The Outback Xplorer is an Australian passenger train service operated by NSW TrainLink between Sydney and Broken Hill that passes through the Main Western line. Commencing in March 1996, it was initially a locomotive-pulled service. It ceased in early 2000 due to the poor state of the passenger carriages, but resumed in May 2000 using Xplorer railcars."CountryLink Loco-Hauled Services Cancelled" Railway Digest May 2000
History
CountryLink commenced operating the service in March 1996 honouring a commitment by the Carr State Government to reintroduce a rail service to Broken Hill which had lost its rail service when the Silver City Comet was replaced by a road coach service in November 1989."The Official Last Comet" Railway Digest February 1990 page 55
Unofficially known as the Outback Express, it was initially formed of 1940s vintage locomotive-hauled HUB/RUB carriages, usually hauled by a Clyde Engineering built 81 class locomotive."Countrylink's 'new' Daylight Express cars" Railway Digest February 1996 page 40 In April 2000, the service ceased due to the condition of the carriages."CountryLink Loco-Hauled Services Cancelled" Railway Digest May 2000 page 7
In May 2000, the service resumed with Xplorer railcars, operating as a set of three with carriage numbering A (first class and buffet car), B (economy) and D (economy with disability access seating area/toilet facilities). Since the introduction of Xplorer railcars, the service runs to Broken Hill on Mondays, returning to Sydney on Tuesdays.
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Further reading