Meet the family behind Maitland’s favourite train – the hay train.
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The Viola family is made up of Michelle and Michael and their three energetic boys.
“We have been a fan of trains since they were born,” Mrs Viola said.
“The boys love the noise, they love watching them shunt, whistle, toot and the shear size of the trains.”
James, 6, Andrew, 5, and Ethan, 3, moved into their new home on Cessnock Road just two weeks ago.
Their favourite thing is that they can see the trains going past from their house, which is next to the family’s hay field.
When it came time to sell this year’s hay, the Violas were trying to think of a clever marketing gimmick.
The boys were so obsessed with trains and the upcoming Burton Automotive Hunter Valley Steamfest that the idea quickly fell into place and the hay train was made.
The train is in the front field near the New England Highway roundabout and passers-by have welcomed it.
“People stop and take pictures, it’s great,” Mrs Viola said.
The hay train even has its own Facebook page – Hay Train Needs a Name.
While the family has not settled on a name for the train yet, it has proved to be an effective marketing tool.
“We don’t have any hay left to sell,” she said.
The hay train will remain a fun reminder that Steamfest is coming up on April 18 and 19 and the three Viola boys are counting the sleeps.