Showing 346 items matching "hauling"
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Ballarat Tramway Museum
Slide - 35mm slide/s, Ben Parle, 8/04/1958 12:00:00 AM
Kodachrome Transparency - 35mm slide - cardboard mount, with one side with red border and words "Kodachrome Transparency / Processed by Kodak" top and bottom. Photo taken by Ben Parle 8/4/1958. Has slide No. "16" stamped in red in top corner. Photo of Ballarat No. 42 crossing the rail crossing, Lydiard St. North, Ballarat Railway Station. Taken from the footbridge within the station roof. A K class hauled goods is waiting on platform No. 2 to leave the station. Has the signal gantry and "B" signal box in the background. "Lydiard St Ballarat 8-4-58"tramways, trams, lydiard st, railway, level crossings, ballarat railway station, tram 42 -
Puffing Billy Railway
Locomotive Head Board - Funeral (Graeme S. Breydon), 2006
The funeral train Puffing Billy ran to farewell their Board chairman and Society Treasurer Graeme Breydon. G42 hauled a long train of passenger cars to Gembrook, and tucked in behind the loco was an NQR open wagon carrying Graeme's coffin. And in what is an old British tradition, the top layer of coal in the bunker was painted white (although the resulting smoke was still fairly black!). Two photos are attached. G42 in Belgrave yard, and a closer view of the NQR. The headboard read ---------------------------------- | VALE | | GRAEME S. BREYDON | | 22-8-1951 - 21-8-2006 | | CHAIRMAN ETRB | | TREASURER PBPS | | REST IN PEACE | Historic - Puffing Billy Railway Locomotive Head Board - used on the funeral train G42 that was ran by Puffing Billy to farewell their Board chairman and Society Treasurer Graeme Breydon.Locomotive Head Board - Funeral Head Board (Graeme S. Breydon) Black timber head board with white vinyl letters."Vale" Graeme S. Breydon 22-8/-1951 - 21-8-2006 Chairman E.T.R.B Treasurer P.B.P.S Rest in Peace graeme breydon, puffing billy, head board -
Otway Districts Historical Society
Photograph, Ray Jude, Colac: G42 about to depart with the last train, 30 June 1962
The last train to Beech Forest ran on 30 June, 1962. The train had a particularly motley look to it; 180 passengers were loaded into NU goods vans which had been hastily fitted out with temporary seats and tarpaulin roofing. The train was hauled by the dilapidated G42 locomotive, kept alive through patch-up repairs and cannibalised G41 parts, which intending travellers looked at with some trepidation. The train made it without mishap. When it returned to Colac on that cold, gloomy June day it signalled the end of narrow gauge operations in the Otway Ranges.B/W. Locomotive G42 with the sign " Australian Railway, Last Train to Beech Forest, 30-6-62, Historical Society" is departing Colac. NC guard's van and NU louvred van are attached. A woman and man watching. .colac; beech forest; railways; -
Ballarat Tramway Museum
Functional Object - Ash Tray, Wiltshaw and Robinson, mid to late 1900's
Demonstrates domestic items manufactured soon after the establishment of the tramway systems in Ballarat.Ash Tray - white glazed on front, unglazed rear with gold edge trim, light weight China in the shape of a "spade" with an image of the intersection of Sturt St and Lydiard St from the Post Office looking at the buildings on the south side of Sturt St including the Town Hall with two electric trams and the tram lines in the view. One of the trams is hauling a trailer. Possibly made mid to late 1900's. On rear has the makers stamp of "W&R Stoke on Trent" http://nicholnack.com.au/wiltshaw-robinson-patterns/index.php - accessed details that it is the mark of Wiltshaw and Robinson.tramways, trams, ash tray, sturt st, lydiard st, town hall -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, George Coop, Four generations of electric trains at Eltham Railway Station, 17 July 1983, 1983
L-R: 1. Tait (Red Rattler) a wooden body train first introduced in 1910 to be hauled by steam locomotives and converted to electric from 1919. They were manufactured from 1909 to 1952. 2. Comeng stainless steel body trains were first introduced in 1981 to replace the last of the Tait trains and underwent refurbishment between 2000-2003. Some examples remain currently in service 3. Hitachi stainless steel body trains were operated on the Melbourne network between 1972-2014. 4. Harris (Blue) steel body train introduced 1956 and operated until 1988. (Source: Wikipedia various)Digital TIFF file Scan of 35mm Ilford FP4 black and white transparencycomeng electric train (1981), eltham railway station, harris (blue) train, hitachi electric train, red rattler, tait train -
Ballarat Tramway Museum
Functional Object - Bogies - cable cars
Cable Tram bogies(wheel sets) from Sydney road. cable hauled bogie trailers - steel and cast iron components, with white metal bearings, cast steel wheels, cast frame, axle boxes, leaf springs, tie rods, axles - painted yellow - numbered 20.1- 18, 20.2 - 123 - cast letters on plate fixed to side of bogie. Wheels dated - need to be cleaned up to determine origin of manufacture details. Brake Rigging, removed except for support pins. Side support plates added by Preston Workshops. See original worksheet for measurements and sketches. See Mind the Curvetramways, trams, mto & co, mmtb, cable trams, bogie cable trailers, melbourne -
Melbourne Tram Museum
Certificate - Illuminated Address, Australian Railways Union (ARU), ARU President N C Boucher, 1947
Certificate presented to N C Boucher after retiring as President of the Tramway Division of the Australian Railways Union in 1947. Signed by A J Cregan as State President and J J Brown as State Secretary. The Union seal has been applied to the item. The Union had several divisions such as guards, signalmen, shunters etc. The Tramway Division represented the tramway depots at Elwood and Sandringham. The certificate includes a photo of the Union building, a train hauled by A2 945 and an Electric Train. The Union did not represent locomotive or electric train crews, these were represented by the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Employees. For notes on Mr Boucher's career see item 7056.Demonstrates an ARU Illuminated address of the 1940sFramed Certificate - printed base on paper with name, position inked on over a light blue wash. Timber surround with gold surround and glazed.n c boucher, unions, vr trams, aru, certificates, illuminated address -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photographs, August 21 1987
These photographs are of the final train to leave Orbost railway Station on August 21 1987 signalling the closure of the line. 3105.12 shows Locomotive T408 and on the side is written "LAST TRAIN EX ORBOST 24.8.87". These photographs are 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. The closure of the line was a significant event in Orbost's history.Fifteen black / white photographs of the last train to leave Orbost Railway station.3105.1 - on back - "Last Train leaving Orbost Railway Station on Friday August 21. 1987. SRM August 26 1987 Last train from Orbost, Friday last saw the end of an era when the last freight train to pull out of Orbost Station at about 4.co pm. A symbolic wave from engineer, Bill Buckley, was the only ceremony to mark the passing of rail transport for East Gippsland." 3105.2 - on back - " Last train prepares to leave from Orbost on August 21, 1987." 3105.3 - on back - " The Orbost railhead following the departure of the last train on Friday August 21, 1987. Shows spectators who farewelled the last train." 3105.4 - on back - "From Grandview, Newmerella, shows the last train from Orbost crossing the timber Trestle (sic) viaduct across the Snowy River flats on Friday August 21, 1987" 3105.5 - on back - " A pair of Series 3 "T" Class Diesel Electric locomotives which were used to haul the final train from the Orbost Rail Head on Friday, August 21, 1987. Goods shed on right" 3105.6 - on back - " VFTY Timber Wagons at the Orbost Railway Station. 30 of these large wagons were built for the timber traffic between Orbost and Melbourne. Part of last train to leave Orbost on August 1, 1987." 3105.7 - on back - "The Fordson powered Rail Tractor which was used during shunting at the Orbost railway station, hooked up behind the second locomotive for its final journal from Orbost on Friday August 21, 1987." 3105.8 - on back - "Two Series 3 "T" Class Locomotives (Diesel Electric) were used to haul the final train from Orbost - T408 and T347, T408 was the leading locomotive. Orbost Goods Shed is on the left. Last train left on Friday August 27, 1987." 3105.9 - on back - " 3 "T" Class Diesel Electric locomotives often used in pairs to haul the timber trains out of Orbost. This locomotive was used to lead (haul) the final train from Orbost on Friday August 21, 1987" 3105.10 - on back - "The Gantry at the Orbost Railway Yards - capacity 10 tons. The last wagons before being hooked up to the locos for their last trip out of Orbost on Friday August 21, 1987" 3105.11 - on back - " Station Masters Office and Goods Shed at Orbost Railway Station. The two Series 3 "T" Class Diesel Electric locomotives waiting to haul the final train from Orbost on Friday 21 1987" otrbost-bairnsdale-railway east-gippsland-railway orbosr-railway-closure -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, George Coop, Steam locomotive T-94 on display at Spencer Street Railway Station during the 1954 Victorian Railways Centenary Exhibition, Sep. 1954
Visible behind T-94 is an AEC Railmotor (with tiger stripes on front) and trailer used on branch lines to haul a 4-wheel trailer. Steam locomotive T-94 has been preserved and is currently on display at the Australian Railway Historical Society Museum at North Williamstown http://www.australiansteam.com/T%2094.htm "V.R. Cavalcade" Centenary 1854-1954 Exhibition (11-25 Sep 1954) presented a model railway occupying about 1,400 square feet in the Lower Town Hall featuring a number of model railway working scale models. The exhibition also included a display of rolling stock, track, electrical and other railway equipment held at Spencer Street Railway Station.Digital TIFF file Scan of Kopdak 620 black and white negative transparencygeorge coop collection, display, spencer street railway station, v.r. cavalcade, victorian railways centenary 1854-1954 exhibition, aec railmotor, railmotor, t-94, t-class steam locomotive -
Puffing Billy Railway
Decorative object - Commemorative Young Sun special head board 1954 to 2014, {blank], 2014
Constructed for 50th anniversary of the Young Sun newspaper special trains that ran between Upper Ferntree Gully and Belgrave in 1954. In 1954, special trains sponsored by The Sun newspaper, were run to farewell Puffing Billy. They became the catalyst for the creation of the Puffing Billy Preservation Society, and are the reason we still have the railway today. 60th Anniversary of the First Puffing Billy Young Sun Special - On Saturday, 13 December, 2014, the Puffing Billy Young Volunteers Representatives Team celebrated 60 years (plus two days) since the first Young Sun Special. Locomotive 14A was transformed onto '3A' for the day and it as '3A' that hauled the Recreation Train to Emerald Town StationCommemorative Puffing Billy Railway Locomotive Head Board - used in the Celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Young Sun special trainSmall, circular sign made from hand-painted steel. Yellow background, black text "Young Sun Special"around the upper and lower edges; "1954 - 2014"on left and right respective; centre image of red sunrise with black sunrays, and black rooster image in foreground with black text "DAILY AT DAWN" Young Sun 1954 to 2014 Special young sun, head board, puffing billy, newspaper, signage, 1954 -2014, puffing billy preservation society, young volunteers representatives team, 60th anniversary -
Ballarat Tramway Museum
Postcard, Valentine & Sons Publishing Co, "Town Hall and Sturt St Ballarat", c1905
Photo of the scene looking southwest from the Post Office area, with an ESCo tram hauling a trailer and another tram on the opposite side of the roadway. Has the Town Hall, National Mutual Building, C Marks, and Snows in the view. Wal has dated the photo about 1913 on the rear of the postcard and about 1912 in his album notes - considered c1905 as the destinations are hanging from the front of the tram. They were soon after moved to the roof of the tram in a destination box. in the card sent to Ken Magor by Wal Jack, he notes the the Historical Museum has a large photo of this and you can see No. 12 outlined very clearly. See Reg Item 6247 for another version of this photograph/postcard.Yields information about the intersection of Sturt and Lydiard Streets in the early ESCo era and streetscape and the use of the former horse trams as trailers.5128 - Digital image from the Wal Jack Ballarat Album of a coloured postcard - titled "Town Hall and Sturt St Ballarat", has number 300516 and initials JV in the bottom right hand corner. Card printed in Great Britain, produced by Valentines. 5128.1 - Black and white version of the same photo 5128.2 - colour version with a note from Wal Jack to Ken Magor with Ken's stamp on the bottom right hand corner.5128 - On rear in ink "1913" and "Note No. 12 tram on left" 5128.1 - hand written message, undated to May from her brother Claude 5128.2 - see image 5sturt street, ballarat, tramways, esco, town hall, national mutual, trailers, horse trams, tram 12 -
Ballarat Tramway Museum
Photograph - Black & White Photograph/s, 1906
Black and white photograph of Sturt St. looking west from Town Hall 1906. Shows a ESCo tram hauling an ex-horse trailer (spelt "trailer"). Has some other horse drawn vehicles in photo and a number of pedestrians. Shows the newly formed tramway road surface, poles etc. Has "Snows" store sign on left hand side of photograph and buildings along the north side of the Sturt St. Other buildings shown are William Day & Son, Walter Connell, Anderson & Morse coach builders. See also Reg Item No. 1671 for the same item, but with out the typed note stuck on the top edge.trams, tramways, esco, sturt st., ballarat -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - WINDMILL HILL - MINING ACCIDENT AT WINDMILL HILL
Handwritten copy of mining accident. Wire Ropes in Mines. Accident at Gt. Northern - Bdg'n 8/6/1899 Page 14. Mining Accident at Windmill Hill. Geo. Watson of Cal. Gully was hauling a truck of dirt, and whilst engine was in motion, he started to wipe the crank with a piece of waste. His arm got caught between the conrod & crank and was badly crushed. He managed to free it and stop the engine before the cage got to the wheels. He was taken to hospital. Bones fractured in one or two places. Document from Albert Richardson Collection of mining history. Document from Albert Richardson Collection of mining history.document, gold, windmill hill, windmill hill, mining accident at windmill hill, gt northern, bdg'n 8/6/1899 page 14, geo watson, albert richardson -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Uniform - Arm Bands, c. 1860s
Members of the Life Saving Rescue Crew would wear scarlet arm bands such as these as part of their uniform, with each member having a different number. The crew would work as a team to haul in the victims of the shipwreck. The leader of the crew would call out one or several member's numbers to give them a break during the rescue, while other members took their place. All members would then be relieved at some time during the rescue. Saving lives in Warrnambool – The coastline of South West Victoria is the site of over 600 shipwrecks and many lost lives; even in Warrnambool’s Lady Bay there were around 16 known shipwrecks between 1850 and 1905, with eight lives lost. Victoria’s Government responded to the need for lifesaving equipment and, in 1858, the provision of rocket and mortar apparatus was approved for the lifeboat stations. In 1859 the first Government-built lifeboat arrived at Warrnambool Harbour and a shed was soon built for it on the Tramway Jetty, followed by a rocket house in 1864 to safely store the rocket rescue equipment. In 1878 the buildings were moved to the Breakwater (constructed from 1874-1890), and in 1910 the new Lifeboat Warrnambool arrived with its ‘self-righting’ design. For almost a hundred years the lifesaving and rescue crews, mostly local volunteers, trained regularly to rehearse and maintain their rescue skills. They were summoned when needed by alarms, gunshots, ringing bells and foghorns. In July 1873 a brass bell was erected at Flagstaff Hill specifically to call the rescue crew upon news of a shipwreck. Some crew members became local heroes but all served an important role. Rocket apparatus was used as recently as the 1950s. Rocket Rescue Method - Rocket rescue became the preferred lifesaving method of the rescue crews, being much safer that using a lifeboat in rough seas and poor conditions. The Government of Victoria adopted lifesaving methods based on Her Majesty’s Coast Guard in Great Britain. It authorised the first line-throwing rescue system in 1858. Captain Manby’s mortar powered a projectile connected to rope, invented in 1808. The equipment was updated to John Dennett’s 8-foot shaft and rocket method that had a longer range of about 250 yards. From the 1860s the breeches buoy and traveller block rocket rescue apparatus was in use. It was suspended on a hawser line and manually pulled to and from the distressed vessel carrying passengers and items. In the early 1870s Colonel Boxer’s rocket rescue method became the standard in Victoria. His two-stage rockets, charged by a gunpowder composition, could fire the line up to 500-600 yards, although 1000 yards range was possible. Boxer’s rocket carried the light line, which was faked, or coiled, in a particular way between pegs in a faking box to prevent twists and tangles when fired. The angle of firing the rocket to the vessel in distress was measured by a quadrant-type instrument on the side of the rocket machine. Decades later, in about 1920, Schermuly invented the line-throwing pistol that used a small cartridge to fire the rocket. . The British Board of Trade regularly published instructions for both the beach rescue crew and ship’s crew. It involved setting up the rocket launcher on shore at a particular angle, determined by the Head of the crew and measured by the quadrant, inserting a rocket that had a light-weight line threaded through its shaft, and then firing it across the stranded vessel, the line issuing freely from the faking board. A continuous whip line was then sent out to the ship’s crew, who hauled it in then followed the instructions – in four languages - on the attached tally board. The survivors would haul on the line to bring out the heavier, continuous whip line with a tail block connected to it. They then secured the block to the mast or other strong part the ship. The rescue crew on shore then hauled out a stronger hawser line, which the survivors fixed above the whip’s tail block. The hawser was then tightened by the crew pulling on it, or by using the hooked block on the shore end of the whip and attaching it to a sand anchor. The breeches buoy was attached to the traveller block on the hawser, and the shore crew then used the whip line to haul the breeches buoy to and from the vessel, rescuing the stranded crew one at a time. The rescue crew wore scarlet, numbered armbands and worked on a numerical rotation system, swapping members out to rest them. This set of scarlet arm bands is significant for its connection with local history, maritime history and marine technology. Lifesaving has been an important part of the services performed from Warrnambool's very early days, supported by State and Local Government, and based on the methods and experience of Great Britain. Hundreds of shipwrecks along the coast are evidence of the rough weather and rugged coastline. Ordinary citizens, the Harbour employees, and the volunteer boat and rescue crew, saved lives in adverse circumstances. Some were recognised as heroes, others went unrecognised. In Lady Bay, Warrnambool, there were around 16 known shipwrecks between 1850 and 1905. Many lives were saved but tragically, eight lives were lost.Arm bands; three scarlet flannel arm bands with black cotton backing and a metal buckle on one end. White cotton embroidery forms letters and numbers, with each arm band having a different number. Part of the uniform of the Life Saving and Rescue Crew.Embroidered on front "L.S. 1 R.C." "L.S. 8 R.C." "L.S. 13 R.C." flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, flagstaff hill, maritime museum, maritime village, warrnambool, great ocean road, lady bay, warrnambool harbour, port of warrnambool, tramway jetty, breakwater, shipwreck, life-saving, lifesaving, rescue crew, rescue, rocket rescue, rocket crew, lifeboat men, beach rescue, line rescue, rescue equipment, rocket firing equipment, rocket rescue equipment, maritime accidents, shipwreck victim, rocket equipment, marine technology, rescue boat, lifeboat, volunteer lifesavers, volunteer crew, life saving rescue crew, lifesaving rescue crew, rocket apparatus, rocket rescue method, shore to ship, rocket apparatus rescue, stranded vessel, line throwing mortar, mortar, rocket rescue apparatus, line thrower, line throwing, lifeboat warrnambool, arm band, armband, scarlet arm band, l.s.r.c., lsrc, red arm band -
Otway Districts Historical Society
Photograph, Victorian Railways, Beech Forest Railway Station, 1926, 1926
Until 1925 Beech Forest saw three trains or six train movements each day, from 6.50,am until 3.05 pm, and the railway personnel reflected this movement. A Station Master, porter, goods clerk, train crew, engine cleaner and track gang were employed. While economic activity slowed a little bit after this it still remained vigorous for another three years. However, the frequency of goods trains started to decrease from 1926 when the small NA class locomotives were partly replaced by a Garratt engine that had greater hauling power. Three regular train services continued to run each day, two of these being NA drawn and the other a Garratt train.B/W. Beech Forest Railway Station, a group of two men and a single man standing outside. On No.2 Road an NA locomotive, the single man watching. On No.3 Road a line of NQR open wagons.beech forest; railways; loco na; -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Train Photographs
-1 K Class Seaby Street Crossing c.1960 -2 Melbourne bound X Class passing B Box Stawell 1985 -3 Arial View of picnic train Heatherlie Quarry 1929 -4 Stawell circa 1993 N Class Loco with N set passenger carriages. From left Kevin Neville, train conductor, Craig Pitcher & Trevor Skurrie -5 Horsham bound Goods train Glenorchy J Class -6 West bound goods train 1980's Great Western T Class -7 N Class Steam Hauling Short Goods Train Stawell -8 N Class from Grant St Bridge same as -7Eight Colour photographs of trainsrailways -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Fred Rochow Railways Collection - Driver Tom Symonds and Fireman Billy Hyde, 3 August 1986
The Fred Rochow Railways Collection incorporates photos related to the operation of the Wodonga Railway Station including different types of trains and railways staff C. 1930 – 1990. It was donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Fred Rochow, a railwayman who spent many years based in Wodonga. He joined the Victorian Railways on 17th June l947 and retired in 1988. For some time, he was a member of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen and served a term as a member of the Trades Hall Council. He had an extensive knowledge of the struggles that took place to achieve better conditions for railway workers. Fred worked for many years as a fireman and then worked his way up the ranks to driver, experiencing many changes from the days of steam locomotives through to diesel trains, locomotives and even the modern XPT train. He worked throughout Victoria at different stages of his career, with his final working years focused on the northeast of Victoria and the Albury to Melbourne line. After his retirement, Fred continued to share his love of steam miniature trains with the community.This collection has local and statewide significance as it captures images of trains, locomotives and personnel who operated the railway services in Wodonga and throughout Northeast Victoria. The railways played a critical role in opening up Victoria and connecting Australia for trade, business, social communication and transport.At Spencer Street Station on the last “Southern Aurora". The locomotive was G516. Driver Tom Symonds was based in Wodonga from 1955 to 1987. He served as AFULE Branch Secretary from 1962 to 1963 and 1966 to 1971. G Class Locomotives - G Class locomotives were primarily intended for hauling freight services, they were also used on passenger trains such as the “Southern Aurora” and the “Intercapital Daylight”. Locomotive G516 came into service in December 1984. After a series of contractual changeovers between companies it was transferred to QR National and is still in operation, The "Southern Aurora", the overnight Sydney-Melbourne express, was one of the icons of Australian railways in the 1960s and 1970s. Uniquely in Australia, it conveyed only First Class passengers, all of whom were accommodated in air-conditioned sleeping cars, all equipped with showers. The Southern Aurora was introduced when part of Australia's rail gauge problem was solved with the construction of a new standard gauge line. The new line was a 317 km long line running from Albury, NSW, parallel to the existing broad gauge line to Melbourne, connecting Australia's two largest cities by standard gauge. The Southern Aurora consisted of 14 stainless steel cars: a luggage van, a power van, a dining car, a lounge car, and ten First Class Sleeping Cars. The total capacity was 198 passengers. For a number of years, there were no intermediate stops for passengers, and the train had the longest non-stop run in Australia, 430 km from Goulburn to Albury. Dining car crews changed at Goulburn and Albury, and locos were changed at Albury. The first train ran from Sydney on Thursday 14th April 1962, with full regular services starting from both Sydney and Melbourne on Monday 16th April 1962. The classic S Class locomotive was used to haul the early Southern Aurora trains. From 1984 it was also hauled by the new G Class locomotives, On the morning of 7th February 1969, the southbound Southern Aurora collided head-on with a northbound goods near Violet Town, Victoria. Nine passengers and crew were killed, and seven carriages were destroyed. A steady decline in patronage saw the withdrawal of the service in August 1986. At top of locomotive "G516". In centre of locomotive, "V" insignia of VLinerailways wodonga, fred rochow, wodonga railway men, g class locomotives, the southern aurora -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph, Late 1900s
This photograph dating to the late 1900s depicts the entrance to a reef mine the in Beechworth division. The image depicts two men outside the entrance, which is covered by a hut, where one is standing near a mine cart. The mine car was used to haul soil from the mine. The Beewchworth divison consisted of 5 locations: Beechworth, Stanley, El Dorado, Hurdle Flat and Stony Creek. These locations were set up due to speculative fever that more gold could be found. In places such as El Dorado, Beechworth and Stanley there was profit, however Hurdle Flat and Stonry Creek, gold could not be found in the quantities that was required. By 1880 the Beechworth division was in depression due to the reserves being used up. However, in spite of the depression mining was continued until the late 20th Century.The search for gold is ingrained into the history of Victoria and therefore, images like this one which portray an open cut sluicing site can reveal important information for society and technology for the date when the photograph was taken. This image is of important historical significance for its ability to convey information about reef mining in the late 1900s. It also shows a location where reef mining was undertook which provides insight into the impact of reef mining on the environment at a time when it was done. This image is important for current research into the history of Beechworth , a town in Victoria's north-east. Therefore, this image has the capacity to be beneficial for research into society and the motivations of those living and working in this region during this period and therefore, has social significance. The Beechworth Burke Museum has additional images relating to reef mining and Beechworth which can be analysed and studied alongside images like this one.Sepia coloured retangular photograph printed on newspaper.Reverse: 7813beechworth, beechworth division, mining, reef mining, gold, gold mining, 1990 -
Puffing Billy Railway
Malcolm Moore Rail Tractor 0-4-0 2' Gauge, 1943
Malcolm Moore No. 1015 One of a Batch of 92 such rail tractors built. Builders Number 1015. Built for the Australian Army in 1943 Built for the Australian army - delivered to Army on the 3 March 1944 and was sold to the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission at Red Cliffs, Victoria. - used at the Red Cliffs Power station to haul briquettes from the rail siding Red Cliffs to the Red Cliffs Power Station and also used for shunting and some haulage from the Red Cliffs siding.. This rail tractor was originally powered by a Ford side valve V8 petrol engine. It arrived at the Museum from Red Cliffs in 1977 and is operational. Originally equipped with a Ford side valve V8 Later replaced by a Fordson Major diesel tractor engine.Historic - Narrow Gauge Industrial Railway - used by the Australian Army, and the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission at Redcliffs, Victoria, AustraliaMalcolm Moore No.1015 - Malcolm Moore Rail Tractor 0-4-0 Malcolm Moore Rail Tractor - Steel (Painted)Malcolm Moore Rail Tractor 0-4-0 Malcolm Moore 2' Gauge 1015puffing billy, malcolm moore, ford v8, rail tractor, fordson, australian army, state rivers and water supply commission, 2' gauge, industrial narrow gauge railway -
Queenscliffe Maritime Museum
Domestic object - Barrel Tap
A traditional term in the British Navy meaning to serve out an additional tot of grog to a ship's crew. The main brace itself was a purchase attached to the main lower yard of a square-rigged ship to brace the yard round to the wind. However, it probably has little to do with the saying beyond the fact that hauling on the main brace called for a maximum effort by the crew. In the days of sail the main brace was spliced (in terms of drink) in very bad weather or after a period of severe exertion by the crew, more as a pick-me-up than for any other purpose. But with the introduction of steam propulsion, with machines to take most of the harder labour out of seagoing, the main brace was spliced only on occasions of celebration or, occasionally, after battle. Now that rum is no longer issued aboard ship, splicing the main brace is a thing of the past.A small tap used to empty contents from a barrel containing rum or whisky aboard ships.Brass spigot or tap used for inserting into a barrel containing liquid such as rum, whisky or vinegar etctap, spigot, barrel, alcohol, liquid storage -
Otway Districts Historical Society
Photograph, R. Preston, Beech Forest: Loading puncheons, c.1914, c.1914
While one of the lesser prime loading points sawn and split timber were loaded at Beech Forest, and a large share of this was brought to the station over two timber tramways that operated between 1904 and 1933. At the eastern end of the railway yard, near the six-ton derrick crane, a wooden tramline curved out the gate and along the road for about 8 km (5 miles) to the co-operative Box Company, known locally as the Box mill, owned by the Victorian Diary Farmers' Co-operative whose purpose was the milling of butter boxes. Other millers also provided timber. Logs were hauled to the mill by horses, and the sawn timber despatched over a tramline that joined the Box mill line about 1.2 km (0.75 miles) along. B/W. Two men loading puncheons (a short post approximately 4 feet [1.2 metres] especially used for supporting a roof in a coal mine) on a NQR wagon at Beech Forest. Note the lack of trees in the background.beech forest; railways; puncheons; -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Photograph, Surrey Hills Mounted Police Station (Dem.)
Surrey Hills Mounted Police Station was located at 5 Suffolk Road (dem.) from 1889-1914. It was a police residence with two rooms as the police office and workshop. There were stables on the back fence. The property adjoined Wyclif Church in Norfolk Road. Gilbert McCallum rented from c.1914-1923 when he built a home in Westminster Street. It is his son Archie who can just be seen on the front steps. Archie remembers the 2 storied stables with a gantry for hauling feed sacks up with a block and tackle, then a polished wood slide to send the feed down. The McCallum children and local friends found this to be a marvellous slide. David McPhie, ex-police force, lived here with his family from 1923-c.1950. A black and white photograph showing a mid to late Victorian style weatherboard house with decorative brackets under the eaves. The verandah is of timber with decorative timber fretwork.surrey hills mounted police, suffolk road, surrey hills, wyclif church, (mr) gilbert mccallum, (mr) david mcphie, police, (master) archie mccallum -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Equipment - Sand anchor, Mid-19th to mid-20th Century
The rocket rescue crews used a sand anchor at a beach rescue site to weigh down the rescue apparatus. The crew would connect the steel cables to the connecting cable and then join heavy ropes or chains to the connecting cable. They would then bury the anchor in a trench about three-quarters of a metre deep, keeping the connecting cable’s end free. The length of heavy rope or chain was attached to a pulley block onto the heavy hawser line. The block and a crotch pole were used to keep the hawser line high and taught, keeping the survivors above the sea as they were hauled to shore on a line or in a breeches buoy. Saving lives in Warrnambool – The coastline of South West Victoria is the site of over 600 shipwrecks and many lost lives; even in Warrnambool’s Lady Bay there were around 16 known shipwrecks between 1850 and 1905, with eight lives lost. In 1859 the first Government-built lifeboat arrived at Warrnambool Harbour and a shed was soon built to house it. In 1858 the provision of rocket and mortar apparatus was approved for lifeboat stations in Victoria, and in 1864 a rocket house was built to safely store the rocket rescue equipment. In 1878 the buildings were moved to the Breakwater area, and in 1910 the new Lifeboat Warrnambool arrived with its ‘self-righting’ design. For almost a hundred years the lifeboat and rocket crews, mostly local volunteers, trained regularly to maintain their rescue skills. They were summoned when needed by alarms, gunshots, ringing bells and foghorns. Some became local heroes but all served an important role. By the end of the 1950s, the lifeboat and rescue equipment had become obsolete. Rocket Rescue Method - The Government of Victoria adopted lifesaving methods based on Her Majesty’s Coast Guard in Great Britain. It authorised the first line-throwing rescue system in 1858. Captain Manby’s mortar powered a projectile connected to a rope, invented in 1808. The equipment was updated to John Dennett’s 8-foot shaft and rocket method that had a longer range of about 250 yards. From the 1860s the breeches buoy apparatus was in use. The apparatus was suspended on a hawser line and manually pulled to and from the distressed vessel carrying passengers and items. In the early 1870s Colonel Boxer’s rocket rescue method became the standard in Victoria. His two-stage rockets, charged by a gunpowder composition, could fire the line up to 500-600 yards, although 1000 yards range was possible. Boxer’s rocket carried the light line, which was faked, or coiled, in a particular way between pegs in a faking box to prevent twists and tangles when fired. The angle of firing the rocket to the vessel in distress was measured by a quadrant-type instrument on the side of the rocket machine. Decades later, in about 1920, Schermuly invented the line-throwing pistol that used a small cartridge to fire the rocket. The British Board of Trade published instructions for both the beach rescue crew and ship’s crew. It involved setting up the rocket launcher on shore at a particular angle measured by the quadrant, inserting a rocket that had a lightweight line threaded through its shaft, and then firing it across the stranded vessel, the line issuing freely from the faking board. A tally board was then sent out to the ship with instructions in four languages. The ship’s crew would haul on the line to bring out the heavier, continuous whip line, then secure the attached whip block to the mast or other sturdy part of the ship. The rescue crew on shore then hauled out a stronger hawser line, which the ship’s crew fixed above the whip block. The hawser was then tightened using the block on the shore end of the whip. The breeches buoy and endless whip are then attached to the traveller block on the hawser, allowing the shore crew to haul the breeches buoy to and from the vessel, rescuing the stranded crew one at a time. This sand anchor is part of the rocket rescue equipment and is significant for its connection with local history, maritime history and marine technology. Lifesaving has been an important part of the services performed from Warrnambool's very early days, supported by State and Local Government, and based on the methods and experience of Great Britain. Hundreds of shipwrecks along the coast are evidence of the rough weather and rugged coastline. Ordinary citizens, the Harbour employees, and the volunteer boat and rescue crew, saved lives in adverse circumstances. Some were recognised as heroes, others went unrecognised. In Lady Bay, Warrnambool, there were around 16 known shipwrecks between 1850 and 1905. Many lives were saved but tragically, eight lives were lost.The sand anchor comprises a plank with steel cables and a connecting cable. The rectangular wooden bevelled-edged plank with two pairs of square metal plates bolted through it. Each metal plate has an eyelet and the two steel cable lengths are permanently attached by their eyelets to the plates. The eyelets at each end of the cable lengths are reinforced with rope work and one length also has a ‘U’ bolt shackle connection. The steel connecting cable also has reinforced eyelets at both ends. The plank has a black stencilled inscription on the upper surface. Stencilled in black paint "ANCHOR" "BACKER"flagstaff hill maritime museum & village, flagstaff hill, maritime museum, maritime village, warrnambool, great ocean road, shipwreck, life-saving, lifesaving, rescue crew, rescue, rocket rescue, maritime accidents, shipwreck victim, rocket crew, beach rescue, line rescue, rescue equipment, rocket firing equipment, rocket rescue equipment, rocket apparatus, beach apparatus, breeches buoy, rocket house, rocket equipment, rocket launcher, rocket line, marine technology, beach rescue set, traveller, block, running block, pulley, hawser, faked line, lady bay, warrnambool harbour, port of warrnambool, volunteer lifesavers, volunteer crew, breakwater, rocket rescue method, rocket rescue apparatus, shore to ship, rocket apparatus rescue, stranded vessel, whip line, endless whip, harbour board, sand anchor, rocket set, anchor backer, rescue anchor, beach anchor, backer, anchor, steel cable, wire cable, connecting cable -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - ALBERT RICHARDSON COLLECTION: GREAT SOUTHERN GOLD MINE, GARDEN GULLY LINE OF REEF
Three-page document detailing information on the Great Southern Gold Mine on the Garden Gully line of reef. The main shaft was located in Quarry Hill, approximately 120 yards southeast of Gladstone Street and 66 yards from Peel Street. The main shaft was 2,546 feet plus winze of 180 ft. The poppet legs were wooden with a tall row landing brace. Large pithead pulleys. Boilers of the Cornish flue type by Roberts and Sons Bendigo. Winding engine by A. Harkness & Co., Bendigo. The plant was a 'splendid example of workmanship in Bendigo Foundries. The winding engine capable of hauling from more than 4,000 feet.' The company was formed in 1876 and disposed of its assets to Bear Bros. In 1918, the last crushing was in 1924.bendigo, mining, great southern gold mine -
Ballarat Tramway Museum
Photograph - Black & White Photograph/s, 1906
Black and white photograph of Sturt St. looking west from Town Hall 1906. Shows a ESCo tram hauling an ex-horse trailer . Has some other horse drawn vehicles in photo and a number of pedestrians. Shows the newly formed tramway road surface, poles etc. Has "Snows" store sign on left hand side of photograph and buildings along the north side of the Sturt St. Other buildings shown are William Day & Son, Walter Connell, Anderson & Morse coach builders. On the top of the item is the words "Two Views of Sturt St.". See also Reg Item No. 888 for the same item, but with a typed caption note stuck on the top edge. See Reg Item No. 2784 for the other "Two Views of Sturt St." image.trams, tramways, esco, sturt st., ballarat -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - MINING REPORTS - CALEB THOMAS PLANS
Copy of Caleb Thomas plans, (a) Sheet No 778, dated 24th 1884. Mines mentioned are: Catherine Reef (South) Shaft, Catherine Reef United Main Shaft, Shaft No 50B, Shaft No 51A North Shaft and the Williams Main Shaft. Mentioned are distances from each mine in yards and from the Eaglehawk to Kerang Railway in feet. Also mentioned are ounces of gold. (b) Sheet No III dated 10/10/1884. Mines mentioned are: York & Durham, Arcadia Catherine, Williams (Old) Shaft, Trio-Hauling Co, South Catherine (later Williams United Main Shaft and others by shaft numbers. Mentioned are distances in yards or feet from each mine, number of compartments and ounces of gold. Document is part of the Albert Richardson Collection.document, gold, mining reports, mining reports, caleb thomas plans, york & durham, acadia catherine, williams (old) shaft, trio-hauling co, south catherine (later williams united main shaft -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - MINING REPORTS - AIR BRAKES
Handwritten quote from W. Abraham, Inspl of Mines, Bendigo. He had been at the Great Northern Company's mine when the engine driver was hauling water from the 1.780 feet level, with a tank on one side and a cage on the other, broke the cross-head and two motion-bars; the drums reversed and desecended about 50 feet. The driver applied the air-brakes. The drums were brought a standstill, without any further damage. The Insp. Was in favour of the air -brakes and thought every should be compelled to use them in shafts below 1,000 feet in depth. Also a list of companies who have had these brakes fitted to their winding plants and a list of the companies who intend to fit them. Also mentioned is the price of fitting which was from 30 to 50 pounds.document, gold, mining reports, mining reports, air brakes, secretary mines report 1900 page 69, w abraham, great northern company, harkness & co, james mitchell, princess dagmar g m coy, confidence extended g m coy, victoria reef quartz coy, new moon g m coy, great southern garden gully g m coy, francis ormond g m coy chewton -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Equipment - Hand Barrow, 1860s
This hand barrow, sometimes called a Welsh hand barrow, was used to transport a load of marine rescue equipment from the beach cart to the rescue site, particularly over hilly, uneven or rough terrain. Hand barrows were in common use in the 19th century. Saving lives in Warrnambool – The coastline of South West Victoria is the site of over 600 shipwrecks and many lost lives; even in Warrnambool’s Lady Bay there were around 16 known shipwrecks between 1850 and 1905, with eight lives lost. Victoria’s Government responded to the need for lifesaving equipment and, in 1858, the provision of rocket and mortar apparatus was approved for the lifeboat stations. In 1859 the first Government-built lifeboat arrived at Warrnambool Harbour and a shed was soon built for it on the Tramway Jetty, followed by a rocket house in 1864 to safely store the rocket rescue equipment. In 1878 the buildings were moved to the Breakwater (constructed from 1874-1890), and in 1910 the new Lifeboat Warrnambool arrived with its ‘self-righting’ design. For almost a hundred years the lifesaving and rescue crews, mostly local volunteers, trained regularly to rehearse and maintain their rescue skills. They were summoned when needed by alarms, gunshots, ringing bells and foghorns. In July 1873 a brass bell was erected at Flagstaff Hill specifically to call the rescue crew upon news of a shipwreck. Some crew members became local heroes but all served an important role. Rocket apparatus was used as recently as the 1950s. Rocket Rescue Method - Rocket rescue became the preferred lifesaving method of the rescue crews, being much safer that using a lifeboat in rough seas and poor conditions. The Government of Victoria adopted lifesaving methods based on Her Majesty’s Coast Guard in Great Britain. It authorised the first line-throwing rescue system in 1858. Captain Manby’s mortar powered a projectile connected to rope, invented in 1808. The equipment was updated to John Dennett’s 8-foot shaft and rocket method that had a longer range of about 250 yards. From the 1860s the breeches buoy and traveller block rocket rescue apparatus was in use. It was suspended on a hawser line and manually pulled to and from the distressed vessel carrying passengers and items. In the early 1870s Colonel Boxer’s rocket rescue method became the standard in Victoria. His two-stage rockets, charged by a gunpowder composition, could fire the line up to 500-600 yards, although 1000 yards range was possible. Boxer’s rocket carried the light line, which was faked, or coiled, in a particular way between pegs in a faking box to prevent twists and tangles when fired. The angle of firing the rocket to the vessel in distress was measured by a quadrant-type instrument on the side of the rocket machine. Decades later, in about 1920, Schermuly invented the line-throwing pistol that used a small cartridge to fire the rocket. . The British Board of Trade regularly published instructions for both the beach rescue crew and ship’s crew. It involved setting up the rocket launcher on shore at a particular angle, determined by the Head of the crew and measured by the quadrant, inserting a rocket that had a light-weight line threaded through its shaft, and then firing it across the stranded vessel, the line issuing freely from the faking board. A continuous whip line was then sent out to the ship’s crew, who hauled it in then followed the instructions – in four languages - on the attached tally board. The survivors would haul on the line to bring out the heavier, continuous whip line with a tail block connected to it. They then secured the block to the mast or other strong part the ship. The rescue crew on shore then hauled out a stronger hawser line, which the survivors fixed above the whip’s tail block. The hawser was then tightened by the crew pulling on it, or by using the hooked block on the shore end of the whip and attaching it to a sand anchor. The breeches buoy was attached to the traveller block on the hawser, and the shore crew then used the whip line to haul the breeches buoy to and from the vessel, rescuing the stranded crew one at a time. The rescue crew wore scarlet, numbered armbands and worked on a numerical rotation system, swapping members out to rest them. This hand barrow is significant for its connection with local history, maritime history and marine technology. Lifesaving has been an important part of the services performed from Warrnambool's very early days, supported by State and Local Government, and based on the methods and experience of Great Britain. Hundreds of shipwrecks along the coast are evidence of the rough weather and rugged coastline. Ordinary citizens, the Harbour employees, and the volunteer boat and rescue crew, saved lives in adverse circumstances. Some were recognised as heroes, others went unrecognised. In Lady Bay, Warrnambool, there were around 16 known shipwrecks between 1850 and 1905. Many lives were saved but tragically, eight lives were lost.Hand barrow; a transporting device carried between two people walking one in front of the other. A wooden ladder-like frame with two handles at each end, blue painted body with unpainted handles. Seven equal-length slats are joined at equal distance between two parallel poles, and two longer slats are attached diagonally between the first and last slats as a brace. flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, flagstaff hill, maritime museum, maritime village, warrnambool, great ocean road, lady bay, warrnambool harbour, port of warrnambool, tramway jetty, breakwater, shipwreck, life-saving, lifesaving, rescue crew, rescue, rocket rescue, rocket crew, lifeboat men, beach rescue, line rescue, rescue equipment, rocket firing equipment, rocket rescue equipment, maritime accidents, shipwreck victim, rocket equipment, marine technology, rescue boat, lifeboat, volunteer lifesavers, volunteer crew, life saving rescue crew, lifesaving rescue crew, rocket apparatus, rocket rescue method, shore to ship, rocket apparatus rescue, stranded vessel, line throwing mortar, mortar, rocket rescue apparatus, line thrower, line throwing, lifeboat warrnambool, hand barrow, manual transport, welsh hand barrow -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Equipment - Traveller pulley block, 1860s
The life saving breeches buoy was attached to a traveller block such as this one. The assembly was sent from shore to ship and back to transport the stranded people and goods safely to shore. Saving lives in Warrnambool – The coastline of South West Victoria is the site of over 600 shipwrecks and many lost lives; even in Warrnambool’s Lady Bay there were around 16 known shipwrecks between 1850 and 1905, with eight lives lost. Victoria’s Government responded to the need for lifesaving equipment and, in 1858, the provision of rocket and mortar apparatus was approved for the lifeboat stations. In 1859 the first Government-built lifeboat arrived at Warrnambool Harbour and a shed was soon built for it on the Tramway Jetty, followed by a rocket house in 1864 to safely store the rocket rescue equipment. In 1878 the buildings were moved to the Breakwater (constructed from 1874-1890), and in 1910 the new Lifeboat Warrnambool arrived with its ‘self-righting’ design. For almost a hundred years the lifesaving and rescue crews, mostly local volunteers, trained regularly to rehearse and maintain their rescue skills. They were summoned when needed by alarms, gunshots, ringing bells and foghorns. In July 1873 a brass bell was erected at Flagstaff Hill specifically to call the rescue crew upon news of a shipwreck. Some crew members became local heroes but all served an important role. Rocket apparatus was used as recently as the 1950s. Rocket Rescue Method - Rocket rescue became the preferred lifesaving method of the rescue crews, being much safer that using a lifeboat in rough seas and poor conditions. The Government of Victoria adopted lifesaving methods based on Her Majesty’s Coast Guard in Great Britain. It authorised the first line-throwing rescue system in 1858. Captain Manby’s mortar powered a projectile connected to rope, invented in 1808. The equipment was updated to John Dennett’s 8-foot shaft and rocket method that had a longer range of about 250 yards. From the 1860s the breeches buoy and traveller block rocket rescue apparatus was in use. It was suspended on a hawser line and manually pulled to and from the distressed vessel carrying passengers and items. In the early 1870s Colonel Boxer’s rocket rescue method became the standard in Victoria. His two-stage rockets, charged by a gunpowder composition, could fire the line up to 500-600 yards, although 1000 yards range was possible. Boxer’s rocket carried the light line, which was faked, or coiled, in a particular way between pegs in a faking box to prevent twists and tangles when fired. The angle of firing the rocket to the vessel in distress was measured by a quadrant-type instrument on the side of the rocket machine. Decades later, in 1920, Schermuly invented the line-throwing pistol that used a small cartridge to fire the rocket. . The British Board of Trade regularly published instructions for both the beach rescue crew and ship’s crew. It involved setting up the rocket launcher on shore at a particular angle, determined by the Head of the crew and measured by the quadrant, inserting a rocket that had a light-weight line threaded through its shaft, and then firing it across the stranded vessel, the line issuing freely from the faking board. A continuous whip line was then sent out to the ship’s crew, who hauled it in then followed the instructions – in four languages - on the attached tally board. The survivors would haul on the line to bring out the heavier, continuous whip line with a tail block connected to it. They then secured the block to the mast or other strong part the ship. The rescue crew on shore then hauled out a stronger hawser line, which the survivors fixed above the whip’s tail block. The hawser was then tightened by the crew pulling on it, or by using the hooked block on the shore end of the whip and attaching it to a sand anchor. The breeches buoy was attached to the traveller block on the hawser, and the shore crew then used the whip line to haul the breeches buoy to and from the vessel, rescuing the stranded crew one at a time. The rescue crew wore scarlet, numbered armbands and worked on a numerical rotation system, swapping members out to rest them.This traveller block is significant for its connection with local history, maritime history and marine technology. Lifesaving has been an important part of the services performed from Warrnambool's very early days, supported by State and Local Government, and based on the methods and experience of Great Britain. Hundreds of shipwrecks along the coast are evidence of the rough weather and rugged coastline. Ordinary citizens, the Harbour employees, and the volunteer boat and rescue crew, saved lives in adverse circumstances. Some were recognised as heroes, others went unrecognised. In Lady Bay, Warrnambool, there were around 16 known shipwrecks between 1850 and 1905. Many lives were saved but tragically, eight lives were lost. Wood and brass pulley block or 'traveller', used in conjunction with the Breeches Buoy. The block has double brass inline sheaves and brass rollers on each cheek of the pulley. Each shell is scored for the strop. The thimble on the strop has a wooden slat attached for quick release of the Breeches Buoy. A portion of rope is connected.flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, flagstaff hill, maritime museum, maritime village, warrnambool, shipwreck, life-saving, lifesaving, rescue crew, rescue, rocket rescue, rocket crew, lifeboat men, beach rescue, line rescue, rescue equipment, rocket firing equipment, rocket rescue equipment, maritime accidents, shipwreck victim, rocket equipment, marine technology, rescue boat, lifeboat, volunteer lifesavers, volunteer crew, life saving rescue crew, lifesaving rescue crew, rocket apparatus, rocket rescue method, shore to ship, rocket apparatus rescue, stranded vessel, line throwing mortar, mortar, rocket rescue apparatus, line thrower, line throwing, lifeboat warrnambool, beach apparatus, breeches buoy, petticoat breeches, petticoat buoy, traveller chair, life jacket, traveller, traveller block, running block, block, pulley, hawser, faking, faking box, faked line, faking board, italian hemp, quadrant, protractor, tally board, light line, whip line, endless whip, beach cart, hand barrow, sand anchor, welsh hand barrow, her majesty’s coast guard, harbour board, government of victoria, harbour master, l.s.r.c., lsrc -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Equipment - Rocket Key, John Dennett, c. 1860s
This rocket launcher key was used with the Dennett's Rocket Launcher system to remove the end cap of the Dennett's Rocket to expose the propellant to be fused . Saving lives in Warrnambool – The coastline of South West Victoria is the site of over 600 shipwrecks and many lost lives; even in Warrnambool’s Lady Bay there were around 16 known shipwrecks between 1850 and 1905, with eight lives lost. Victoria’s Government responded to the need for lifesaving equipment and, in 1858, the provision of rocket and mortar apparatus was approved for the lifeboat stations. In 1859 the first Government-built lifeboat arrived at Warrnambool Harbour and a shed was soon built for it on the Tramway Jetty, followed by a rocket house in 1864 to safely store the rocket rescue equipment. In 1878 the buildings were moved to the Breakwater (constructed from 1874-1890), and in 1910 the new Lifeboat Warrnambool arrived with its ‘self-righting’ design. For almost a hundred years the lifesaving and rescue crews, mostly local volunteers, trained regularly to rehearse and maintain their rescue skills. They were summoned when needed by alarms, gunshots, ringing bells and foghorns. In July 1873 a brass bell was erected at Flagstaff Hill specifically to call the rescue crew upon news of a shipwreck. Some crew members became local heroes but all served an important role. Rocket apparatus was used as recently as the 1950s. Rocket Rescue Method - Rocket rescue became the preferred lifesaving method of the rescue crews, being much safer that using a lifeboat in rough seas and poor conditions. The Government of Victoria adopted lifesaving methods based on Her Majesty’s Coast Guard in Great Britain. It authorised the first line-throwing rescue system in 1858. Captain Manby’s mortar powered a projectile connected to rope, invented in 1808. The equipment was updated to John Dennett’s 8-foot shaft and rocket method that had a longer range of about 250 yards. From the 1860s the breeches buoy and traveller block rocket rescue apparatus was in use. It was suspended on a hawser line and manually pulled to and from the distressed vessel carrying passengers and items. In the early 1870s Colonel Boxer’s rocket rescue method became the standard in Victoria. His two-stage rockets, charged by a gunpowder composition, could fire the line up to 500-600 yards, although 1000 yards range was possible. Boxer’s rocket carried the light line, which was faked, or coiled, in a particular way between pegs in a faking box to prevent twists and tangles when fired. The angle of firing the rocket to the vessel in distress was measured by a quadrant-type instrument on the side of the rocket machine. Decades later, in about 1920, Schermuly invented the line-throwing pistol that used a small cartridge to fire the rocket. . The British Board of Trade regularly published instructions for both the beach rescue crew and ship’s crew. It involved setting up the rocket launcher on shore at a particular angle, determined by the Head of the crew and measured by the quadrant, inserting a rocket that had a light-weight line threaded through its shaft, and then firing it across the stranded vessel, the line issuing freely from the faking board. A continuous whip line was then sent out to the ship’s crew, who hauled it in then followed the instructions – in four languages - on the attached tally board. The survivors would haul on the line to bring out the heavier, continuous whip line with a tail block connected to it. They then secured the block to the mast or other strong part the ship. The rescue crew on shore then hauled out a stronger hawser line, which the survivors fixed above the whip’s tail block. The hawser was then tightened by the crew pulling on it, or by using the hooked block on the shore end of the whip and attaching it to a sand anchor. The breeches buoy was attached to the traveller block on the hawser, and the shore crew then used the whip line to haul the breeches buoy to and from the vessel, rescuing the stranded crew one at a time. The rescue crew wore scarlet, numbered armbands and worked on a numerical rotation system, swapping members out to rest them. This rocket launcher key is a necessary part of the equipment for the the rocket launcher, which is significant for its connection with local history, maritime history and marine technology. Lifesaving has been an important part of the services performed from Warrnambool's very early days, supported by State and Local Government, and based on the methods and experience of Great Britain. Hundreds of shipwrecks along the coast are evidence of the rough weather and rugged coastline. Ordinary citizens, the Harbour employees, and the volunteer boat and rescue crew, saved lives in adverse circumstances. Some were recognised as heroes, others went unrecognised. In Lady Bay, Warrnambool, there were around 16 known shipwrecks between 1850 and 1905. Many lives were saved but tragically, eight lives were lost.Key, part of the Rocket Rescue equipment. T shaped metal key, round handle across the top and hexagonal shaped shaft and square end. Used to remove the end cap of the Dennett's Rocket to expose the propellant to be fused . Donation from Ports and Harbour.flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, flagstaff hill, maritime museum, maritime village, warrnambool, great ocean road, lady bay, warrnambool harbour, port of warrnambool, tramway jetty, breakwater, shipwreck, life-saving, lifesaving, rescue crew, rescue, rocket rescue, rocket crew, lifeboat men, beach rescue, line rescue, rescue equipment, rocket firing equipment, rocket rescue equipment, maritime accidents, shipwreck victim, rocket equipment, marine technology, rescue boat, lifeboat, volunteer lifesavers, volunteer crew, life saving rescue crew, lifesaving rescue crew, rocket apparatus, rocket rescue method, shore to ship, rocket apparatus rescue, stranded vessel, line throwing mortar, mortar, rocket rescue apparatus, line thrower, line throwing, lifeboat warrnambool, rocket house, rocket shed, rocket machine, rocket head, rocket launcher, rocket line, beach rescue set, rocket set, john dennett, rocket key, rocket launcher key, life saving