it upon herself to assist the rail staff with the water distribution and assurance to others over the time that we were stranded. Her parents would have been proud of her initiative and conduct.

I think that I can speak for most of the passengers that the situation was handled professionally, most capably and with the minimum of fuss by what was an under pressure NSW Rail crew. Good effort that.

Dennis Bright 

Wingham

Letters to the editor can be sent to toni.bell@fairfaxmedia.com.au