Showing 426 items
matching railway lines
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Hume City Civic Collection
Photograph
... in the foreground. There are electric power lines along the railway line.... in the foreground. There are electric power lines along the railway line ...This image is of the Viaduct at Rupertswood across the Jacksons CreekA black and white photo of the viaduct at Rupertswood across the Jackson's Creek with several gum trees in the foreground. There are electric power lines along the railway line.rupertswood, jackson's creek, railways, bridges, george evans collection -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Train coming up grade beyond Barnsbury Rd, Deepdene 1905
... Photograph Steam train in a cutting on the Outer Circle Railway line ...The Outer Circle Railway was opened in stages in 1890 and 1891, as a steam-era suburban railway line. It traversed much of the modern City of Boroondara, including the suburbs of (from north to south) Kew East, Camberwell, Burwood, Ashburton, and Malvern East. At its longest, it ran from Fairfield station, on what is today the Hurstbridge line, to Oakleigh station, on the current Pakenham and Cranbourne lines.Steam train in a cutting on the Outer Circle Railway line. Exhibition enlargement donated by Stewart West from an original owned by Miss Foley.trains, outer circle railway -
Sunbury Family History and Heritage Society Inc.
Photograph, Railway smash, 17 April 1919
The photograph has recorded rail smash which occurred at Sunbury on 17th April 1919 when a stock train crashed into a goods train. It caused a lot of damage to the rolling stock and blocked rail traffic on the Bendigo and Maryborough lines. The driver and the firemen of the stock train were injured.This accident is only one of a number which have happened on the Sunbury Bendigo rail track over the years.A black and white photograph with a white border in postcard format of a rail accident where some of the carriages are on their side and workman are in the railway yard inspecting the damage.sunbury, rail accidents -
Sunbury Family History and Heritage Society Inc.
Photograph, c 1950
The 'N' Class steam locomotives were built by Victorian Railways to be used on branch lines throughout the state's regional areas. A total of 73 of these locomotives were built between 1925 and 1951. The locomotive in the photograph was steaming into Sunbury. Sunbury Station was an important stop for steam locomotives travelling on the Bendigo line. Even after diesel engines were used to pull the trains in the 1950s, steam locomotives were also used until the early 1990s.A black and white photograph of a 'N'class steam engine on railway tracks.steam locomotives -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Container, Griffiths Bros, 1900 - 1940
... railway lines. flagstaff hill warrnambool shipwrecked-coast ...In 1873, English grocer James Griffiths migrated to Melbourne with his wife and cousin in order to start a tea business. By 1875 Griffiths Brothers Teas had become a sensation, providing tea, coffee, cocoa and chocolate all over Australia. The Sydney outlet of the Melbourne-based company was built in 1915. In a memorable advertising campaign, a series of Griffiths signs were situated at varying intervals along the rail lines on fences and building, designed to allow travellers to count down the miles until they could drink up. In 1925, James Griffiths was killed by a train and the tea company was sold to Robur Tea, which itself lasted until 1974. Griffiths’ death meant downsizing within the company with the Sydney building being transferred to the Sydney City Council, who then leased it back to Griffiths Teas. The tea craze was over by 1965, and Griffiths relinquished control of the building to a variety of tenants. Griffiths tea became an intrical part of Australian life, during the late 19th to mid 20th century. The company became a household name through the clever use of outdoor advertising with their blue and white enamel “Griffiths Tea” signs. These were visible Australia wide on railway fences, stations and other buildings. Griffiths signs let the rail travelers know the distance to where their tea could be enjoyed, with distances being shown as “miles to Griffiths Tea”, These signs were well known along the eastern states railway lines. Tea container tin Griffiths blue tin with round lid, not hinged. 7lbs net Choice Tea Griffith Bros 7lb net in white on a blue labelflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village -
Yarra Glen & District Historical Society
Sepia postcards, Yarra Glen from the Healesville railway line
Sepia postcard with a view of Yarra Glen taken from the east on the railway line adjacent to the Healesville Rd. The view extends from the railway station to Point Pleasant and includes Victoria Hall, the Grand Hotel and Mrs Roberts' house.On back of postcard at the top "POST CARD". On the left hand side "THIS SPACE MAY BE USED FOR PRINTED OR WRITTEN MATTER". On the right hand side "ONLY THE ADDRESS TO BE WRITTEN HERE". In a box in the right hand corner "A HALF-PENNY STAMP TO BE PLACED HERE". Along the left hand margin "Ajax series. Printed in England". COPY 2: Also has handwritten on back "March 5th 1929 Mount Wise, Yarra Glen. Our dear Lorna Lesley, Melbourne. Just a [few]lines to wish you a happy birthday, fancy tomorrow you will be nine years old. It only seems like nine months since you were a wee baby. When you are just as old again you will be a young lady, quite grown up. Thank Mum for her letter this morning. It is very good to take the ladies out. Lots of love to you from all of us; Love to Dad & Mum too, Your loving Aunt F..." COPY 3: Also has handwritten on the back "To Dear Aunt Charlotte, Martha. Lottie & all the boys with love & best wishes for a Happy & prosperous New Year from Cousin. (In another hand and ink) G Keets Yarra Glen.hotel, yarra glen, railway line, point pleasant, grand hotel, victoria hall, post and rail fence, mt wise, mount wise -
Orbost & District Historical Society
railways envelope, C 1980's
This item was used by Victorian Railways 1970's/1980's. It was used at Orbost Railway Station for the consignment of timber from Orbost to Westall.. Westall was a major timber-receiving depot near Dandenong, Victoria. Westall railway station is located on the Pakenham and Cranbourne lines in Victoria, Australia. It serves the south-eastern Melbourne suburb of Clayton South, opening on 6 February 1951. Westall station was opened as a workers only platform on 16 October 1954. It was provided for the adjacent Martin & King railway coachbuilding factory. The station was opened to the public on 1 June 1959 when all trains on the line began stopping there. The Bairnsdale-Orbost railway was opened in 1916 to serve the agricultural and timber industry. Because of the decline in traffic and heavy operating costs, the line was finally closed in August, 1987. Orbost Railway Station was opened on Monday 10 April 1916 as the terminus of the Orbost railway line, and closed in 1987. The station was located on the west side of the Snowy River despite the town of Orbost being on the east side of the river, in order to save on the costs of a bridge over the river, which at the time had highly variable levels. This item is associated with the history of the Orbost-Bairnsdale railway line and therefore reflects the role that the rail line played in the social and economic history of Orbost.An unused brown/buff coloured goods/freight consignment envelope used by Victorian Railways, this one for timber from Orbost to Westall. It is DL size.2497-78 VICTORIAN RAILWAYS G.F 63 From ORBOST to WESTALL MASS Tonnes kg Vehicle No Contents TIMBER Consignee Date orbost-bairnsdale-railway westall -
Orbost & District Historical Society
receipt docket, November 30, 1910
Mr Fred Lay, along with his father and brothers, owned the local carrier business with Mr Charlie Joiner as a business partner. They used a horse and cart to transport goods from the railway station into Orbost . In about 1907-08 Mr. Charles Joiner and Mr. Alf Lay came together and conducted a regular service — Mr. Lay at Lakes with a five horse team (because he had to travel the beach at Lake Tyers) and Mr. Joiner, at Orbost, with four horses. The two met half way and changed wagons. Asked why they did this it was said they met every boat and were at the jetty every day. This was why they cornered most of the inward loadings. (ref. River Trading on the Snowy, John Phillips) Later the business was sold to Mr David Williams. Robert Pullar Cameron was a Shire Councillor for many years. He married Penuel Hossack and had a family of James, Flora, Penuel and Alex.This item is an example of a book keeping document used by an early Orbost Business. It is a useful research item.A white receipt docket with black lines and print from Lay & Joiner, General Carriers to R. Cameron.on front - "Paid by Cash"cameron-robert-pullar lay-&-joiner-carriers transport document-receipt -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Container - Tea Container, Griffiths Bros, 1900 - 1940
... railway lines. flagstaff hill warrnambool shipwrecked-coast ...In 1873, English grocer James Griffiths migrated to Melbourne with his wife and cousin in order to start a tea business. By 1875 Griffiths Brothers Teas had become a sensation, providing tea, coffee, cocoa and chocolate all over Australia. The Sydney outlet of the Melbourne-based company was built in 1915. In a memorable advertising campaign, a series of Griffiths signs were situated at varying intervals along the rail lines on fences and building, designed to allow travellers to count down the miles until they could drink up. In 1925, James Griffiths was killed by a train and the tea company was sold to Robur Tea, which itself lasted until 1974. Griffiths’ death meant downsizing within the company with the Sydney building being transferred to the Sydney City Council, who then leased it back to Griffiths Teas. The tea craze was over by 1965, and Griffiths relinquished control of the building to a variety of tenants. Griffiths tea became an intrical part of Australian life, during the late 19th to mid 20th century. The company became a household name through the clever use of outdoor advertising with their blue and white enamel “Griffiths Tea” signs. These were visible Australia wide on railway fences, stations and other buildings. Griffiths signs let the rail travelers know the distance to where their tea could be enjoyed, with distances being shown as “miles to Griffiths Tea”, These signs were well known along the eastern states railway lines. Tea container tin Griffiths blue tin with round lid, not hinged. 7lbs net Choice Tea Griffith Bros 7lb net in white on a blue labelflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, griffiths bros, tea container, tin tea container -
Federation University Historical Collection
Report, Fast Rail Links to Regional Centres Feasibility Studies: Final Report, c2000
Used by the local branch of the Public Transport Users AssociationRingbound Linking Victoria report of 228 pages steve bracks, transport, linking victoria, railway, fast rail, ballarat corridor, bendigo corridor, traralgon corridor, geelong corridor, level crossings, country rail lines, rail gauge, trains -
Federation University Historical Collection
Book, Public Transport Users Association Notes and Press Clippings, 1991-2010
Used by the local branch of the Public Transport Users Association.Seven plastic covered display books with press clippings, media releases and notes concerning the Public Transport users Association in the Ballarat Region. .1) Public Transport Ballarat & Region Vol 1 - National Express Review, 1999-2001 .2) Public Transport Ballarat & Region Vol 2 - Press Cuttings, 2001 - 2002 .3) Public Transport Ballarat & Region Vol 3 - Press Cuttings, 2002-2003 .4) Public Transport Ballarat & Region Vol 4 - Press Cuttings, 2004-2005 .5) Public Transport Ballarat & Region Vol 5 - Press Cuttings,2006-2012 .6) Public Transport Ballarat & Region Vol 6 - Other Ballarat Transport Issues, 2001-2008 .7) Public Transport Ballarat & Region Vol 7 - Creswick, 2000-2010 11729.8 Documents Transport Public Transport Ballarat & Region Vol 8 -Other Regional Areas Baker, Jean 2000-2010 11729.9 Documents Transport Public Transport Ballarat & Region Vol 9 - Closure of North Melbounre Station and the impact on Ballarat Commuters Baker, Jean 2014 Book Transport Driving the Fast Train Further: Integreated Public Tranpost Across All Victoria Everingham, Wendy and McPherson 1999-2001 Documents Transport Public Transport Ballarat & Region Vol 3 - Press Cuttings Baker, Jean 1999-2001 transport, linking victoria, railway, fast rail, ballarat corridor, bendigo corridor, traralgon corridor, geelong corridor, warrnambool corridor, level crossings, country rail lines, ararat rail line, trains, jean baker, hedley thomson, coach, national express review, mildura review, public transport corporation, maryborough to ballarat passenger rail service, mildura country rail, john parkin, john mclean, steve bracks, airport rail, john barnes, buses, alstrom, rail crossings, dove downey, curtis street bus terminal, bus interchange, ballarat railway stations, trams, creswick, creswick railway station, ararat, wimmera, mallee, maryborough, clunes, talbot -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, The Weekly Times, Opening of the Heidelberg-Eltham Railway Line, 6 June 1902, 1902
Reproduced from "The Weekly Times", 14th June 1902, page 10. 06 Jun 1902 Cross Reference Photo No.(s): 602, 604 Source: La Trobe Library and National Library, Canberra THE HEIDELBERG TO ELTHAM RAILWAY. OPENING CEREMONY. The opening of the railway line from Heidelberg to Eltham took place on the 6th inst. The special train, containing a large number of members of Parliament, including Mr Trenwith, the Minister for Railways, left Prince's Bridge at half-past eleven, and arrived at Eltham at twenty minutes past twelve. The party was accompanied by Mr Fitzpatrick, Acting Commissioner for Railways; Mr Lockhead, the Traffic Manager; and Mr Norman, Engineer for Existing Lines. On arrival, the visitors were entertained at a banquet in the marquee, of which a photograph is given, erected close to the railway station. Mr E. H. Cameron, M.L.A., the member for the district, occupied the chair, and, seated on his right, was Mr Mason, the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, and on his left the Minister of Rail-ways. After the banquet His Excellency the Governor-General arrived, and was received and welcomed by Mr Cameron, the local State school children singing the National Anthem. The Governor-General, in declaring the line open, said that he felt highly honored at being asked to perform the opening ceremony, and he trusted that the railway would be a source of great convenience to the inhabitants of the district. He was sorry to say that this would be the last opportunity he would have of seeing them. It cost him a great deal to leave them. (Hear, hear.) He had a great many friends amongst all sections of the community, and he could hardly bear to trust himself to speak about leaving them. (Hear, hear.) He was sorry Lady Hopetoun was on the high seas, and unable to accompany him that day. Mr Cameron thanked his Excellency for performing the opening ceremony, and hoped the trip home would have the effect of restoring His Excellency to good health again. In replying. Lord Hopetoun thanked them sincerely for the cordial vote of thanks. He hoped Providence would shower her blessings over them, and that they would have a series of good seasons. He would always keep a warm corner in his heart for the people of Victoria. (Loud cheers.) THE COUNTRY. In our illustrations, views are given of a couple of sections of the new line, and glimpses of the surrounding country are shown. The line is eight miles in length, and cost £51,000 in construction. Eltham, which is the terminus, possesses many of the features that go to make a favorite holiday resort. It is a quiet picturesque little hamlet, snugly ensconced on the slope of one of many sombre-tinted hills by which it is sur-rounded. Even when viewed under ad-verse conditions one could not fail to be-impressed with the natural, rugged beauty of the place. It is situated about sixteen miles from Melbourne, and the line takes a circuitous course through a continuation of pretty undulating country. At intervals on the slopes of the surrounding green-mantled hills, patches of brown, freshly tilled soil indicate that for all its serene reposeful-ness Eltham possesses its phases of industrial life as well. Looking down into this valley from the main road which skirts the slope of a hill, distant something less than a quarter of a mile from the railway station is one of the prettiest pieces of scenery in the district. Verdure-clad hills ascend on all sides, whilst beneath stretches a broad expanse of carpet-like green sward, dotted here and there with picturesque homesteads, each with its patches of tilled soil. In the township itself the dwelling-houses are comparatively few, the larger portion of the inhabitants residing in the scattered homesteads. Eltham is as yet only in its youth, but energetic and un-tiring public men can effect wonders in a community's prosperity, and Eltham, whatever other real or imaginary advantages it may lay claim to, certainly possesses this one. The railway is the result of their endeavor. 1902 'THE HEIDELBERG TO ELTHAM RAILWAY.', Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic. : 1869 - 1954), 14 June, p. 14. , viewed 26 Sep 2018, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article221230719This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book,"Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as the 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Digital image 35mm B&W negativesepp, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, eltham, heidelberg-eltham railway extension -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Opening of the Railway Line; The arrival of the Governor-General, 6 June, 1902
Published: The opening of the railway line by His Excellency The Governor General, The Weekly Times, June 14, 1902, p10. Governor General was John Hope, Earl of Hopetoun THE HEIDELBERG TO ELTHAM RAILWAY. OPENING CEREMONY. The opening of the railway line from Heidelberg to Eltham took place on the 6th inst. The special train, containing a large number of members of Parliament, including Mr Trenwith, the Minister for Railways, left Prince's Bridge at half-past eleven, and arrived at Eltham at twenty minutes past twelve. The party was accompanied by Mr Fitzpatrick, Acting Commissioner for Railways; Mr Lockhead, the Traffic Manager; and Mr Norman, Engineer for Existing Lines. On arrival, the visitors were entertained at a banquet in the marquee, of which a photograph is given, erected close to the railway station. Mr E. H. Cameron, M.L.A., the member for the district, occupied the chair, and, seated on his right, was Mr Mason, the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, and on his left the Minister of Rail-ways. After the banquet His Excellency the Governor-General arrived, and was received and welcomed by Mr Cameron, the local State school children singing the National Anthem. The Governor-General, in declaring the line open, said that he felt highly honored at being asked to perform the opening ceremony, and he trusted that the railway would be a source of great convenience to the inhabitants of the district. He was sorry to say that this would be the last opportunity he would have of seeing them. It cost him a great deal to leave them. (Hear, hear.) He had a great many friends amongst all sections of the community, and he could hardly bear to trust himself to speak about leaving them. (Hear, hear.) He was sorry Lady Hopetoun was on the high seas, and unable to accompany him that day. Mr Cameron thanked his Excellency for performing the opening ceremony, and hoped the trip home would have the effect of restoring His Excellency to good health again. In replying. Lord Hopetoun thanked them sincerely for the cordial vote of thanks. He hoped Providence would shower her blessings over them, and that they would have a series of good seasons. He would always keep a warm corner in his heart for the people of Victoria. (Loud cheers.) THE COUNTRY. In our illustrations, views are given of a couple of sections of the new line, and glimpses of the surrounding country are shown. The line is eight miles in length, and cost £51,000 in construction. Eltham, which is the terminus, possesses many of the features that go to make a favorite holiday resort. It is a quiet picturesque little hamlet, snugly ensconced on the slope of one of many sombre-tinted hills by which it is sur-rounded. Even when viewed under ad-verse conditions one could not fail to be-impressed with the natural, rugged beauty of the place. It is situated about sixteen miles from Melbourne, and the line takes a circuitous course through a continuation of pretty undulating country. At intervals on the slopes of the surrounding green-mantled hills, patches of brown, freshly tilled soil indicate that for all its serene reposeful-ness Eltham possesses its phases of industrial life as well. Looking down into this valley from the main road which skirts the slope of a hill, distant something less than a quarter of a mile from the railway station is one of the prettiest pieces of scenery in the district. Verdure-clad hills ascend on all sides, whilst beneath stretches a broad expanse of carpet-like green sward, dotted here and there with picturesque homesteads, each with its patches of tilled soil. In the township itself the dwelling-houses are comparatively few, the larger portion of the inhabitants residing in the scattered homesteads. Eltham is as yet only in its youth, but energetic and un-tiring public men can effect wonders in a community's prosperity, and Eltham, whatever other real or imaginary advantages it may lay claim to, certainly possesses this one. The railway is the result of their endeavor. 1902 'THE HEIDELBERG TO ELTHAM RAILWAY.', Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic. : 1869 - 1954), 14 June, p. 14. , viewed 26 Sep 2018, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article221230719This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book,"Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as the 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Digital image Negative black and white film 120 6x9 format 2 stripsAgfa APX 100sepp, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, eltham, heidelberg-eltham railway extension, earl of hopetoun, john hope, opening day, railway line construction -
Otway Districts Historical Society
Book, Railways of the Otway Ranges, 2011
After various railways into the Otways were proposedfour separate lines were built, a crucial ingredient of the timber industry. It eventually expanded to become of the Victoria's largest.Railways of the Otways. Nick Anchen. Sierra Publishing; Ferntree Gully (Vic); 2011. ii, 96p.; illus, maps. Soft cover. ISBN 978 0 9807640 0 0.railways of the otway ranges; nick anchen; history; railways; otways; otway ranges; logging railroads; railroads, industrial; -
Otway Districts Historical Society
Book, Puffing Billy Preservation Society, Focus on Beech Forest Line, Part One, January 2004
In the earliest years of the Colac-Beech Forest-Crowes line all trains were hauled by NA-class 2-6-2 tank locomotives. From 1926, with the introduction of articulated Beyer Garrett locomotive G41, it hauled the majority of trains with the NAs providing supplementary service as required. Late in 1945 Garratt G41 was again out of action undergoing repairs at the depot in Colac so regular traffic again was handled by an NA for a short time. The line continued to survive on pulpwood long after other VR narrow gauge lines had ceased operation but finally, on 30 June 1962, a dilapidated G42 hauled the last train of goods wagons and vans to Beech Forest and return.Focus on Victoria's Narrow Gauge: Beech Forest Line, Part One. John E. Thompson. Puffing Billy Preservation Society; Belgrave (Vic); Jan 2004. vi, 42 p.; illus; maps. Soft cover. ISBN 0 9579792 4 Xvictorian railways; narrow gauge; beech forest; colac; crowes; edward a. downs; john e. thompson; -
Otway Districts Historical Society
Book, Focus on Beech Forest Line, Part Two, November 2006
In the earliest years of the Colac-Beech Forest-Crowes line all trains were hauled by NA-class 2-6-2 tank locomotives. From 1926, with the introduction of articulated Beyer Garrat locomotive G41, it hauled the majority of trains with the NA-class providing supplementary service as required. Late in 1945 G41 was out of action undergoing repairs at the depot in Colac so regular traffic again was handled by an NA-class for a short time before the Garratt returned. After this the line survived on pulpwood traffic long after the other narrow gauge lines had ceased regular operation until, on 30 June 1962, a dilapated G42 Garrett hauled the last train of goods wagons and vans to Beech Forest and return.Focus on Victoria's Narrow Gauge Beech Forest Line, Part Two. A pictorial tribute to the late Edward A. Downs, Railway Historian. John E. Thompson. Puffing Billy Preservation Society; Belgrave (Vic); November 2006. iv, 42 p.; illus; maps. Soft cover. ISBN 0 9579792 6 6victorian railways; narrow gauge; beech forest; colac; crowes; john e. thompson; edward a. downs; railway; -
Otway Districts Historical Society
Book, Puffing Billy Preservation Society, G42: Puffing Billy's Big Brother, 1981
... Victoria's narrow gauge railways were from Wangaratta... Victoria's narrow gauge railways were from Wangaratta to Whitfield ...Victoria's narrow gauge railways were from Wangaratta to Whitfield (covering 30.5 miles/49 km) opening in 1899, Colac to Beech Forest (29 miles/46.7 km) opening in 1902 with an addition to Crowes (14.1 miles/22.7 km) opening in 1910, Upper Ferntree Gully to Gembrook (18.2 miles/29.3 km) opening in 1900, and Moe to Walhalla (26 miles/41.3 km) opening in 1910. From the outset these narrow gauge lines proved very uneconomical in operation and were plagued with continuing financial losses. The lines most difficult to work were those carrying the most business, and in particular the trains from Colac and Moe with their 1 in 30 grades and countless curves precluded having engines with large coupled driving wheels operating. Having examined the possible use of articulated locomotives to reduce operating costs on the narrow gauge lines the Victorian Railways decided upon the Beyer-Garratt type of locomotive in 1925 and an order was placed in England for two engines of the 2-6-0 plus 0-6-2 wheel arrangements. These arrived in April 1926. Assembly of the new Garratts was duly completed and steaming trials carried out at Newport, Victoria, the engines being classed as "G" and given the running numbers "41" and "42". G41 was taken to Colac where, on 5 June 1926, it was put to work on the Colac-Beech Forest-Crowes line. G42 soon followed and duly began work on the equally steep and tortuous but shorter Moe-Walhalla line. Following the closure of the Moe line in 1955 G42 was refurbished and went to Colac. G41 was overhauled, but not as thoroughly as G42, at then returned to Colac where both Garratts shared regular work on the line until its closure in 1962. From 1978 G42 continues its operation on the Upper Ferntree Gully-Gembrook line as part of the Puffing Billy Preservation Society.G42: Puffing Billy's Big Brother. Pictorial history of a Beyer-Garratt in Victoria, Australia. Phil A'Vard, Larry James, Ron Peach (concept). Puffing Billy Preservation Society; Belgrave (Vic); 1980. 64 p.; illus; map. Soft cover. ISBN 0 9598392 7 5victorian railways; narrow gauge; moe; walhalla; colac; beech forest; crowes; upper ferntree gully; gembrook; beyer-garratt; -
Otway Districts Historical Society
Photograph, Railway Survey Camp, Beech Forest, 4 Apr 1897, 4 April 1897
On the 18th August, 1896, the question of selecting localities for the permanent survey of a narrow-gauge line to Beech Forest from Colac was mooted. Two potential lines were examined. In a memorandum to the Minister for Railways, dated 23rd March, 1897, the Engineer-in-Chief recommended that the eastern and longer route via Lardner's Track be adopted. The second route, while identical from Colac to Gellibrand River, differed. By a more direct route the Beech Forest terminus is reached 5 miles sooner and cost approximately L24,500 less. The direct line would also serve a larger lot of settlers and would obtain a larger lot of traffic than the alternate proposal. The Parlimentary Standing Committee on Railways examined the proposal in situ and recommended that the direct route from Gellibrand to Beech Forest should be adopted and the Lardner's Track route should be abandoned at once.Photograph, Railway Survey Camp, 4 April 1897. Inspection of alternative routes by Parliamentary Committee on Railways.People named in the photograph.beech forest; railway; survey; victorian parliament; calcutt; fraser; e.h. cameron; d. mciville; a. harris; n. mcinnes; j.s. white; j. wood; t. baker; j. gardner; t.g. watson; standing committee; -
Otway Districts Historical Society
Photograph, Woosnan, Frank, Track gang at Beech Forest, c.1940
At its peak the Colac-Beech Forest-Crowes railway employed more than 21 staff tending the lines that the trains ran over. Gangers (the men in charge of the track gangs) tended to be promoted into the Otways but many of their subordinate repairers were local recruits. A few of the men who worked on the original construction gangs of 1900-02 remained and obtained positions in the track gangs along the line, but these eased out over time. The track was maintained by seven three-man gangs based at Colac, Barongarook, Gellibrand, Banool, Beech Forest (where the second Beech Forest crew was based at Wyelangta), and Lavers Hill.Track gang on an NK wagon at Beech Forest, c.1940. Snow covers the ground. B/W.colac; beech forest; crowes; railway; track gangs; -
Otway Districts Historical Society
Photograph, Ray Jude, Beech Forest showing the delta crossover, 1959, 21 November 1959
On 21 November 1959 yet another special train was run, this time on a G41 engine showing the sign "Puffing Billy Preservation Society, Beech Forest, 25-11-59", with eight NBH excursion carriages and a guard's van. The train stopped at Beech Forest where people removed themselves and wandered around the station. Mixed goods wagons loaded with wood and louvred van rest in the background. Note the delta or 'scissors' crossover between lines in the centre of the picture.B/W. Beech Forest Railway Station with a G41 locomotive, showing the sign "Puffing Billy Preservation Society, Beech Forest, 25-11-59" on track number one, mixed goods trucks on track number three, passengers throughout, and the delta or scissors crossover line, at 21 November 1959.beech forest; railways; -
Otway Districts Historical Society
Photograph, Langford, Weston, Gellibrand after closure, 1964, 26 April 1964
Colour. After closure of the railway line, Gellibrand looking towards Beech Forest on 26 April 1964. The station buildings and water tank are still standing as well as clear impressions left by the tracks. Telephone lines are marked. A person is near the water tank.gellibrand; railways; -
Otway Districts Historical Society
Photograph, Les Ogden, Out of Crowes, 1961
On 8 March 1962, after the line from Crowes to Weeaproinah was shut down. Beginning at Crowes, groups of gangers started removing the tracks, loading them into NQR open wagons pushed by locomotive G42.B/W. Four empty NQR open wagons with a group of gangers tearing up the lines.crowes; beech forest; weeaproinah; railways; -
Otway Districts Historical Society
Photograph, Wimba: Inspecting officers, 1902
B/W. Two inspecting officers examining newly built lines near Wimba in 1902.wimba; railways; beech forest; colac; -
Otway Districts Historical Society
Photograph, Locomotive 8A and its mixed train at Colac Railway Station, c.1920
Station facilities for the travelling public on the narrow gauge line at Colac Railway Station were non-existent for many years. Tickets were purchased from the broad gauge booking office and the travellers then had to walk with their luggage over the rough, potentially ankle-twisting, stone approaches, through the goods yard and wait in the open amongst the mud holes alongside the narrow gauge departure track. In 1922 a footbridge was erected over the broad gauge lines, and a passenger shelter and small goods shed were built on the departure track.B/W. At Colac Railway Station, an locomotive 8A with five NQR wagons, an NM livestock wagon and a NBDBD combined passenger and brake van destined for Beech Forest, with either the driver or the fireman peering out of the engine, three youths standing at the front of the engine, and a group of people, including a woman, standing near the livestock wagon. A multi-storied shed and two houses are in the background. 179mm x 280mm picture.colac; railway; narrow gauge; na locomotive; -
Otway Districts Historical Society
Photograph, Kevin L Holmes, Driver Bill Brady with Train Staff, 1961
Railway systems have methods by which trains can proceed in safety from station to station, free from the risk of collision with other trains. These methods are generally known as "Safeworking" and they particularly apply to trains on single lines where trains run in opposite directions. The stations between these two sections are called crossing stations. A "Train Staff", a thick, round metal rod, bearing the name of the two stations is issued and these places are designated as Train Staff stations. No train is permitted to proceed through the section unless the train driver either takes the staff for the section into his possession or personally sights the staff. (Note that every station on the line is not a crossing station. These roles were performed at Barongarook, Gellibrand, Banool, Beech Forest, Wyelangta, Weeaproinah and Crowes.) Except for the period 1927-1939 when Train Section Orders were applied instead, due to declining business Train Staff and Ticket working was used throughout on the line.B/W. Driver Bill Brady holding the Train Staff in the cabin of Garratt locomotive G42, at Weeaproinah 1961 railways, bill brady, train driver, weeaproinah, train staff -
Otway Districts Historical Society
Photograph, R. Preston, Aerial view: Beech Forest, 1965, 13 February 1965
B/W. Aerial view of Beech Forest showing the complete station yard including the balloon loop (incorporating the two tennis courts), two ex-departmental residences, the station building and where the Colac and Crowes lines diverged. As well Beech Forest Hall, council offices and Shire Secretary's house, Denherts Track, and Main Road are shown.beech forest; railways; township; aerial; -
Otway Districts Historical Society
Book, Norman Houghton, Rail Centre Colac, 2014
Colac was the centre of a spidery rail network over which were carted anything and everything by Victorian Railways, the common carrier throughout the area. The main line through the region was the 35 km rail route from Birregurra (and thence to Geelong) though Colac to Pirron Yallock (and thence to Warrnambool and Port Fairy) from March, 1877, to July, 1883. The first branch line ran from Irrewarra to Beeac in 1889, which then extended in stages to Cressy and on the Ballarat. The second branch line was the 31 km long Birregurra to Forrest in 1891. The cost of building railways into mountainous terrain meant the third branch line was a narrow-gauge 2 foot 6 inch line, first of all to Beech Forest in 1902, and then to Crowes in 1911, for a total of 71 km. The final rail connection was the 16 km branch from Colac to Alvie to facilitate the transport of onions, opening in 1923. Each line had its own character and peculiarities derived from its foundation, geography and economic base. As a general rule, the loadings on the branch lines had greater output tonnage than inwards, the reverse of the main line. The lines traversed agricultural and timber areas where inputs like seed, grass, fertiliser and labour were minor, compared with the output, timber, wool, cream, butter, cheese fruit, potatoes, onion, grain and livestock.Rail Centre Colac. Rail stations in the Colac Otway Shire, 1877 to 2014. Norman Houghton. 1st ed. Norman Houghton; Geelong (Vic); 2014. vi, 262 p.; illus., maps, index. Soft cover.colac; cressy; forrest; beech forest; crowes -
Otway Districts Historical Society
VHS Video, Channel 5 Productions, G42 From the Otways to Dandenongs, 2004
Shows footage of G42 at work in the Otways.Brief history of Australian narrow gauge lines including G42. Film of G42 at work through the Otways.g41 narrow guage railway -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, George Coop, View looking south from the Newport Signal Box, Newport Railway Station, c.1951
The pair of lines running to trhe left head to Williamstown. the central pair of lines are heading into the Newport Workshops and various stored trains are visible in the background and the pair of lines diverging to the right are heading to Geelong. One of several photos at Newport taken the same day in the early 1950s when George Coop was a secondary school student.Digital TIFF file Scan of Kopdak 620 black and white negative transparencygeorge coop collection, newport railway station, newport signal box -
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