Showing 2878 items
matching australian railways
-
Puffing Billy Railway
Bogie - Break of Gauge, Circa 1920
Designed and built in the early 1920’s by Charles Robert Prosser , a Melbourne Engineer, for an enquiry by the Commonwealth Government into ways of solving the break of gauge problem. Breaks or changes in railway gauges existed at most state borders of Australia during the first half of the 20th century. Upon completion of this model, it was placed on display in the Federal Parliament then located in Parliament House, Melbourne. Patents on the Break of Gauge Bogie Application number Title Applicant(s) Inventor(s) Filing date 1921000390 Improved means of adjusting the wheels of rolling stock to suit railway tracks of different gauges Charles Robert Prosser Charles Robert Prosser 1921-02-01 1917004843 Improvements in and connected with railway or other ticket supply tubes Charles Robert Prosser Charles Robert Prosser 1917-08-09 1915016191 IMPROVEMENTS IN AND CONNECTED WITH THE ADAPTATION OF RAILWAY ROLLING STOCK TO DIFFERENT GAUGES Charles Robert Prosser Charles Robert Prosser 1915-05-01 1915015980 Improvements in and connected with the adaptation of railway rolling stock to different gauges Charles Robert Prosser Charles Robert Prosser 1915-04-09 1914012931 Improvements in and connected with the adaptation of railway rolling stock to different gauges Charles Robert Prosser Charles Robert Prosser 1914-04-20 The Sydney Morning Herald Fri 2 Sep 1921 Page 6 BREAK OF GAUGE DEVICE. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28088233 Historic - Railway Invention Break of Gauge Bogie Break of Gauge Bogie made of iron and wrought iron & brassboggie, break of gauge, puffing billy -
Puffing Billy Railway
Drop Bottom Clay Trucks - 800mm gauge
These trucks are over 100 years old and are constructed to a similar design to the coke wagons used in the English Midlands region during the 1800's. The trucks were used for the cartage of clay from the quarry to the clay bins, prior to crushing and molding into bricks. These came from Fritsch, Holzer & Company, Brickworks, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia Historic - Industrial Narrow gauge Railway Fritsch, Holzer & Company Brickworks , Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia - Rolling stock Drop Bottom Clay Trucks - Square like clay truck that has a very deep bottom floor.drop bottom, clay trucks, 2'7.5" gauge, puffing billy, fritsch, holzer & company, brickworks -
Puffing Billy Railway
Twin Cylinder Engine - Belliss & Morcom Ltd, Patent Self Lubricating Engine , Birmingham, 1926
Belliss & Morcom Ltd, Patent Self Lubricating Engine , Birmingham It was used to operate the Fairfield No. 2 Mill Paper Making machine by a rope and pulley drive.Historic - Industrial Twin Cylinder Engine - stationary engine used to operate the Australasian Paper and Pulp Co Ltd. - Fairfield No. 2 Mill Paper Making machine by a rope and pulley drive.Twin Cylinder Engine - stationary engine made of steel, wrought iron, brassBelliss & Morcom Ltd, Patent Self Lubricating Engine , Birminghamtwin cylinder, engine, stationary engine, industrial stationary engine, puffing billy, fairfield no. 2 paper mill, australian paper manufactures ltd, belliss & morcom -
Puffing Billy Railway
Hand Winch
Imported by Cameron, Sutherland & Seward Ltd. Machinery Merchants, Melbourne & Sydney, this example is of the type of hand winch used by the Australian Industries and timber workers in the Australian bush. The central rotating drum is operated by three interacting cog wheels. The metal cable is wound onto the central drum.Historic - Hand Winch type of hand winch used by the Australian Industries and timber workers in the Australian bush.Hand Winch made of wrought iron, metal and ironhand, winch -
Puffing Billy Railway
Maribyrnong Cordite Wagon
Cordite Wagon - 18½-inch (460mm) gauge wagons came from the Commonwealth Explosives factory at Maribyrnong in Melbourne’s western suburbs. Both have gun-metal wheels, as avoiding sparks was understandably a priority in an explosives factory. Both wagons also have water tanks to drip water on the wheels as an added precaution. Cordite, an explosive used in artillery, was manufactured and pressed into thin sheets, which still contained a quantity of acetone solvent from the manufacturing process. The sheets of cordite were laid in racks of perforated trays in the cordite wagons, which were hand-pushed to the cordite drying-house where the trucks were coupled together in rakes and warm air was blown through them. The acetone, being very volatile, was evaporated out of the cordite and recovered to be re-used in the manufacturing process. Historic - Industrial Narrow Gauge Railway - Commonwealth Explosives factory, Maribyrnong, Victoria, AustraliaCordite Wagon - Rectangular yellow wagon made of wood and brass with aluminium traysThe number 77 is on the endspuffing billy, wooden wagon, 18½-inch gauge, explosives, maribyrnong cordite factory, maribyrnong explosives factory, puffing billy museum, industrial narrow gauge railway -
Puffing Billy Railway
Wonthaggi Coal Skip, Early 20th century
One of two types of four wheel skips widely used on the Wonthaggi Coal Fields for transportation from the underground workings to the surface screening and loading areas. Haulage underground was accomplished by the use of pit ponies, whilst an endless rope system was used to bring the skips to the surface areas. Much of the coal for the colony of Victoria was sourced from Newcastle and the Hunter Region in New South Wales, along with local supplies from private and co-operative coal mines at Outtrim, Jumbunna and Korumburra in Gippsland. After the 1909–1910 strike by coal miners in the Hunter Valley, the Victorian state government were determined to ensure stability in local supplies of coal. The State Coal Mine and the town of Wonthaggi came into being in 1910 to supply coal for the Victorian Railways. It was one of the largest and most dangerous collieries in Australia. At its peak in 1926 the mine produced 2,435 long tons (2,474 t) per day, with the Victorian Railways buying 90% of production. In 1928, Wonthaggi coal accounted for around 60% of Victorian Railways coal consumption.Historic - Industrial - Victorian Railways - Narrow Gauge Railway rolling stock - Wonthaggi Coal Fields, Victoria, AustraliaRectangular steel bin with wood frame and steel wheelspuffing billy, coal skip, wonthaggi, wonthaggi coal fields, 2'0" gauge, brown coal -
Puffing Billy Railway
Four Wheel Brick Skip
Typical of many small four wheel skips constructed to transport raw bricks from the moulding press to the kilns for firing.Historic - Industrial Narrow gauge railway - Fritsch, Holzer & Company Brick works, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australiatwo Wooden skips with steel wheels "JF 12" & "SB 34"puffing billy, fritsch, holzer & company, brick skip, fritsch, holzer & company brickworks, pressed red brick -
Puffing Billy Railway
Side Tipping Timber Skip, circa 1900?
Side Tipping Timber Skip Wooden Contractors Wagon. Gauge 17 inch (430mm) Typical of the many side tipping wagons used for soil and rock disposal in construction work and mining throughout Australia and the world. The wagon would be loaded with soil and pushed along a short line to the end of track where the load would be emptied out to either side. By using a central pivot the wagon’s body can be tipped either side to allow the contents to be easily removed ready for the next load.Historic - Industrial Narrow Gauge RailwayWooden bodied, steel framed side tipping skip.puffing billy, side tipping skip, industrial narrow gauge railway -
Puffing Billy Railway
Sectioned Tangye Steam Operated Water Pump, 1900s
Sectioned steam pump so that the pump workings can be seen. Inscriptions & Markings: Tangye Birmingham, This steam pump was presented by the colonial gas Assn Ltd (brass plaque) The Colonial Gas Association was originally formed in London on 2 February 1888, as The Australasian Gas Association Limited. The primary objective of the company was to provide investment capital to help finance the construction and management of gasworks being established by the London engineering firm John Coates & Co in metropolitan cities and regional towns throughout Australia and New Zealand. By 1890, the Australasian Gas Association had acquired gasworks at Benalla, Shepparton, Wangaratta, Warragul, Maldon and Seymour, and had constructed a large gasworks at Box Hill to supply the eastern suburbs of Melbourne. In 1893, the company's name was changed to the Colonial Gas Association Limited. During the 1890s, the company acquired regional gasworks in Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia, followed by its first gasworks in New South Wales, in 1911. In 1914, the company consolidated its metropolitan supply area by purchasing the Oakleigh and Footscray gasworks. Further expansion occurred in the 1920s with the purchase of established gasworks at Williamstown, Frankston and Dandenong and the acquisition of ten further gas undertakings in Queensland and New South Wales, making the firm the fifth largest gas producer in Australia. info from The Colonial Gas Association Limited, circa 1893 https://collections.museumvictoria.com.au/items/1553322 Originally formed by the five Tangye brothers from Cornwall as James Tangye & Brothers in 1857, this Birmingham engineering firm grew to become one of the largest suppliers of jacks, pumps, steam and oil engines, hydraulic presses, gas producers and machine tools in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The successful sideways launching of I.K. Brunel's 'Great Eastern' from the mud of the Thames in 1857 using Tangyes hydraulic jacks gave the firm much needed publicity and new orders flowed in. To finance expansion, George Price provided additional capital and the company name became Tangye Brothers & Price in 1859. A new factory known as the 'Cornwall Works' was built in Clement Street, Birmingham. In 1872, the firm became Tangye Brothers and in about 1879- 1880 began production of internal combustion stationary engines based on Horace Robinson's patents, later using the Otto four-stroke design for its Soho range of gas engines. Examples of the Soho engine were exhibited by the firm at the 1880 Melbourne International Exhibition. Petrol and oil engines were made from the 1890s onward, and by 1910 had developed into the Model B, BR and AA series engines. Tangyes supplied custom-built pumps and presses for particular applications, becoming a major exporter of engineering equipment. In 1884, Tangye Brothers opened a custom-built branch office, showroom and warehouse in Melbourne at Cornwall House in Collins Street West, advertising the full range of engineering products. These lantern slides images are taken from Tangyes product catalogues from the 1910-1925 period and are believed to have been used as sales promotional aids in Australia by the Tangye Brothers. info from https://collections.museumvictoria.com.au/articles/4670 Historic - Industrial Steam Operated Water Pump built by Tangye Bros and used by the Colonial Gas Company - Melbourne, Victoria, AustraliaSectioned steam pump so that the pump workings can be seen. Tangye Birmingham, This steam pump was presented by the colonial gas Assn Ltd (brass plaque)puffing billy, steam pump, sectioned, tangye bros -
Puffing Billy Railway
Wagon, Explosives, 1900s
18½-inch (460mm) gauge wagon came from the Commonwealth Explosives factory at Maribyrnong in Melbourne’s western suburbs. It has gun-metal wheels, as avoiding sparks was understandably a priority in an explosives factory. It also has water tanks to drip water on the wheels as an added precaution Historic - Industrial Narrow Gauge Railway - Commonwealth Explosives factory, Maribyrnong, Victoria, AustraliaExplosives Wagon - Four wheel wagon with timber frame, copper water tanks and bronze wheels.explosives wagon, puffing billy, commonwealth explosives factory, maribyrnong explosives factory -
Puffing Billy Railway
Sign - Puffing Billy Museum Entry
The Museum was first considered in 1963 when it was felt that Victorian narrow gauge railway history was quickly being destroyed by progress. Originally it was planned to only cater for two locomotives and some rolling stock associated with the Moe and Walhalla Railway. Construction of the site commenced on Labour Day Weekend in March 1964, the area was then fenced. The first exhibit arrived soon after and companies with locomotives and other railway features offered items to the Museum. When interesting exhibits from the "Steam Era " were known to be coming available,discussions were held with the owners in an attempt to obtain the item for preservation. In 1965 an Umbrella style shed was built and by May, the first locomotive ex Erica State Saw Mill (CLIMAX) had arrived. The Museum was opened to the public in November 1970 but was officially opened by His Excellency the Governor of Victoria, Sir Rohan Delacombe on Saturday 7th April 1973.Historic - Puffing Billy Museum Entry SignPuffing Billy Museum Entry Sign Rectangular hand painted sign in use from 1970.Puffing Billy Museum This is one of the Volunteer activities of The Puffing Billy Preservation Society Preserving part of our National Heritage Proud to Help Preserve Australia's Heritage puffing billy, menzies creek, sir rohan delacombe, narrow gauge, steam -
Puffing Billy Railway
Flat Belt Driven Drill Press
Industrial - Flat Belt Driven Drill PressHistoric - Industrial - Flat Belt Driven Drill PressDrill press. - made of Metal and Steel and cast ironHercus Made in Australiaflat belt driven, drill press, puffing billy -
Puffing Billy Railway
Carbon - No. 986 Couliett / No. 90 Decauville Steam Locomotive, 1889
The locomotive was supplied new by Decauville to the Metropolitan Gas Company Ltd, Melbourne, for use at their gasworks in West Melbourne, where it was named Carbon suppied in 1889 (Couillet builder's number 986, Decauville serial number 90). It was named Carbon. The West Melbourne gas works sourced its coal from Maitland, New South Wales, and the coal was brought by ship to a wharf adjacent to the West Melbourne gas plant. John Benn and Carbon were used to haul the coal over a 762 mm (2 ft 6 in) gauge railway from the wharf to the gasworks, a distance of about 450 metres (500 yards). West Melbourne Gas Works No. "Carbon" Wheels: 0-4-0T Builder: Couillet Build Date: 1890 Construction No.: 986 Empty Weight: Unknown Weight on Drivers: Unknown Driver Diameter: Unknown Tractive Effort: Unknown Boiler Pressure: Unknown Cylinders: Unknown Fuel: Coal Gauge: 30 Decauville locomotives The firm Société Anonyme Decauville located at Petit Bourg, France, was founded to manufacture light railways pioneered by French farmer Paul Decauville to transport crops from the field in 1875. Decauville began designing their own locomotives in 1882, although initially manufacture was contracted out to other builders, notably the Belgian firm Hainault at Couillet Although not well known in Australia, in Europe Couillet was a significant builder of steam locomotives of many different gauges and sizes over a long period of time. The locomotive was supplied new by Decauville to the Metropolitan Gas Company Ltd, Melbourne, for use at their gasworks in West Melbourne, where it was named Carbon (986) . Carbon ( 986 ) The locomotive weighs approximately seven tons. It has the Couillet builder's number 986. of 1889 It was built for Decauville & Cie. of Paris, suppliers of portable and industrial railway equipment, and has their serial number of 90 of 1890. Built in 1889 for the West Melbourne site of the Metropolitan Gas Company, it is a four-wheel tank locomotive and was named “Carbon”. It was withdrawn from service in the 1930s and stored until sold privately in 1962. For a few years in the 1960s it was used on a circle of track at Walhalla, before going to the Whistle Stop Amusement Park in Frankston. Although a number of similar locomotives still exist, as far as is known Carbon is the only one still operating in its original condition. Historic - Industrial railways - Metropolitan Gas Company Ltd, Melbourne Steam Locomotive Small Decauville Couillet Steam locomotive. - Iron & wrought iron framesCouillet builder's number 986, Decauville serial number 90puffing billy, narrow gauge, industrial narrow gauge railway, couillet 986, decauville 90, steam locomotive, metropolitan gas company, carbon -
Puffing Billy Railway
Name Plate - Wombat, 1982
From the 1982 Australian Children's TV Series Come Midnight Monday where 12A stars as "Wombat".Historic - Name Plate 'Wombat" - From the 1982 Australian Children's TV Series Come Midnight Monday where 12A stars as "Wombat".Name Plate - Wombat Thin rectangular black and white builders plate.Wombatpuffing billy, wombat, come midnight monday, name plate, 12a -
Puffing Billy Railway
Double Headed Rail, circa 1872 - 1883
... it the most expensive railway ever built in Australia. In 1864... railway ever built in Australia. In 1864, the line was extended ...Double Headed Rail from Ravenswood Station Siding which was dismantled circa 1987 the two rails were stored for a time at Maldon before being donated to Puffing Billy Museum Bearing makers marks of Wilson & Cammell - Dronfield- Steel works Wilson & Cammell made Steel rails at their Dronfield Steel Works, in Dronfield, North East Derbyshire, England from 1872 - 1883 Double-headed rail In late 1830s Britain, railway lines had a vast range of different patterns. One of the earliest lines to use double-headed rail was the London and Birmingham Railway, which had offered a prize for the best design. This rail was supported by chairs and the head and foot of the rail had the same profile. The supposed advantage was that, when the head became worn, the rail could be turned over and re-used. In practice, this form of recycling was not very successful as the chair caused dents in the lower surface, and double-headed rail evolved into bullhead rail in which the head was more substantial than the foot. Info from Wikipedia - Rail Profile https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rail_profile The first records of double headed rail being used In Victoria by Victorian Railways was in 1859, the rails, chairs, oak and trenails were imported from UK. After the 1870’s the Victorian Railways went over to using flat bottom rails, but they still needed replacement double headed rail for lines already laid and this continued up to at least 1883 Wilson & Cammell - Dronfield- Steel works Wilson & Cammell made Steel rails at their Dronfield Steel Works, in Dronfield England from 1872 - 1883 Mount Alexander & Murray River Railway The Melbourne, Mount Alexander & Murray River Railway Company received parliamentary assent in February 1853 to build Victoria's first inland railway from Melbourne to Williamstown, and Melbourne to Bendigo and Echuca. Construction commenced in January 1854 with work on a pier at Williamstown but lack of funds slowed progress, eventually prompting the company to sell out to the government. The 100-mile (162 km) section to Bendigo opened in October 1862. Its cost of £35,000 per mile made it the most expensive railway ever built in Australia. In 1864, the line was extended to Echuca, tapping into the booming Murray-Darling paddlesteamer trade. info from Museums Victoria - Victorian Railways https://museumsvictoria.com.au/railways/theme.aspx?lvl=3&IRN=450&gall=456 1863 Ravenswood Station open on the 1st Feb 1863 Victorian Railways - purchased and imported the Rail and Chairs from Raleigh, Dalgleish, White and Co. London Importation of railway plant : abstract of a return to an order of the Legislative Assembly dated 27th June 1860 for - Copies of the advertisements calling for tenders, the names of the tenderers and the accounts and correspondence with Mr Brunel relating thereto GP V 1859/60 no. C 15 http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/papers/govpub/VPARL1859-60NoC15.pdf Report from the Select Committee upon the Importation of Railway Plant : together with proceedings of the Committee, minutes of evidence and appendix GP V 1859/60 no. D 38 (2.9 MB) http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/papers/govpub/VPARL1859-60NoD38.pdf Ravenswood Siding When the Victorian Railways were established in 1856 they adopted one of the popular British permanent way standards - heavy 80lb (36.3kg) double-headed rail held up right in cast iron chairs attached to transverse timber sleepers by wooden pegs called trenails. The Ravenswood Railway siding was constructed in 1862 with 12 feet wrought iron double-head rail held in cast iron chairs with Ransom and May patent compressed keys. Trenails held the chairs to the sleepers and the joints were secured in joint chairs. Joints were subsequently joined using fish plates. It formed part of the Melbourne to Echuca rail line, initially known as the Melbourne, Mt Alexander and Murray River Railway. George Christian Derbyshire, the first Engineer-in-Chair of the Victorian Railways was responsible for the design and construction of the works. No new lines were built in Victoria using double-headed rail after 1870. The siding was disconnected from the main line in 1988. The Ravenswood Railway Siding demonstrates the original 1856 philosophy of the Victorian Railways to adopt British permanent way technology. The siding demonstrates significant aspects in the development of permanent way technology in England and Victoria over the period from the 1830's to the 1880's. The chairs in the Ravenswood siding are physical evidence of early railway technology rendered obsolete 120 years ago, namely joint chairs at rail joints and trenails to secure the chairs to the sleepers. The double-headed rail demonstrates an important stage in the evolution of British rail technology in the 1830s. The old fish plates, square headed bolts and square nuts demonstrate the success of fishing the rail joins. The Ravenswood siding demonstrates the earliest form of rail joint technology developed in England, and existing in Australia, the joint chair. In part of the siding the sequence of joint and intermediate chairs is consistent with the 1856 specifications, that sequence is rare with the joints secured in joint chairs. The survival of chairs in this sequence is rare and almost certainly demonstrates that they remained in continuous use at the same location from 1862 to 1988. This remnant of the Ravenswood siding has survived 126 years. The siding has proved to be the most significant of extant remnant double-headed sidings in Victoria, containing a rare combination of early permanent way technologies. Construction dates 1862, Info from Ravenswood Railway Siding Victorian Heritage Database Report http://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/4693/download-report The remaining section of this siding is significant at the State and National levels in that it demonstrates the use of chaired rail by the Victorian Railways Department for the Trunk Lines and, more particularly, the following stages in the evolution of this long obsolete method of permanent way construction: a) The use of joint chairs and intermediate chairs at regular intervals inferring that the original wrought iron rail lengths were 12 feet, as is known through documentary sources to have been the case. The survival of chairs in this sequence is unique and almost certainly demonstrates that they have remained in continuous use at the same location and in the same sequence from 1862 to 1988 . b) The use of joint chairs and intermediate chairs designed for use with trenails. c) The use of later intermediate chairs designed for use with steel pins and the use of fished joints with steel double head chaired rail, representing a second method of constructing the permanent way using chaired rail technology. info from Ravenswood Siding - Melbourne/Echuca Railway Line - Victorian Heritage Database Report http://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/70103/download-report Addition to Citation for Melbourne to EchucaRailway Line 1/10/1990 Double Head Rail The surviving lengths of double head rail with chairs on this railway compare with one surviving similar remnant on the Geelong to Ballarat railway and are representative of permanent way construction techniques applied exclusively to the two trunk railways of the 1860's. In this respect they are rare survivors and may be unique at the national level and of technical importance at the international level to the extent that they enhance contemporary understanding of early railway building technology. Surviving lengths of chaired double head rail survive at Kyneton, Ravenswood and Bendigo on this railway and include a number of different types of cast iron intermediate and joint chairs with hardwood keys and metal pins. The Ravenswood siding is of special significance for the diversity of chair types and for the sequence of chairs recalling rail lengths known to be associated with construction of the line in 1862. Construction of the Railway Tenders closed on 24 March 1858 with no less than 133 tenders being received. A contract was let to Cornish and Bruce for £3,356,937 to commence work on 1 June 1858 and complete the line by 31 July 1861. Cornish and Bruce made quick early progress with the Melbourne to Sunbury section being officially opened on 13 January 1859. The line was officially opened to Bendigo (Sandhurst) on 20 October 1862 by the Governor of Victoria, Sir Henry Barkly. A great banquet was held for 800 guests and this was followed by a grand ball. The extension of the line to Echuca was a relatively simple matter as that part of the line was across plain country without any significant engineering challenges. Tenders were called for the work in 1863 and the work was completed in 1864 by contractors Collier and Barry Apart from the line contractors, other firms directly involved were J Shire law and Co (sleepers), R Fulton, Langlands Brothers and Co, William Crossley (water supply), B Moreland, Langlands Brothers and Co (platelayers lorries), E Chambers (iron pins, traversers), Miller and McQuinstan (luggage vans and steam engines) and various contractors for building works. Info from Engineers Australia Engineering Heritage Victoria Nomination for Recognition under the Engineering Heritage Australia Heritage Recognition Program for the Goldfields Railways - Melbourne , Bendigo & Echuca Railway Page 25 - .2.9.2 Statement from National Trust of Australia (Victoria) Listing number B5323 for Mt Alexander/Murray Valley Rail Line: Page 69 - Theme 3 https://www.engineersaustralia.org.au/portal/system/files/engineering-heritage-australia/nomination-title/Melbourne_%20Bendigo_Echuca%20Railway%20Nomination.pdf The Melbourne, Mount Alexander and Murray River Railway Company was a railway company in Victoria, Australia. It was established on 8 February 1853 to build a railway from Melbourne to Echuca on the Victorian-NSW border and a branch railway to Williamstown. The company struggled to make any progress and on 23 May 1856, the colonial Government took over the Company and it became part of the newly established Department of Railways, part of the Board of Land and Works. The Department of Railways became Victorian Railways in 1859. Construction of the Bendigo line commenced in 1858, but this private consortium also met with financial difficulties when it was unable to raise sufficient funds, and was bought out by the Victorian colonial government. The design work was then taken over by Captain Andrew Clarke, R. E., Surveyor-General of Victoria, with bridge designs completed by Bryson and O'Hara The contract for the first stage of the line from Footscray to Sandhurst (now Bendigo), was let to Cornish and Bruce for £3,356,937.2s.2d ($6.714 million) with work commencing on 1 June 1858. Completion of the permanent way was to be by 31 July 1861 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melbourne,_Mount_Alexander_and_Murray_River_Railway_Company Victorian Railways - purchased and imported the Rail and Chairs from Raleigh, Dalgleish, White and Co. London Importation of railway plant : abstract of a return to an order of the Legislative Assembly dated 27th June 1860 for - Copies of the advertisements calling for tenders, the names of the tenderers and the accounts and correspondence with Mr Brunel relating thereto GP V 1859/60 no. C 15 http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/papers/govpub/VPARL1859-60NoC15.pdf Report from the Select Committee upon the Importation of Railway Plant : together with proceedings of the Committee, minutes of evidence and appendix GP V 1859/60 no. D 38 (2.9 MB) http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/papers/govpub/VPARL1859-60NoD38.pdf Victorian Railways : report of the Board of Land and Works November 1862 GP V 1862/63 no. 21 (2.8 MB) https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/papers/govpub/VPARL1862-63No21.pdfHistoric - Victorian Railways - Double Headed rail Ravenswood Railway Station and Siding Victorian Heritage Database Reports Victorian Heritage Register VHR H1100 Victorian Heritage Register VHR H1786 National Trust VHR H1100 Mount Alexander and Murray River Rail way Line National Trust2 rail lengths of Double Headed Rail made of Iron makers marks : Wilson & Cammell - Dronfield - Steel and 20 joint chairs with metal rail pins Makers mark Wilson & Cammell - Dronfield - Steel (possible date 187? very hard to read ) puffing billy, double headed rail, wilson & cammell - dronfield - steel works, ravenswood station siding, melbourne to echuca rail line, initially known as the melbourne, mt alexander and murray river railway. -
Puffing Billy Railway
Day's Petrol Rail Tractor, Petrol Rail Tractor Gauge 2'0", circa 1926 - 1940
Rail tractors were popular with Victorian sawmillers. They were generally cheaper than a steam locomotive, required no special qualifications to drive, and used proven power plants for which spares were available locally. The tractor was constructed by Day’s Engineering of South Melbourne which, although better known for its pumping equipment, built more than fifty rail tractors for Victorian sawmillers and other industrial tramway users. W. Day & Sons is believed to have constructed its first light railway locomotive in 1926. From then until the mid 1940s, the firm appears to have built at least fifty locomotives at its premises in South Melbourne, of which roughly half were four-wheel locomotives and roughly half were six-wheel locomotives like the restored Day’s rail tractor formerly operated by Ruoak Timbers. Of the four-wheel locomotives, ten were 2-ft (610mm) gauge locomotives similar to this one. Today, only two survive, a complete example at the Puffing Billy Railway Museum at Menzies Creek, and one at Alexandra Timber Tramway Museum This 2-ft gauge 4wPM locomotive is believed to have been one of two Day's Petrol Rail tractors formerly used by Cheetham Salt, possibly at the Moolap works near Geelong. Service History :owned by Cheetham Salt, Moolap ( dates unknown ) Geelong Steam Preservation Society , Belmont 1973 ? Puffing Billy Steam Museum , Menzies Creek Historic - Industrial Narrow gauge Railway - Rail Tractor used by Cheetham Salt Company works at Laverton, Moolap and Geelong, Victoria , Australia Petrol Rail Tractor made of Iron , wrought iron, steel puffing billy, industrial narrow gauge railway, rail tractor, days engineering, cheetham salt,, petrol rail tractor -
Puffing Billy Railway
Allen Twin Cylinder Engine Driving A Brush Electrical Generator
Allen Twin Cylinder Engine Driving A Brush Electrical Generator Built by W. H. Allen & Co, Ltd ., Bedford, England ( serial Number R1/14738/4) it was used at Kodak Australia, Abbotsford plant , to provide power through the attached Brush Electrical Generator ( serial 21177 of 1929 ) for the photographic plant. Donated by Kodak ( Australia ) Ltd. in 1966Historic - Industrial Twin Cylinder Engine Driving A Brush Electrical Generator used by Kodak Australia, at their Abbotsford plant, Abbotsford, Victoria, AustraliaTwin Cylinder Engine Driving A Brush Electrical Generator made of steel , iron, wrought iron, brassBuilt by W. H. Allen & Co, Ltd ., Bedford, England ( serial Number R1/14738/4)puffing billy, twin cylinder engine, brush electrical generator, w. h. allen & co, ltd -
Puffing Billy Railway
Zeehan & North East Dundas Tramway Bogie 1896, wagon bogie, 1896
Zeehan & North East Dundas Tramway Bogie 1896 The North East Dundas Tramway (NEDT) was a 2 ft (610 mm) narrow gauge tramway on West Coast Tasmania that ran between Zeehan and Deep Lead (now Williamsford). It was part of Tasmanian Government Railways. The line was opened in 1896 to carry ore from the Williamsford mines to Zeehan where it would be loaded onto another train for shipment to Burnie. The narrow-gauge (2 ft) was chosen because of the extremely difficult terrain that the railway crossed, requiring several big trestle bridges, including one at the foot of Montezuma Falls. After some rain the engine and carriages would get soaked by spray from the falls. There was a break-of-gauge with the mainline 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) system at Zeehan. The railway was closed in 1932. The rolling stock for the Tramway was built in the Launceston Railway workshops, and comprised twenty five eight-wheel low-side trucks, tare 3 tons 1 cwt. 1 qr., load 10 tons; six eight-wheel flat trucks, tare 2 tons 18 cwt. 1 qr., load 10 tons; two four-wheel bolster trucks, for carrying long timber, tare 1 ton 19 cwt., load 5 tons; and four passenger cars, each with six cross-seats with reversible backs, to carry eighteen passengers, also a locker for mails and parcels. All trucks and cars have cast-steel wheels 21 inches in diameter and are fitted with automatic vacuum brakes. The trucks have side levers and the cars have hand-screw brakes. The vacuum brake can be worked from the engine or from the passenger cars, which act as brake vans. When this brake was introduced, one effect was to accelerate the journey speed by about 10 minutes owing to more even running on down gradients. Historic - Industrial Narrow Gauge railway - Bogie used on the Zeehan & North East Dundas Tramway, Tasmania, Australia Bogie made from steel, iron and wrought ironZN & NTDS ML TRAM 1896 Griffinpuffing billy, bogie, zeehan & north east dundas tramway bogie, zeehan & north east dundas tramway, industrial narrow gauge railway, gauge: 2' (610 mm) -
Puffing Billy Railway
Benwerrin Coal Company Coal Skip, circa 1899 - 1904
... ), Sawdust and Steam, Light Railway Research Society of Australia. ...), Sawdust and Steam, Light Railway Research Society of Australia ...BENWERRIN COAL COMPANY SKIP This quarter ton coal truck or skip was used at a small mine situated at Benwerrin near Deans Marsh in Victoria’s Otway Ranges. The mine first opened in 1899 and closed in 1904. With the fuel shortages due to World War 2, the Benwerrin Coal Company reopened the mine in 1941. The coal was loaded into skips and winched out of Box’s Creek valley on a narrow gauge incline to a loading point that was close to the Deans Marsh-Lorne Road. It was then taken by road to the Deans Marsh Railway station. The average gradient of the tramway was 1 in 4 over a length of just under 500 metres (1600 feet). The gauge of the tramway has often been referred to as 375mm (or 15 inches) as shown on the map opposite taken from “Sawdust and Steam”. However, actual measurements of the wheels show the gauge to be 400mm (or 16 inches), which is quite unusual as is the small size of the skip itself. The mine produced up to 30 tonnes of brown coal each week until it closed in 1949 and the incline tramway and its skips were abandoned. Preservation of this coal truck came as a result of interest by the Tramway Museum Society of Victoria (TMSV) in the Barlow or Box type rails that it ran on. These rails had originally come from the Beaumaris Horse Tramway and were obtained by the Benwerrin Coal Company from Hayden Bros’ abandoned timber tramway at nearby Barwon Downs. Members of the TMSV visited the mine in the 1960s only to find that most of the tramway had recently been recovered for scrap. There remained a significant number of relics around the mine adits including most of the skips. One of these remained in good condition and it was recovered for preservation in May 1967. It was restored but never displayed and a second restoration took place by the author over 2012/13 so that it could be placed in the Menzies Creek Museum where it was delivered in February 2013. Little remains of the mine today with trestles and sleepers destroyed in the “Ash Wednesday” Bushfires in 1983. References: Houghton, N (1975), Sawdust and Steam, Light Railway Research Society of Australia. Historic - Industrial Narrow Gauge Railway - Benwerrin Coal Company , Benwerrin , Victoria, AustraliaCoal Skip - made of Iron sheet and wrought iron frame & wheelsB,C.Co Melbournepuffing billy, coal skip, benwerrin coal company, narrow gauge -
Puffing Billy Railway
Clarkat Tug Locomotive, 13 April 1943
Clarkat A Clarkat Aircraft Tug that has been converted to run on Rails, This Clarkat 'B' was one of 11 machines shipped on 13 April 1943 to the Lathrop Holding & Re-consignment Depot in Lathrop, California. and was used at Jack's Magazine, Maibyrnong, Victoria and later on at Coal Creek Historical Village, Gippsland, Victoria. Clarkat Tug Model C S/N Cx30F Made by Clark Tructractor Div of Clark Equipment Co Battle Creek Michigan U.S.A Serial No. CK 43 470 Code: Heavy Des.Pat. 116092 Historic - Industrial Narrow gauge railway equipment - Jack's Magazine, Maribyrnong, Victoria, Australia Clarkat Aircraft Tug that has been converted to run on Rails, made of steel Coal Creek Tug Clarkat Serial No. CK 43 470 Code: Heavy Des.Pat. 116092 clarkat, clarkat aircraft tug, puffing billy, jack's magazine -
Puffing Billy Railway
Tank Locomotive, 0-6-2 T No.1 "Delta", 1950
0-6-2 Tank Locomotive No.1 "Delta" Gauge 2'0" Identification: 1 Delta Type: 0-6-2T Builder: Perry Engineering, Mile End, South Australia Builder's number: Perry 7967.50.4 of 1950 Building date: 1950 Current status - Static Exhibit Wheel Arrangement 0-6-2T Cylinders (Diameter X Stroke) 10 inches X 18 inches Boiler Pressure 180 psi Driving Wheel (Dia.) 28 ½ inches Weight 16 tons Coal Capacity 27 cubic feet Water Capacity 500 gallons The Perry Engineering Co, Mile End, South Australia built a total of 18 locomotives for the 2’0” gauge tramways used by the sugar industry in Queensland. This 0-6-2T locomotive was built by Perry Engineering Co. Ltd. of Mile End, Adelaide as their Builder's No. 7967.50.4 of 1950. It was used at Qanaba Mill, Bundaberg where it was known as No.1 "Delta". / Qanaba Mill No.1 No. 1 “DELTA” 0-6-2 TANK LOCOMOTIVE Gauge: 2 foot Built by Perry Engineering Company of South Australia in 1950 (Builder’s number 7967.50.4), “DELTA” is a medium sized Australian designed locomotive featuring Walschaert’s valve gear driving piston valves. Weighing 16 tons (16.3 tonnes) it was one of the post-war narrow gauge steam locomotives, which worked in the canefields of Queensland until 1978. “DELTA” worked at various sugar mills in the Bundaberg area and was finally withdrawn from service at Quanba Mill after a life of 28 years. Obtained by the Puffing Billy Preservation Society in 1981. Delivered to Australian Estates Co., Kalamia Mill named DELTA in 1950. Purchased by Fairymead Mill as No 20 DELTA. Purchased by Millaquin Sugar for Qanaba Mill as No. 1 DELTA, 1970 Withdrawn from service, 1978. Obtained by Puffing Billy Preservation Society for display at the Puffing Billy Museum.Historic - Industrial Narrow Gauge Railway - Steam Locomotive used in Queensland in Sugar Mill service. Locomotive No.1 "Delta" - Steam Locomotive - made of steel, and wrought ironDelta0-6-2 tank locomotive no.1 "delta" perry engineering - puffing billy railway perry 7967.50.4 of 1950, puffing billy, qunaba sugar mill, bundaberg, perry engineering, delta, steam locomotive, 0-6-2 tank locomotive no.1 -
Puffing Billy Railway
Malcolm Moore No. 1013 - Four Wheel Diesel Rail Tractor Gauge 2'0", circa Nov 1943
Malcolm Moore No. 1013 Four wheel Diesel Rail Tractor Gauge 2'0" Malcolm Moore rail tractor (Builder’s Number 1013) It was built for the Australian Army in 1943. It was sold to the Inkerman Sugar Mill in Queensland around 1948 for hauling cane and shunting at the works. This rail tractor was originally powered by a Ford side valve V8 petrol engine. It was purchased from the Inkerman Mill of Pioneer Sugar Mills in 1982. Historic - Industrial narrow gauge Railway - Diesel Rail Tractor - used by the Australian Army and Inkerman Sugar Mill in QueenslandDiesel Rail Tractor made of iron and wrought irondiesel rail tractor, puffing billy, inkerman mill, industrial narrow gauge railway, gauge 2’0”, inkerman sugar mill, australian army -
Puffing Billy Railway
G42, Garratt Steam Locomotive, 1926
G42 Garratt Steam Locomotive Traffic and train loadings on Victoria's narrow gauge railways reached their peak during the 1920s. To assist in handling the longer, heavier trains, the Victorian Railways ordered two larger, more powerful Beyer Garratt locomotives. These were delivered in 1926 and were numbered G41 and G42. They were sent to work on the Colac–Beech Forest–Crowes line and the Moe–Walhalla line respectively. After the line from Moe closed in 1954, G42 was sent to Colac, where it worked with its mate, G41, until closure of that line in mid-1962. G41 had been in poor condition and was scrapped, whereas a brighter future awaited G42. The Victorian Railways offered G42 to the Puffing Billy Preservation Society, for display as a static exhibit in the Menzies Creek Museum. Over time, a plan evolved to restore G42 to operation, a goal that was eventually achieved by the launch of G42 back into traffic in April 2004. G42 now continues to operate as a restored member of the Puffing Billy Railway's locomotive fleet. No. originally constructed: 2 No. in service: 1 (No. 42) Boiler pressure: (lb/sq. in) 180 Boiler heating surface: 1268 sq ft (117.8 m2) Tractive effort: (85%) 26,860 lbs (12.18 t) Driving wheel diameter: 36" (91.44 cm) Max axle load: 9t 5cwt Length Overall: 51' 7" (15.72m) Height Overall: 10' 8" (3.28m) Date of manufacture: 1926 Manufacturer: Beyer Peacock Place of manufacture: Manchester UK Locomotive Type: Garratt Coal capacity: 70 cwt Cylinder diameter: 13" (33.02 cm) Cylinder stroke: 18" (45.72 cm) Wheel arrangement: 2-6-0+0-6-2 Roadworthy weight: 69t Water capacity: 1680 gal (7,637.43 l) Beyer Peacock - Garratt Locomotives Register Works Number - 6268 / 1926 Gauge/Railway/Class - 2'6"/Victorian Government Rlys/G Type - 2-6-0+0-6-2 No. G42 Notes - Australia G42 Built in 1926 and painted all-over black, this Garratt locomotive was issued to the Moe to Walhalla line where it remained—other than for overhauls—until the line closed in 1954. After an overhaul at Newport Workshops, it was issued to the Colac to Crowes line and remained there until that line closed in 1962 when it was returned to Newport Workshops for storage. In 1964 it was sold to the Puffing Billy Preservation Society and removed from the V.R. register 3 months later. It arrived at Belgrave in 1968 and was hauled to Menzies Creek for static display in the museum. 1986 saw the commencement of restoration the Belgrave workshops and has been restored to its 1946 to 1954 condition with raised cab roof, raised marker lamps, steel cow-catchers and all-over black livery. It was returned to service on April 18, 2004. Service History : Jun 1926 - Moe - initial allocation of a new locomotive Jun 1926 - Oct 1954 Moe Oct 1954 - Jan 1955 Workshops Jun 1955 - May 1962 Colac Jul 1962 - Dec 1965 Workshops - Stored Jan 1968 - Feb 1968 Belgrave - Stored Feb 1968 - 1982 - Menzies Creek Steam Museum 1982 - 2004 - Under restoration Apr 2004 - Belgrave - In active service at Puffing Billy Railway BelgraveHistoric - Victorian Railways - Narrow Gauge - Garratt Steam Locomotive - G42 Victorian Heritage Register (VHR) Number H2187 G42 Garratt Steam Locomotive made of steel, iron and wrought iron with brass fittings - the Locomotive is in Active Service - Belgrave Station G42puffing billy, narrow gauge, garratt, g42, steam locomotive, beyer peacock, victorian railways -
Puffing Billy Railway
Station Sign - Belgrave
Belgrave railway station is the terminus of the electrified line from Melbourne in Victoria, Australia, serving the eastern Melbourne suburb of Belgrave. Opened as Monbulk on 18 December 1900, it was renamed Belgrave on 21 November 1904. It was upgraded to a Premium station on 2 July 1996. The station was originally on the Upper Ferntree Gully – Gembrook narrow gauge line. It, along with the rest of the line, officially closed on 30 April 1954. However it saw further use between 1955 and early 1958, when trains were operated by the Puffing Billy Preservation Society in co-operation with the Victorian Railways. The station area re-opened on 19 February 1962 when the line as far as Belgrave was converted to broad gauge and used electric traction as part of the suburban network.[1] It has one island platform with two faces. It is serviced by Metro Trains' Belgrave line services The Puffing Billy Railway Belgrave station is located 100 metres north of the station and is accessible via a short footpath. It was required to be located further down the line than the original narrow-gauge station (which was approximately where the current suburban station car park is located). ref: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belgrave_railway_station photos at http://www.vicrailstations.com/Gembrook/Belgrave/Belgrave.htmlHistoric - Victorian Railways Station sign used at Belgrave StationStation Sign - Belgrave Metal sign - white enamel back ground with black letters Belgravepuffing billy, victorian railways, belgrave station -
Puffing Billy Railway
Station Sign - Yea
Station Sign - Yea Yea Station Opened 16 November 1883 Closed 8 November 1978 Yea is a former railway station in Yea, Victoria, Australia. The tracks have been removed and the reserve has been turned into The Yea Railway Park consisting of the historic railway station and eleven acres of parkland. It has a picnic shelter, barbecue, toilets, playground, skatepark, walking track, community reserve and includes Rotary Park. The station building houses Blackthorn Textiles (a privately run craft shop). Also on the site are the former goods sheds which are available for hire for varied functions. The Yea Country Market is held in the park on the first Saturday of each month and local artists hold an exhibition and sale in the goods sheds each Easter. The site is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register ref: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yea_railway_station photo at http://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/vhd-images/places/000/078/092.jpg Historic - Victorian Railways Station sign used at Yea StationStation Sign - Yea Metal rectangle Station Name Sign with white enamel back ground and black lettersYeapuffing billy, station sign, yea station -
Puffing Billy Railway
Tecoma Station Sign
Station Sign - Tecoma Tecoma railway station is located on the Belgrave line in Victoria, Australia. It serves the eastern Melbourne suburb of Tecoma opening on 1st December 1924. The station was originally on the Upper Ferntree Gully - Gembrook narrow gauge line. It along with the rest of the line closed on 30 April 1954, reopening on 19 February 1962 when the line as far as Belgrave was converted to broad gauge. ref: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tecoma_railway_stationHistoric - Victorian Railways Station sign used at Tecoma StationStation Sign - Tecoma wooden rectangle Station name sign pained yellow background with black letters Tecomapuffing billy, station sign, tecoma station, narrow gauge, puffing billy museum -
Puffing Billy Railway
Emerald Station Sign
... on the Puffing Billy Railway in Victoria, Australia. It was opened..., Australia. It was opened with the Railway on 18 December 1900 ...Station Sign - Emerald Emerald Station is situated on the Puffing Billy Railway in Victoria, Australia. It was opened with the Railway on 18 December 1900 and comprised a platform track and a loop siding. A passing loop was added between the two a few years later. There was also a spur siding off the Down end of No. 3 Road. Two standard 12 ft by 20 ft timber portable station buildings with a Van Goods Shed between (all adjoining) were provided on the platform and a Goods Shed on the No. 3 Road loop siding. Other buildings included Tea Rooms, lamp room and toilets along with a cattle race and loading bank. The station building was later reduced in length by one of the portables which housed the General and Ladies' waiting rooms. Emerald today remains very similar to the early days, but has had other Roads added into a Carriage Workshops, a turntable and storage sidings. Also, a Signal and Telegraph Branch depot in the form of a large Goods Shed and a multi-purpose yard building in the form of a Locomotive Depot administration building have been added. During 2009, the station building underwent stage one of an internal restoration to its former glory. ref: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emerald_railway_station,_Victoria photos at http://www.vicrailstations.com/Gembrook/Emerald/Emerald.html Historic - Victorian Railways Station sign used at Emerald Station Station Sign - Emerald Metal rectangle Station Name Sign with white enamel back ground and black lettersEmeraldstation sign, puffing billy, emerald station -
Puffing Billy Railway
Sign - Advertising - Griffiths Tea Sign - 30 Miles, between 1879 - 1930's
In 1879, James Griffiths established one of Australia’s first tea and coffee distribution companies at 30 Flinders St, Melbourne, which is now, occupied by the boutique Lindrum Hotel. Established with his brother John, recent immigrants from England, Griffiths occupied the highest position in the commercial world during their many years as distributors of tea, coffee, cocoa and other products throughout Victoria and Australia. The Griffiths brand was a guarantee for quality of product and service as it still is today. This extensive service was provided to customers via horse drawn carts serviced by rail from Melbourne. As a spirited entrepreneur, Griffiths made his company a household name through his pioneering use of outdoor advertising by installing the infamous blue and white enamel “Griffiths Tea” promotional signs affixed to the railway boundary fences highlighting to travellers the distance to or from Melbourne, indicating so many “— miles to Griffiths Tea”. These signs, much sought after today, were well known through out the eastern states. Photographs have been published of a sign erected by a Digger in France during the First World War with the words “1100 miles to Griffiths Bros”. Tragically, James and his wife Emily with friends died in a level rail crossing accident at Bayswater in 1925. Despite this unfortunate accident, Griffiths and its culture of innovation has survived as one of the few 100% Australian owned coffee roasters, with only three owners in 128 years. http://www.griffithscoffee.com.au/about-us/back-to-1879/ Sign - Advertising - Griffiths Tea Sign - 30 MilesHistoric - Sign - Advertising - Griffiths Tea Sign - used along side of Victorian Railway lines and at StationsSign - Advertising - Griffiths Tea Sign - 30 Miles Griffiths Tea sign made of Enamel paint on metal sign30 Miles to Griffiths Tea Sign puffing billy, sign - advertising - griffiths tea sign - 30 miles -
Puffing Billy Railway
single cylinder Blackham stationary engine, circa 1900
Engine (power producing equipment) A single cylinder Blackham stationary engine. This engine required steam from a separate boiler to operate. Maker : W.H Blackham King Street, Melbourne, Victoria c. 1900 Historic - Industrial - Single cylinder Stationary engine - W. H. Blackham - Kings St. Melbourne, Victoria, Australia A single cylinder Blackham stationary engine. - Made from Iron, wrought Iron & brassW.H Blackham King st. Melbournepuffing billy, blackham, single cylinder stationary engine -
Puffing Billy Railway
Equipment - Victorian Railways Carriage Foot Warmer
During prestige, long distance train journeys some carriages had air-conditioning, and the majority of passengers had to brave unheated carriages. To offer some comfort during the winter months, the non-air-conditioned carriages were provided with footwarmers. These were metal containers roughly 100 mm thick and 300 mm wide, and about 750 mm long, which were filled with salt crystals (concentrated crystalline hydrated sodium acetate). The footwarmers were covered by sleeves of thick canvas, and two footwarmers were usually placed in each compartment of non-air-conditioned carriages. To activate the chemicals, the footwarmers were heated almost to boiling point. This was done by removing the canvas sleeves and placing the footwarmers in a large bath of very hot water. After they had been heated, they were removed from the bath and the sleeves refitted. They were then ready to be placed in the carriages. The McLaren patent foot warmer was used on railways in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia as well as South Africa and New Zealand. It was during the 1901 royal visit by the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall that these foot warmers were first used in New Zealand in the royal carriage. Before railway carriage heating was introduced, McLaren patent foot warmers were placed on the floor of New South Wales government railway carriages from 1891 to provide a little passenger comfort. The rectangular steel container worked a bit like a hot water bottle but instead of water contained six and a half kilograms of loosely-packed salt crystals, (concentrated crystalline hydrated sodium acetate). This was permanently sealed inside the container with a soldered cap. After the foot warmer was heated in vat of boiling water for about one and a quarter hours the crystals became a hot liquid. (The melting point for sodium acetate is 58 degrees). There was a whole infrastructure of special furnaces set up at stations for the daily heating of foot warmers. By 1914 the Victorian railways had 4,000 foot warmers in service and by 1935 there were 33 furnaces at principal stations to heat them. After about 10 hours the container was picked up by the handle and given a good vertical shake which helped the cooled liquid reform into a solid mass of hot crystals. Staff or sometimes passengers shook them en route when the foot warmers began to get cold. However, as they were heavy this was only possible by fit and agile passengers. At the end of the journey the containers were boiled again for reuse on the next trip. Sodium acetate railway foot warmers were introduced in Victoria in 1889, Adelaide to Melbourne express in 1899. "Shaking up" on this service took place at Murray Bridge and Stawell on the tip to Melbourne and at Ballarat and Serviceton on the trip to Adelaide. The use of foot warmers began to decline in New South Wales from the 1930s with the first trial of carriage air-conditioning in 1936, steam heating from 1948 ad LP gas heating from 1961. By the early 1960s the main services using foot warmers were the overnight mail trains. info from : http://www.powerhousemuseum.com/collection/database/?irn=67564#ixzz4UBNzVf6t Under Creative Commons License: Attribution Non-Commercial There was a whole infrastructure set up at stations for the daily heating of foot warmers in special furnaces. In Victoria alone in 1935 there were 33 heating works.Historic - Victorian Railways - Carriage Heater - Foot warmerA rectangular-shaped stainless steel casing with a welded seam down the back and welded ends. There is a handle at one end for carrying and shaking. Inside the foot warmer are two baffle plates and three trays to contain the sodium acetate. There was a cast-iron ball in each internal compartment. puffing billy, victorian railways, carriage haeter, foot warmer, passenger comfort, station furnace, railway ephemera, early heating methods