A shortage of coal means there will be no steam engines pulling the Cockle train in the upcoming October school holidays.

Steamranger Heritage Rail says due to ongoing coal supply issues, primarily related to supply issues in New South Wales as a result of pool weather they have had to cancel or modify their services.

All school holiday Cockle trains will be diesel hauled.

The Hills Encounter service planned for Saturday October 1 has been cancelled.

The Murray River Connector scheduled for Sunday October 9 has been cancelled.

At this stage Steamranger are still planning for the Southern Encounter trains on October 1, 16 and 30 and the Ghost Train on October 29 to be hauled by a steam locomotive, using the rail operators reserves of coal.

All affected passengers will be contacted by Steamranger booking staff, with available options.