The Kew railway was opened in 1887, and diverged from the main (Box Hill–Lilydale) line about half-way between Hawthorn and Glenferrie. From the point of divergence the line was slightly less than one mile long, and it had only one intermediate station — Barker. There were four road over-bridges and two level crossings, including one over the busy Barkers Road. The line supported a passenger and goods service, and was electrified in December 1922, at the same time as the main line to Box Hill. There were a number of peak hour services which ran from Flinders Street station (Melbourne) to Kew, but in 1938 all but one of these were diverted to the Ashburton line, where traffic was growing. This had an adverse effect on Kew traffic, as passengers from Kew needed to cross over a footbridge at Hawthorn to change trains, and the main line trains were usually already crowded by the time they reached Hawthorn. At about the same time the off-peak trains were replaced by road buses. In 1952 all passenger trains were withdrawn, but the road bus service continued for many years. Goods trains were finally withdrawn in 1957, and the railway was dismantled in 1958-59. (Source: Frank Stamford, 'The Hawthorn - Kew Railway')Small black and white snapshot looking along cutting towards Barker Station 22/4/51. The photograph, one of 12, is part of a larger album of newspaper clippings, timetables, tickets and photos relating to the Kew Railway Line, taken and compiled by Lachlan Richardson, while a resident of Kew. The album dates from the 1950s. The album is part of a larger subject file on the Kew Line, compiled over time by members of the Kew Historical Society."Looking along cutting towards Barker Station 22/4/51"kew railway line, transport -- railways -- kew (vic.), barker railway station, kew branch line

The Kew railway was opened in 1887, and diverged from the main (Box Hill–Lilydale) line about half-way between Hawthorn and Glenferrie. From the point of divergence the line was slightly less than one mile long, and it had only one intermediate station — Barker. There were four road over-bridges and two level crossings, including one over the busy Barkers Road. The line supported a passenger and goods service, and was electrified in December 1922, at the same time as the main line to Box Hill. There were a number of peak hour services which ran from Flinders Street station (Melbourne) to Kew, but in 1938 all but one of these were diverted to the Ashburton line, where traffic was growing. This had an adverse effect on Kew traffic, as passengers from Kew needed to cross over a footbridge at Hawthorn to change trains, and the main line trains were usually already crowded by the time they reached Hawthorn. At about the same time the off-peak trains were replaced by road buses. In 1952 all passenger trains were withdrawn, but the road bus service continued for many years. Goods trains were finally withdrawn in 1957, and the railway was dismantled in 1958-59. (Source: Frank Stamford, 'The Hawthorn - Kew Railway')Small black and white snapshot of the last passenger train at Kew Railway Station in 1952. The photograph, one of 12, is part of a larger album of newspaper clippings, timetables, tickets and photos relating to the Kew Railway Line, taken and compiled by Lachlan Richardson, while a resident of Kew. The album dates from the 1950s. The album is part of a larger subject file on the Kew Line, compiled over time by members of the Kew Historical Society."The last train at Kew Station, August 1952"kew railway line, transport -- railways -- kew (vic.), kew branch line, kew railway station

The Kew railway was opened in 1887, and diverged from the main (Box Hill–Lilydale) line about half-way between Hawthorn and Glenferrie. From the point of divergence the line was slightly less than one mile long, and it had only one intermediate station — Barker. There were four road over-bridges and two level crossings, including one over the busy Barkers Road. The line supported a passenger and goods service, and was electrified in December 1922, at the same time as the main line to Box Hill. There were a number of peak hour services which ran from Flinders Street station (Melbourne) to Kew, but in 1938 all but one of these were diverted to the Ashburton line, where traffic was growing. This had an adverse effect on Kew traffic, as passengers from Kew needed to cross over a footbridge at Hawthorn to change trains, and the main line trains were usually already crowded by the time they reached Hawthorn. At about the same time the off-peak trains were replaced by road buses. In 1952 all passenger trains were withdrawn, but the road bus service continued for many years. Goods trains were finally withdrawn in 1957, and the railway was dismantled in 1958-59. (Source: Frank Stamford, 'The Hawthorn - Kew Railway')Small black and white snapshot of how the Kew Branch Line was allowed to run down. The photograph, one of 12, is part of a larger album of newspaper clippings, timetables, tickets and photos relating to the Kew Railway Line, taken and compiled by Lachlan Richardson, while a resident of Kew. The album dates from the 1950s. The album is part of a larger subject file on the Kew Line, compiled over time by members of the Kew Historical Society.kew railway line, transport -- railways -- kew (vic.), barker railway station, kew branch line

The Kew railway was opened in 1887, and diverged from the main (Box Hill–Lilydale) line about half-way between Hawthorn and Glenferrie. From the point of divergence the line was slightly less than one mile long, and it had only one intermediate station — Barker. There were four road over-bridges and two level crossings, including one over the busy Barkers Road. The line supported a passenger and goods service, and was electrified in December 1922, at the same time as the main line to Box Hill. There were a number of peak hour services which ran from Flinders Street station (Melbourne) to Kew, but in 1938 all but one of these were diverted to the Ashburton line, where traffic was growing. This had an adverse effect on Kew traffic, as passengers from Kew needed to cross over a footbridge at Hawthorn to change trains, and the main line trains were usually already crowded by the time they reached Hawthorn. At about the same time the off-peak trains were replaced by road buses. In 1952 all passenger trains were withdrawn, but the road bus service continued for many years. Goods trains were finally withdrawn in 1957, and the railway was dismantled in 1958-59. (Source: Frank Stamford, 'The Hawthorn - Kew Railway')Small black and white snapshot of Kew Railway Station inMay 1950. The photograph, one of 12, is part of a larger album of newspaper clippings, timetables, tickets and photos relating to the Kew Railway Line, taken and compiled by Lachlan Richardson, while a resident of Kew. The album dates from the 1950s. The album is part of a larger subject file on the Kew Line, compiled over time by members of the Kew Historical Society."Kew Railway Station, May 1950"kew railway line, transport -- railways -- kew (vic.), kew branch line, kew railway station

The Kew railway was opened in 1887, and diverged from the main (Box Hill–Lilydale) line about half-way between Hawthorn and Glenferrie. From the point of divergence the line was slightly less than one mile long, and it had only one intermediate station — Barker. There were four road over-bridges and two level crossings, including one over the busy Barkers Road. The line supported a passenger and goods service, and was electrified in December 1922, at the same time as the main line to Box Hill. There were a number of peak hour services which ran from Flinders Street station (Melbourne) to Kew, but in 1938 all but one of these were diverted to the Ashburton line, where traffic was growing. This had an adverse effect on Kew traffic, as passengers from Kew needed to cross over a footbridge at Hawthorn to change trains, and the main line trains were usually already crowded by the time they reached Hawthorn. At about the same time the off-peak trains were replaced by road buses. In 1952 all passenger trains were withdrawn, but the road bus service continued for many years. Goods trains were finally withdrawn in 1957, and the railway was dismantled in 1958-59. (Source: Frank Stamford, 'The Hawthorn - Kew Railway')Small black and white snapshot of Kew Railway Station in 1950. The photograph, one of 12, is part of a larger album of newspaper clippings, timetables, tickets and photos relating to the Kew Railway Line, taken and compiled by Lachlan Richardson, while a resident of Kew. The album dates from the 1950s. The album is part of a larger subject file on the Kew Line, compiled over time by members of the Kew Historical Society."Kew Station / 14/51 / 22/4/51 F5"kew railway line, transport -- railways -- kew (vic.), kew branch line, kew railway station

The foundation stone for St George's Church of England, Mont Albert was laid in 1886 on land donated by Edward Dyer and the first service was preached in January 1887. From 1904 until 1907 it was known as Holy Trinity, Surrey Hills. The original church was weatherboard and replaced by a brick one in the Gothic Revival style which was designed by local architect George J V Blackburne, who also designed the Wesleyan School at Surrey Hills. The building was partly funded by donations, profits from a bazaar and concert, and other people donated furnishings. The church had boundaries along Mont Albert Road and St Georges Road. In 1998 the Church was sold and converted into a complex of units. Its current address is 19 St Georges Avenue, Mont Albert. The purpose of this working bee in 1923 was to close up the double gateway, which in earlier times had been used for entry of by horse-drawn vehicles to the church grounds. 'Lugano' was built in 1893 for William Wilson, a prominent stonemason and importer of marble fireplaces. In 1903 it became the home of William Holmes who was Chief Electrical Engineer for the Victorian Railways. He designed the electrification of the Melbourne suburban network. 'Lugano' stayed in the Holmes family until the 1930s. Norman Carter took many photos of Surrey Hills and Mont Albert from the 1920s in particular of events and activities associated with the Church of England.Black and white photo of 6 men behind and in front of a picket fence, a section of which has posts and railings only. In front of the fence is a wide grassy verge on which a bench is set up for cutting lengths of wood. A large Victorian house ('Lugano') can be seen in the background and a lamp post with a street sign. Beyond the house are mature eucalyptus trees.churches, holy trinity church, anglican church, st george's anglican church, working bees, lugano, william holmes, william wilson, norman brodley carter

The drags would have been leaving St George's Church of England in Mont Albert Road. The foundation stone for St George's Church of England, Mont Albert was laid in 1886 on land donated by Edward Dyer and the first service was preached in January 1887. From 1904 until 1907 it was known as Holy Trinity, Surrey Hills. The original church was weatherboard and replaced by a brick one in the Gothic Revival style which was designed by local architect George J V Blackburne, who also designed the Wesleyan School at Surrey Hills. The building was partly funded by donations, profits from a bazaar and concert, and other people donated furnishings. The church had boundaries along Mont Albert Road and St Georges Road. In 1998 the Church was sold and converted into a complex of units. Its current address is 19 St Georges Avenue, Mont Albert. The annual Sunday School picnic was held at Hampton and drags were the usual mode of transport. 'Lugano' was built in 1893 for William Wilson, a prominent stonemason and importer of marble fireplaces. In 1903 it became the home of William Holmes who was Chief Electrical Engineer for the Victorian Railways. He designed the electrification of the Melbourne suburban network. 'Lugano' stayed in the Holmes family until the 1930s. The annual Sunday School picnic was held at at a variety of locations and drags were the usual mode of transport. Donor information is that this was taken as the congregation prepared to depart for at Hampton on the picnic held on 25/2/1922. There are 2 copies: the original donated print and an enlargement. The original was mounted on card with photo mounts along with 506, 871, 872, and 873. It measures 13 cm x 9 cm.Black and white photo of 4 'drags' (horse-drawn hooded carriages) lined up in Mont Albert Road near the corner of St George's Avenue, in readiness for departure for the Sunday School picnic. The carriages are loaded with people and decorated with flags. The front carriage has a material sign attached to the side; the top line of writing is not decipherable, but the bottom one reads "SURREY HILLS". Four men stand in the road, which has bluestone curb and channelling. In the background is 'Lugano'.On rear in ink: "S.S. picnic to Hampton / 25th. Feb. 1922" and in a different hand in biro: "At Mont Albert. St George's Church"churches, holy trinity church, anglican church, sunday schools, picnics, lugano, horse-drawn vehicles, william wilson, willaim holmes, st george's church of england, mont albert, mont albert road

Date is approximate. Electric trains replaced steam locomotives in 1922. Mr William Holmes of 'Lugano', Mont Albert Road was in charge of the design and introduction of the electrification of the Melbourne rail system.Black and white photo of an early electric train approaching the platform at Mont Albert station. A couple of spindly eucalyptus trees can be seen beyond the picket fence marking the boundary of the platform.Black and white photo mounted on card; measures 16.3 cm x 23.4 cm.mont albert station, railways, trains, norman carter

The photo was taken at 8.15am on Friday 12 September 1919. The D class was a passenger and mixed traffic steam locomotive which operated on the Victorian Railways from 1902 to 1974. Originally it was introduced on mainline express passenger services, but they were quickly superseded by the much larger A2 class and were relegated to secondary and branch line passenger and goods service, where they continued in service for the next fifty years. The D716 was probably built at the Newport Workshops, post 1910 and before 1914. The expansion of Melbourne's population into new suburbs early in the 20th century, and the delay of the suburban electrification project, meant there was the need for faster and more powerful steam locomotives for the suburban rail network. In 1908, the basic design was adapted to create a more powerful locomotive. They were put to work on longer and hillier suburban routes including the Lilydale line. A total of 58 were built between 1908 and 1913. See wikipedia for a more detailed history of the D class locomotives. Electric trains replaced steam in 1922. Mr William Holmes of 'Lugano', Mont Albert Road was in charge of the design and introduction of the electrification of the Melbourne rail system.Black and white photo of a steam train approaching the platform at Mont Albert station. Rear in blue biro in Jocelyn Hall's handwriting: "Hamilton St Mont Albert / probably 1919".mont albert station, railways, trains, d class locomotives, norman carter, steam trains

Steam Rail Victoria is a Preservation Society which runs tour specials throughout Victoria. This particular train is being pulled by an R Class loco on a Yarra Glen Special. The carriages behind are Blue Harris carriages which were normally used on the electrified system. the train is approaching Surrey Hills from Chatham station.A coloured photograph of a Steam train blowing steam as it plows along pulling a number of blue carriages. There is some graffiti on the back of a building that backs onto the railway line.On back of photo: "A Yarra Glen Special / 1986 / At Surrey Hills"graffiti, surrey hills, steam trains, trains, 1986, harris carriages

This was a special run for rail enthusiasts and marked the official opening of the first train from Ferntree Gully to Belgrave after the line from Upper Ferntree Gully was converted to broad gauge and electrified.A black and white photograph of the rear of a train with passengers alighting at Surrey Hills station. Signage on the rear indicates that the train was a special excursion marking the electrification of the rail from Ferntree Gully to Belgrave.A sign at the rear of the train states: "First train / Sunday February 18 / Special Excursion / Ferntree Gully Belgrave / Electrification"surrey hills, transport, trains, railways, rail electrification, special rail excursions, official opening

ill, maps, p.15.non-fictionA brief history of the electrification of the railways in Metropolitan Melbourne to celebrate the Golden Jubilee (50 years) of the opening of the first electrification from Sandringham to Essendon.railroad construction - victoria - history, railroad electrification - victoria - history

Ill, maps, p.28.non-fictionProgress report on the construction of the Northern suburbs transit system in Perthurban transport - perth, suburban railways - perth

ill, maps, p.96.non-fictionA brief history of the electrified railway system operated by the New South Wales Government from 1926 to 1976.railroad operations - new south wales - history, electric trains - new south wales - history

View of the Eltham Railway trestle bridge near Eltham Town Park with a train either approaching or leaving Eltham Station. A Tait 'red rattler' train is on the railway. The railway was commenced in 1900 and opened in 1902. It crosses the Diamond Creek on a timber trestle bridge just below where the Eltham Library stands today to the right on this view. The line was electrified in 1923. It is one of the few remaining similiar bridges remaining in Victoria. In 1976 when this was image was taken, Victorian Railways commenced works under the bridge to replace it with an earth embankment and large culvert pipes. This was abandoned following pressure from the Shire of Eltham and community protests. Colour photographbridges, railways, eltham, trestle bridge, eltham town park

Covered under National Trust of Australia (Victoria) State Significance and Heritage Overlay, Nillumbik Planning Scheme. Published: Nillumbik Now and Then /​ Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p103 The Eltham railway trestle bridge is the only one of its kind still regularly used in Melbourne’s metropolitan railway network. Opened in 1902, it is also one of Victoria’s very few timber rail bridges that still carries trains.1 The bridge is part of the railway line extension from Heidelberg - extended to Hurstbridge in 1912. This extension resulted in one of the greatest social changes experienced in Eltham Shire, as it considerably lessened its isolation attracting tourists, artists and suburban commuters particularly after World War Two.2 The bridge has been classified by the National Trust as historically, scientifically, aesthetically and socially significant at state level. But this has not always been recognised, and in 1977, locals fought to save it from destruction. The Victorian Railways proposed to replace the bridge with an earth embankment and large culverts to avoid maintenance problems and fire. This was rejected by the Eltham Council who protested that the bridge helped maintain the area’s rural character, historic link and beauty, as well as avoiding possible serious flooding on the flood plain if a culvert was blocked. The bridge stands as part of a National Trust classified landscape which includes the Alistair Knox Park, named after the local conservationist and architect who helped to make Eltham famous for its mud-brick houses. The landscape includes tall and spreading manna gums and candlebarks, and the historic Shillinglaw Cottage. Artist Walter Withers, one of the Heidelberg School of painters, painted the bridge early in the 20th century. The 38 span single-track railway bridge over creek and road has 34 timber-beam spans and four steel-joist spans, supported by four-pile timber piers and timber abutments. It has almost 200m of timber deck. All of the timbers have been replaced over the years, but the only change to the bridge’s character was the addition of pylons and wiring for electric trains in 1923. A petition for a railway to the shire was first made in 1883. A large deputation of local citizens to the Commissioner of Railways proposed a route passing through Alphington to midway between Greensborough and Eltham up the Diamond Creek valley towards Queenstown and Kinglake. As a result the Princes Bridge-Heidelberg Railway was opened in 1888. From 1888 locals demanded a railway extension. Kangaroo Ground farmers in particular, led by Shire Councillor and Member for Evelyn, Ewen Cameron, said it would assist local farmers and orchardists send their produce to the Melbourne market. In 1890, before the severe economic Depression, an extension of the line to Hurst’s Bridge (now Hurstbridge) was included in a new Railways Bill. The parliamentary delegations were regaled with a banquet at Hurst’s barn and entertained by the Diamond Creek Brass Band, but the extension was abandoned when the Depression struck in 1892-1893. The extension of the railway to Eltham, completed in 1902, was one of the few built in those hard times. That is why the Eltham timber-trestle railway bridge is a rare example of a broad-gauge rail bridge constructed between 1893 and 1910. At the opening, despite persistent drizzle, 300 children waving flags and banners were among the large crowd welcoming the first train, carrying official dignitaries, to Eltham. It had taken 24 years to bring the railway to Eltham. From then Eltham became a popular destination for outings. Mr Orford of Eltham recalled that after the railway came to Eltham ‘the craze for picnics on weekends and holidays began…. During the wattle season, wattle trains came to Eltham frequently. The visitors roamed the creek pulling great armfuls of wattle blossom to take back with them to Melbourne’.3 In 1926 the railway line was electrified as part of the metropolitan rail network. But the Victorian Railways decided not to complete the formerly planned Diamond Valley Railway to Queenstown (now St Andrews) and Kinglake.This collection of almost 130 photos about places and people within the Shire of Nillumbik, an urban and rural municipality in Melbourne's north, contributes to an understanding of the history of the Shire. Published in 2008 immediately prior to the Black Saturday bushfires of February 7, 2009, it documents sites that were impacted, and in some cases destroyed by the fires. It includes photographs taken especially for the publication, creating a unique time capsule representing the Shire in the early 21st century. It remains the most recent comprehenesive publication devoted to the Shire's history connecting local residents to the past. nillumbik now and then (marshall-king) collection, eltham railway trestle bridge, eltham trestle bridge

.1 - Newsletter, large format, special size titled "Express - News from The Met - Autumn 1995", four pages. Has stories about the Cranbourne electrification, female traffic staff on the buses and trams, refurbishment of W class trams, METROL, punctuality, history dates, railways, CSE's and a list of Melbourne events. .2 - as above - Express - News from The Met - Summer `1995/96" - rail timetable changes, night rider buses, police, fares and a list of Melbourne events. .3 - as above - Express - News from The Met - Autumn 1996"- Grand Prix, Franklin St terminus replaced by Melbourne University Superstops, railway power supply and a list of Melbourne events.trams, tramways, the met, women, cse, customer service employees, railways, w class, buses, fares, police, security, franklin st, victoria st, melbourne university, grand prix

Report - 42 pages, 3 sections, stapled on the left hand edge, titled "Report of the Royal Commission appointed to inquire into and report upon the Railway and Tramway systems on Melbourne and Suburbs" - dated 1911. Looks at the state of the Suburban rail system, finances, electrification's, costs, evidence of Mr. Merz, advantages of the electrification, power supply and standards, whether AC or DC, duplication, Glen Iris line, conclusions and recommendations. Tramway - summarises the current tramways operating, cable system and operational stats, the current tramway systems, other cities, relative merits, future tramways for Melbourne, operational speeds, use of cable conduits for electric traction, conversion, municipal control , control of the tramways by the railways, a general scheme, formation of a larger tramway trust and its management, purchase of the cable tramways and recommendations. Note: This document is available as a pdf on the Parliament of Victoria website. 2nd copy added 2-1-2019 from donation of Norm Cross.In ink in the top right hand corner "TB"trams, tramways, tramways, cable trams, finances, conversion, railways, royal commission, costs

Photograph, Black and White, of the Level Crossing in Lygon St with the inner Circle Railway North Carlton, with Melbourne Brunswick and Coburg Tram No. 19 crossing with the interlocked gates and signal box in the view. Photo mid 1921. The level crossing was electrified on 5-7-1921, but the wires etc would have been positioned earlier. See Weekly Notice Extracts 1894-1994, published 1996.In ink on the rear: "Melbourne - Ex Coburg Trust route / No. 19 in Lygon St at railway crossing North Carlton / (later No. 166) After 10/8/1920. Has KSK stamp and Number LWR-3 and CEE 13 in to right hand corner.trams, tramways, lygon st, north carlton, level crossings, mbctt, tram 19, s class

Information document about The Met, its services, forward plans, trams, trains, buses. Includes maps showing where upgrades were planned, including roads, and electrification of rail lines. Has a forward by Kevin Shea the Managing Director of The Met. Undated, late 1980s, based on the text with some dates. Has a photo of B2 class tram No. 2005. Notes the completion of the Hong Kong project in 1988.Provides infomation about the forward planning of The Met in late 1980s.Document - 16 pages including folded out sheet + card covers.melbourne, tramways, trams, the met, mta, railways, buses, planning

ill, maps, p.28.non-fictionA promotional brochure for the electrification of the Brisbane suburban system in Queensland.electric trains - brisbane - history, railroad construction - queensland - history

index, ill, maps, p.104.non-fictionA history of the electrification of the Victorian railway in Melbourne and Gippsland.railway construction - victoria - history, electric trains - victoria - history

index, ill, p.382.non-fictionA history of the genesis of the electrification of the Sydney suburban system in New South Wales.railway rollingstock - new south wales, electric trains - new south wales - history

index, ill, maps, p.100.non-fictionA history of the electrification of the Perth suburban system in Western Australia.railway rollingstock - western australia, electric trains - western australia - history

ill, maps, p.138.non-fictionA history of the electrified system and cars of the New South Wales Government Railwaysrailway rollingstock - new south wales, electric trains - new south wales - history

index, ill, p.382.non-fictionA history of the genesis of the electrification of the Sydney suburban system in New South Wales.railway rollingstock - new south wales, electric trains - new south wales - history

ill, maps, p.160.non-fictionA history of some of the electric locomotives, electric multiple units and trams in Australia and New Zealand.electric trains - australia- history, electric trains - new zealand - history

Buff coloured multi-fold brochure consisting of 10 pagesDocument contains headings named - Lines Already Electrified, When the scheme will be completed, What the Melbourne Suburban Electification is, Advantaged of Electrification, How the scheme benefits local industry, Postponement of duplifications and other additional facilities, Probable future developments of electrification, Electrification is a financial success. Information presented by the Victorian Railways Commissioners, 11th May, 1921.

Photo of the Level Crossing in Epsom Road, Flemington or Ascot Vale showing the overhead arrangement and structures either side of the road to provide power to either the trams or the trains. The small signal box is in the view as well as the interlocked gates. A NMETL saloon tram, No. 4, is crossing the railway lines. Photo late 1919 or 1920. Has the words "VR Tramway Crossing at Epsom Rd showing insulators in tram line and special crossing fitting." The level crossing was electrified on 18-8-1919 and abolished mid 1925 when the underpass was built. See Weekly Notice Extracts 1894-1994, published 1996. See item 8667 for a similar photo with tram 184.Yields information about the Epsom Road level crossing and tram 4.Photograph, Black and White, with notes on the rear.In ink on the rear: "Melbourne - North Melbourne Electric Tramway and Lighting Co. Ltd - No. 4 in Epsom Road on level crossing to Showrooms and Flemington Racecourse. About 1919-1920." Has KSK stamp and Number LWR-4 and CEE 12 in to right-hand corner.trams, tramways, level crossings, nmetl, epsom rd, showgrounds, ascot vale, tram 4

ill. p.172.non-fictionAn entertaining look at railway events in Australia in the month of September - from 1848, when a meeting was called to start a railway company in New South Wales, to 2013, when the great Bayer-Garrett AD6029 steam engine was restored to working order. For some strange reason, September has been a month when particularly memorable railway events tend to occur. Author David Burke has crafted a 'diary' which documents, day by day, major happenings to do with railways in Australia - from the days of steam, to diesel, to diesel-electric and electrification, covering the first trains that ran between New South Wales and Queensland, and to Melbourne. It was in also September that the first sod was dug for the Trans-Australian Railway across the Nullarbor to Perth. The book is heavily illustrated with historic photographs, both black and white and colour, newspaper cuttings, sketches and maps, and features 13 paintings by renowned railway artist Phil Belbin. Names that leap to the fore among those who made railway history happen include Ben Chifley, the locomotive driver who became Prime Minister of Australia, engineer Dr John Bradfield, designer of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and responsible for putting Sydney's city trains underground, James Fraser, first Australian-born Chief Commissioner for Railways, and Harold Young, the Scotsman who designed the C38 engine and the Silver City Comet. Cover picture shows: Climbing the steep Fassifern Grade with a heavy coal train maakes for plenty of Bayer-Garrett action in Phil Belbin's painting of the AD60 class at work on the Shorty North line to Newcastle New South Wales Australia.railroads -- australia -- history., railroad travel -- australia -- history.