residents yesterday as they boarded the 3801 locomotive bound for Narromine.

Those older than the steam engine itself, which was built in 1942, as well as the city's youngest, gathered on the platform of Dubbo Railway Station to see a piece of Australian history.

Train driver Ron Webb has 40 years' experience as an engineman and wouldn't change it for the world.

"I love the nostalgia of the steam train - as soon as I finished school in Sydney I became a trainee

engineman and by 1973 a train driver," Mr Webb said.

"To see a steam train is very rare now and the look on children's faces when they see one is just priceless.

"Older generations have fond memories of those days when steam trains were the norm - the reception we've received from people in Dubbo has just been tremendous."

The powerful 3801, the first steam rail locomotive to visit Dubbo in seven years, has led a full life travelling every state in the country and is capable of speeds higher than 150 kilometers per hour.

Seventy-eight-year-old Douglas Webb reminisced catching the steam train from Dubbo to boarding school in Sydney before the war.

"I remember smelling the smoke on my clothes the next morning and the cinders in my eyes when we'd put our heads out the window," Mr Webb said.

"When you remember things like when steam trains were common, you know you're getting pretty old."

Mr Webb said he didn't book a trip on the train because he'd "feel guilty" if he "took up a seat and the kids couldn't get one".

The veteran loco was a fundraising guest of the Westhaven Association, supporting a building fund for adults with disabilities.

Westhaven general manager Gordon Tindall said the seven weekend trips to Narromine and back were sold out, with more than 3400 people making the most of a rare visitor.

"I organised it because I love steam trains," Mr Tindall said.

"People need to know our heritage and it was a chance for kids, older people and former train drivers to re-live our history."