M V Tronson further explains that he was not so interested in the mechanics of the diesel electric power house, but rather the image of the huge diesel locomotive at the front hauling the train. Of supreme importance to him was the design and the livery, which in his time related to the States or Commonwealth.
His early years were in Mackay Queensland. One night when he was eight years old, he saw the Sunlander glide into the Mackay Railway Station with its beautiful blue and white diesel locomotive. His heart was won over by its majesty. When his family relocated to Canberra in 1960, they travelled by train back to Queensland for their holidays.
His fascination with the New South Wales Government Railways' diesels with their russet red livery was illustrated by his collection of newspaper cuttings depicting these locos.
Eight years later, aged sixteen, he'd signed up as a trainee engineman, moving from the family home in Canberra a boarding house in Goulburn. It was in the Roundhouse that he was introduced to the wide variety of NSWGR diesels, and moreover it was at a fascinating time with slow but sure passing of steam and at the same time the introduction of the second generation of diesel.
NSWGR diesels were of two designs: 'hood' and 'streamlined'. A hood designed diesel sported a footplate walkway around the engine housing, with the cabin taking up the full width, similar to a steam engine.
The streamline diesels had a full body with the footplate walkway inside. One end of the diesel sported a rounded nose while the other end was flat.
Most of the diesels (one hundred of them) were of the 44 Class (streamline); while there were forty 45 Class (hood) with the same engine but a different external design.
"As I reflected on this, I couldn't help but notice that the Bible is full of relationships which are common to man regardless of skin colour or country. These descriptions of locomotives illustrate that there are essential ingredients to an engine, no different to what the Bible describes for people," mused M V Tronson.
"The message that Salvation comes through Jesus' death on the cross for our sin and his resurrection provides this assurance of Salvation applies equally to us."
He adds that we might wear different clothing today than in Biblical times, and have faster travel, but Jesus' Salvation has not changed.
The monthly Footplate Padre article can be found in the 'On Track' E-Railway magazine from the 'The Stringybark Express Museum & Heritage Park' at Wahyunyah in Victoria near Wodonga.