The Harris blue electric trains were introduced in c1955 and followed the 'Red Rattlers'. They had a long life and were named after Norman Charles Harris, Chairman of Commissioners of the Victorian Railways, between 1940 and 1950. The first 30 7-carriage trains, known as the first series, were constructed in the United Kingdom by Gloucester Railway Carriage and Wagon Company, and delivered between 1956 and 1959. Another 30, the second series, were built by Martin & King in Melbourne, and delivered between 1961 and 1967. The trains had either two or three sets of hand-operated dual sliding doors per carriage side. Later they were fitted with power doors. Initially, until late 1978, the interiors were split into smoking and no-smoking compartments. In 1978 smoking on trains was abolished. Carriages were also designated as First or Second class until 1958, when one class travel was introduced. they had florescent lights but no heating. Most of the early carriages did not have end doors and gangways between carriages, but safety concerns led these being incorporated in the sets delivered from mid-1966. With the exceptions of the last few carriages built, all Harris trains contained asbestos insulation. The first sets contained blue asbestos, and the later sets contained white asbestos in the linings for insulation of noise and temperature. Due to the presence of asbestos, they began to be withdrawn from the mid-1980s and most were disposed of in the 1990s, by being buried at Talbot Quarry in Clayton, some having been wrapped in plastic. No original Harris trailer cars remain. A coloured photograph of a blue Harris electric train heading towards Surrey Hills station from Mont Albert station. The electricity sub-station and Lorne Parade are on the RHS of the photo and Beresford Street on the LHS. The grey, smoggy appearance of the sky suggests a winter's morning.surrey hills, trains, lorne parade, beresford street, norman charles harris, gloucester railway carriage and wagon company, martin & king, talbot quarry, harris blue train

During prestige, long distance train journeys some carriages had air-conditioning, and the majority of passengers had to brave unheated carriages. To offer some comfort during the winter months, the non-air-conditioned carriages were provided with footwarmers. These were metal containers roughly 100 mm thick and 300 mm wide, and about 750 mm long, which were filled with salt crystals (concentrated crystalline hydrated sodium acetate). The footwarmers were covered by sleeves of thick canvas, and two footwarmers were usually placed in each compartment of non-air-conditioned carriages. To activate the chemicals, the footwarmers were heated almost to boiling point. This was done by removing the canvas sleeves and placing the footwarmers in a large bath of very hot water. After they had been heated, they were removed from the bath and the sleeves refitted. They were then ready to be placed in the carriages. The McLaren patent foot warmer was used on railways in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia as well as South Africa and New Zealand. It was during the 1901 royal visit by the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall that these foot warmers were first used in New Zealand in the royal carriage. Before railway carriage heating was introduced, McLaren patent foot warmers were placed on the floor of New South Wales government railway carriages from 1891 to provide a little passenger comfort. The rectangular steel container worked a bit like a hot water bottle but instead of water contained six and a half kilograms of loosely-packed salt crystals, (concentrated crystalline hydrated sodium acetate). This was permanently sealed inside the container with a soldered cap. After the foot warmer was heated in vat of boiling water for about one and a quarter hours the crystals became a hot liquid. (The melting point for sodium acetate is 58 degrees). There was a whole infrastructure of special furnaces set up at stations for the daily heating of foot warmers. By 1914 the Victorian railways had 4,000 foot warmers in service and by 1935 there were 33 furnaces at principal stations to heat them. After about 10 hours the container was picked up by the handle and given a good vertical shake which helped the cooled liquid reform into a solid mass of hot crystals. Staff or sometimes passengers shook them en route when the foot warmers began to get cold. However, as they were heavy this was only possible by fit and agile passengers. At the end of the journey the containers were boiled again for reuse on the next trip. Sodium acetate railway foot warmers were introduced in Victoria in 1889, Adelaide to Melbourne express in 1899. "Shaking up" on this service took place at Murray Bridge and Stawell on the tip to Melbourne and at Ballarat and Serviceton on the trip to Adelaide. The use of foot warmers began to decline in New South Wales from the 1930s with the first trial of carriage air-conditioning in 1936, steam heating from 1948 ad LP gas heating from 1961. By the early 1960s the main services using foot warmers were the overnight mail trains. info from : http://www.powerhousemuseum.com/collection/database/?irn=67564#ixzz4UBNzVf6t Under Creative Commons License: Attribution Non-Commercial There was a whole infrastructure set up at stations for the daily heating of foot warmers in special furnaces. In Victoria alone in 1935 there were 33 heating works.Historic - Victorian Railways - Carriage Heater - Foot warmerA rectangular-shaped stainless steel casing with a welded seam down the back and welded ends. There is a handle at one end for carrying and shaking. Inside the foot warmer are two baffle plates and three trays to contain the sodium acetate. There was a cast-iron ball in each internal compartment. puffing billy, victorian railways, carriage haeter, foot warmer, passenger comfort, station furnace, railway ephemera, early heating methods

In the beginning of the19th century, the main mode of transportation was the horse and carriage. Even after the advent of the railway, remote areas still relied on the horse for local transport.Until Australian coachbuilders began making buggies from the 1860s, most were made in America Buggies with four wheels were light but comfortable. Many had hoods to keep the sun and rain off passengers. They were generally owned by doctors, ‘squatters’ and business people. Some had small turn-out seats at the back for children. Lamps are placed at different places on the carriage sides: 1 lamp on each side placed close to box seatThese lanterns are examples of lighting devices used in the time of horse and carriage transport.Two kerosene lanterns - buggy lamps.They are rectangular in shape and have a chimney on top. Both have carrying handles.There are 3 glass windows having two clear white lights and one small red round light on the back. The ceramic burner is made by Barton's.On ceramic wick holder - B in the middle of BARTONS B Underneath is TRADE MARK lighting kerosene-lights buggy-lamps transport lanterns

About 1912 work began at Newmerella on clearing the track for the railway line from Bairnsdale to Orbost. A canvas town sprang up on the higher land adjacent to the river flats. Local farmers supplied meat, milk and fresh produce to the camp, as well as gaining employment carting and labouring. The line opened in 1916, the Orbost railway station being built on the Newmerella side of the river. This item is associated with the history of the Orbost-Bairnsdale railway line and therefore reflects the role that the rail line played in the social and economic history of Orbost. On April 10 1916, the first scheduled train service left Orbost for Bairnsdale. The Bairnsdale-Orbost railway was opened to serve the agricultural and timber industry. Because of the decline in traffic and heavy operating costs, the line was finally closed in August, 1987.A black / white photograph of a group of people standing next to a train carriage.orbost-railway east-gippsland-railway celebration-opening-of railway

This is a photograph of a motor passenger train driven for many years by Fred Christmas.This photograph is associated with the Orbost - Bairnsdale railway. and therefore reflects the role that the rail line played in the social and economic history of Orbost. The Bairnsdale-Orbost railway was opened in 1916 to serve the agricultural and timber industry. Because of the decline in traffic and heavy operating costs, the line was finally closed in August, 1987. A black and white photograph of a train carriage next to a grass paddock. On the side of the carriage is "Mt No.14" and at the top is "First" at one end and "Second" at the other.christmas-fred orbost-railway transport-rail

The "Express" is pulled by the Little Yarra steam train, and is on a wooden trestle bridge crossing the Saxton creek at Gilderoy, the carriage on the end was for passengers, but it was only used for a short timePowelltown Express 1914 Gilderoy. Negative Black white Scanned at 600 dpi. trestle bridge tramway powelltown steam engine saxton creek gilderoy a ross

The steam train "Powellite" at three bridges station pushing a flat top and guards/passenger carriage to Powelltown, there is a load of flour in bags and extra passengers on the flat topThree Bridges Railway station Negative Black white Scanned at 600 dpi.three bridges railway station steam train powellite a ross

Group at the Railway station,this is taken at the Powelltown Mill, you can see the very tall chimney stack in the background, this would be a weekend, with a special train put on for the workers, possibly going to a dance ,races, cricket or football in Yarra Junction, going by the way everyone is dressed in their Sunday Best, the conductor is 4th from the right. Group at the Railway station Black and White negative scanned at 600 dpirailway station powelltown dance passenger carriage sandy ross

Prior to the sealing of the Kiewa Valley Highway in 1950, all heavy road stock including building materials, farm equipment and other heavy machinery had to be transported via railway lines to either Albury, Wodonga or Bright and then transported overland for the remainder of the distance by wagon on rough, poorly made roads. Trains also services the mining industries of the Ovens Valley and the transportation of tourists to Mount Buffalo and the very popular Mount Buffalo Chalet.Steam trains were a major form of transport for rural community members prior to the introduction of road transport. Local producers including farmers relied on rail transport to send and receive essential building equipment, farming produce, materials, stock and mail to maintain their lifestyles and social connections with the outside world. 3 black and white photographs of a building being transported by steam train. Photos show the train in three progressively closer photos. Photo shows a man standing in the doorway at the controls of the train, 3 figures, possibly children leaning out of the window of the carriage and another man, standing on the tracks with hands on hips. Photo could have been taken in Tallangatta, Cudgewa or Ebden near Lake Hume where trains were a major form of transport prior to the 1950’s. No markingstransportables; steam train; railway;, old tallangatta, esther temple

The old Loco shed was built in 1864, as part of Echuca's rail extension, to service both passengers and goods but mainly wool, from the Riverina to Melbourne.The coming of the railway had a significant impact on Echuca and the transportation of produce, people and goods between Melbourne and the Riverina. The extension of the rail line from Bendigo began in 1862 and the final rail was laid in 1864. The Echuca line went into service immediately. The trains average speed was 20-25miles/hour double the pace of the Cobb & Co coaches. The locomotive shed housed and repaired the steam trains and carriages.Colour photograph X 2, of the old locomotive shed, showing the 3 front arches and side arches of one side wall. This photo was taken in 1977 showing the shed open but unused and surrounded by dried grass. P000157.1 & P000157.2On reverse printed: Dec 77-M: Print made by Kodak : Kodak P000157.1 in pencil Old Loco Shed P000157.1.2 typed sticker Old Loco Shed, Echuca. 1864locomotive shed, echuca, railways, echuca, echuca -transport

This photograph which could have been taken in the 1970's. It shows the state of the station and it's surrounds at that time. It also shows the good condition of the J Locomotive at that time.This photograph shows that state of the J class locomotive at that time. It appears to be in very good condition. The passenger carriages behind appear to be more of the usual carriages used in the 1970's.The J Class locomotive and train passing under the Echuca Station footbridge. Some people are on the bridge and also next to the train.Verso: Hart's 01301111NNNN037railways, echuca station, j locomotive

Shows two bridge crossings over the Diamond Creek in Diamond Street, Eltham. The upper pedestrian crossing provided continual access for foot traffic during times of flood. The railway came to Eltham in 1901, the Eltham Railway Station is visible in the distance as well as a wooden bodied Tait (Red Rattler) First Class train carriage. The Tait train was first introduced in 1910 as a steam locomotive hauled carriage and in 1919 electric motor carriages were introduced however the line to Heidelberg was not electrified till 1921 and to Eltham in April 1923. The Railway General Store on Main Road is visible beyond the station and was built by Luther Haley in 1902. It was the first shop in the present day shopping centre. It was later known as lloyd's stopre (1917-1920) followed by a succession of six other owners until purchased by Eric Staff in 1939. This glass plate negative was used to manufacture postcards (1:1 printing) for commercial sale by the Rose Sterograph Company and its subsidiaries. George Rose founded the Rose Stereograph Company in 1880 and was joined by Herbert (Bert) Cutts in the early 20th Century. The pair formed a lifetime working partnership and strong personal friendship. Assisted by George’s two sons, Herbert George and Walter, and later by Neil Cutts, the Rose Stereograph Company continued its operations for more than 140 years. The company was initially built on stereographs, but as cinema took over and stereographs fell out of fashion, the Rose Stereograph Company developed Australia’s first commercially viable photographic postcard business. Specialising in postcards of iconic historical moments and significant landmarks, The Rose Stereograph Company became a staple of the Australian travel industry.This remarkable collection of glass plate negatives, transparencies, and postcards – arguably Australia’s most significant photography collection outside of public hands – has been passed down through the generations, surviving war, relocation, and the harsh Victorian climate. The historic Rose Stereograph collection is the culmination of George Rose’s dream of capturing and preserving precious moments in time and remains the legacy of the Rose and Cutts families. It is with great sadness that the Cutts family says goodbye to a collection that spans five generations and 140 years. The Cutts family understands that for these historically important pieces to rest with one family is to deny others the pleasure of their custodianship.Glass Plate Negative Size: 9 x 13.9 cmDiamond Creek, Eltham, Vic., The Rose Series P. 4314, Copyrighteltham, postcard, travel, rose stereograph company, glass plate negative, rose series postcard, tait train, eltham railway station, railway store, staffs general store, diamond creek, diamond street bridge, lloyd's general store, railway station, peter and elizabeth pidgeon collection

Image dated as November 1963 based on similar image in Port of Echuca collection (frame 33 of film) (print 19.5 x 24.5cm) On reverse in blue pen:" Photo by: George L. Coop Nov 1963". In pencil : " R Class goods 1948" (circled). Crossed out, in black pen: "563a" https://victoriancollections.net.au/items/59debc6021ea6f12dcaa22adDigital TIFF file Scan of 35mm Ilford FP3 black and white negative transparencyechuca railway station, george coop collection, r-727, railway workshop, r-class steam locomotive

Image dated as November 1963 based on same image in Port of Echuca collection (frame 33 of film) (print 19.5 x 24.5cm) On reverse in blue pen:" Photo by: George L. Coop Nov 1963". In pencil : " R Class goods 1948" (circled). Crossed out, in black pen: "563a" https://victoriancollections.net.au/items/59debc6021ea6f12dcaa22adDigital TIFF file Scan of 35mm Ilford FP3 black and white negative transparencyechuca railway station, george coop collection, r-727, railway workshop, r-class steam locomotive

Image dated as November 1963 based on similar image in Port of Echuca collection (possibly frame 32 of film) (print 19.5 x 24.5cm) On reverse in blue pen:" Photo by: George L. Coop Nov 1963". In pencil : " R Class goods 1948" (circled). Crossed out, in black pen: "563a" https://victoriancollections.net.au/items/59debc6021ea6f12dcaa22adDigital TIFF file Scan of 35mm Ilford FP3 black and white negative transparencyechuca railway station, george coop collection, r-727, railway workshop, r-class steam locomotive

Digital TIFF file Scan of 35mm Kodachrome colour positive transparency in cardboard slide mount.Processing date Jan 1983?472m, eltham railway station, george coop collection, hurstbridge line, red rattler, red rattler single carriage, single carriage train, single motor carriage, tait train

Digital TIFF file Scan of 35mm Kodachrome colour positive transparency in cardboard slide mount.Processing date Jan 1983?eltham railway station, george coop collection, red rattler, single carriage train, single motor carriage, tait train

A weekend Single Motor Carriage Tait train is arriving at the station from HurstbrdgeDigital TIFF file Scan of 35mm Kodachrome colour positive transparency in cardboard slide mount.Processing date Jan 1983?eltham railway station, george coop collection, hurstbridge line, red rattler, single carriage train, single motor carriage, tait train

Rarely used two coach set (usually single car)Digital TIFF file Scan of 35mm Kodachrome colour positive transparency in cardboard slide mount.Processing date Jan 1983?eltham railway station, george coop collection, red rattler, single carriage train, single motor carriage, tait train

Digital TIFF file Scan of 35mm Kodachrome colour positive transparency in cardboard slide mount.Processing date Sep 1983george coop collection, heidelberg railway station, parcels van, red rattler, red rattler single carriage, single carriage train, single motor carriage, tait train

Looking southwest towards the Burwood Road overpass on the Camberwell line. GC took this photograph as he liked the laciness of the bridge supports. It is GC's assumption that shortly after the Granville disaster in NSW (18 January 1977) where a train derailment wiped out the bridge supports causing the bridge to collapse and crush the train, that bridges of this kind were replaced to have a single arch bridge structure and that the opportunity was taken when the third line went out the Camberwell, Box Hill, Lilydale lines. There are now three lines there. Back then there used to be the old line coming from Hawthorn to Kew across Barkers Road behind Xavier College and into what is now the VicRoads building in the heart of Kew and a single carriage train like the shuttle service between Eltham and Hurstbridge operated on this line.Digital TIFF file Scan of 35mm Ilford FP3 black and white transparency458m, burwood road, camberwell line, elgin road, hawthorn, lilydale line, overpass, red rattler, tait train,

Digital TIFF file Scan of 35mm Ilford HP4 black and white transparencyd639, d-639, eltham trestle bridge, red rattler, steam engine, tait train

Digital TIFF file Scan of 35mm Ilford HP4 black and white transparencyd639, d-639, eltham trestle bridge, red rattler, steam engine, tait train

Railway Parade (unsealed) in foreground.Digital TIFF file Scan of 35mm Ilford HP4 black and white transparencyd-639, railway parade, red rattler, steam engine, tait train

Note the blue stone edging surrounding the grassy island in the intersection. This stone was originally part of the blue stone lock-up situated behind the Police Station and residence at 728 Main Road (present day Local History Centre and home to Eltham District Historical Society). Following a redesign of the intersection the stone was again relocated back to 728-730 Main Road for use as garden edging.Digital TIFF file Scan of 35mm Ilford HP4 black and white transparency728 main road, d-639, eltham, level crossing, local history centre, lockup, main road, police station, railway parade, red rattler, steam engine, wattletree road, wattletree road bridge

Digital TIFF file Scan of 35mm Kodak Safety 5063 black and white transparency471m, eltham railway station, hurstbridge line, red rattler, single motor carriage, tait train

Single carriage Red Rattler Tait train which shuttled between Eltham and Hurstbridge and a Harris (Blue) trainDigital TIFF file Scan of 35mm Kodak Safety 5063 black and white transparencyeltham railway station, harris (blue) train, hurstbridge line, red rattler, single motor carriage, tait train