Showing 255 items
matching operation of locomotives
-
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Manual - Handbook on the Locomotive 1952
... operation of locomotives... Victoria operation of locomotives This book aimed to provide ...This book aimed to provide information about how the best performance could be obtained from a locomotive. It provided knowledge about the construction of a locomotive and reasons for equipment provided in order to develop in engineman an appreciation of the machines of which they were in charge.A maroon coloured volume with black text including the title, brief outline of its purpose and publication date.fictionThis book aimed to provide information about how the best performance could be obtained from a locomotive. It provided knowledge about the construction of a locomotive and reasons for equipment provided in order to develop in engineman an appreciation of the machines of which they were in charge.vline training, railways victoria, operation of locomotives -
Numurkah & District Historical Society
Book, Victorian Railways Handbook on the Locomotive
... in the description, maintenance and economical operation of the locomotive... of enginemen in the description, maintenance and economical operation ...Part of a collection from the closed Numurkah Railway StationCream cloth/woven covered book Title as above / Issued for the guidance of enginemen in the description, maintenance and economical operation of the locomotive 1952 -
Ballarat Tramway Museum
Document - Handwritten Notes, Wal Jack, "Bendigo Tramways 1890 - 1942", 1930-1940's
... , battery tramcar operations, steam locomotives, horse trams, steam... of the battery tramway, depot, battery tramcar operations, steam ...Covers the development of the battery tramway, depot, battery tramcar operations, steam locomotives, horse trams, steam trams, track, managers of the private company, ESCo purchase, electric trams, trams from Melbourne, SEC, description and extension to North Bendigo. May have been copied from another source.Yields information about the history of tramway operations in Bendigo and the tramcars.Handwritten copy of an article or an original article, titled "Bendigo Tramways 1890 - 1942" Eleven pages. Contained within Reg Item 5485 - Service Exercise Book, black covers, with label, red binding titled "No. 2 - Ballarat Tramways & S.E.C. Systems". trams, tramways, bendigo, battery trams, steam trams, sec, esco -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Functional object - Victorian Railways Oil Can/Feeder
... the maintenance and operation of locomotives and rolling stock...' of Victorian Railways, which included the maintenance and operation ...The Victorian Railways oil can/feeder was used to oil various parts of engines of trains as part of the maintenance of trains. This would have been carried out by employees in the 'Rolling Stock Branch' of Victorian Railways, which included the maintenance and operation of locomotives and rolling stock. It was donated by a resident of Wodonga, and the Wodonga train line and train station opened in November 1873 when the section of the line from Wangaratta to Wodonga was completed. The expansion of Victorian Railways to the northeast of Victoria occurred after the Victorian Government took over the railways in 1867 and the trains serviced large towns such as Seymour, Wangaratta and Wodonga, as well as smaller towns along the way.The oil can/feeder has local significance as it was donated by a resident of Wodonga, as well as state significance as an example of the equipment used by the Victorain Railways.Grey metal Victorian Railways oil can/feeder used to oil various parts of train engines, with a long spout, handle and a chain attached to the lid."V↑R" on the proper left side.oil can, oil feeder, vintage oil cans, vintage oil feeders, victorian -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Manual - Collection of VLine operating instruction manuals for diesel electric locomotives, 1980s
... A collection of Locomotive operation manuals. All... be accepted by Victorian drivers. A collection of Locomotive operation ...The manuals refer to the following locomotives:- Westrail L Class (November 1983) originally built by Clyde Engineering from 1967 for the Western Australian Government Railways (WAGR) for use on the Eastern Goldfields Railway between Perth and Kalgoorlie. In 1983, three were leased to V/Line to haul services on the standard gauge Melbourne to Albury line, sometimes extending through to Sydney.A class (January 1984) were initially used for "Intercity" passenger services within Victoria. In this service, they operated at speeds up towards 125 km/h. Later, they were also used for freight services.N class (September 1985) produced by Clyde Engineering and entered service in 1985 and still operating in 2023. 422 Class diesel-electric locomotives (August 1983), designed by Clyde Engineering were introduced in January 1969. Following crew training, the engines entered service on the Main Southern line between Sydney and Albury and the Illawarra line from Sydney to Port Kembla and Moss Vale. Among the passenger services they hauled were the Southern Aurora and the Spirit of Progress. From 1982, they began to operate through to Melbourne. This ceased in February 1990 when non-air-conditioned locomotives would no longer be accepted by Victorian drivers.A collection of Locomotive operation manuals. All are paperback and feature an image of the relevant locomotive on the cover. Relevant illustrations are included in each publication. Cover is of card and they are bound with staples.fictionThe manuals refer to the following locomotives:- Westrail L Class (November 1983) originally built by Clyde Engineering from 1967 for the Western Australian Government Railways (WAGR) for use on the Eastern Goldfields Railway between Perth and Kalgoorlie. In 1983, three were leased to V/Line to haul services on the standard gauge Melbourne to Albury line, sometimes extending through to Sydney.A class (January 1984) were initially used for "Intercity" passenger services within Victoria. In this service, they operated at speeds up towards 125 km/h. Later, they were also used for freight services.N class (September 1985) produced by Clyde Engineering and entered service in 1985 and still operating in 2023. 422 Class diesel-electric locomotives (August 1983), designed by Clyde Engineering were introduced in January 1969. Following crew training, the engines entered service on the Main Southern line between Sydney and Albury and the Illawarra line from Sydney to Port Kembla and Moss Vale. Among the passenger services they hauled were the Southern Aurora and the Spirit of Progress. From 1982, they began to operate through to Melbourne. This ceased in February 1990 when non-air-conditioned locomotives would no longer be accepted by Victorian drivers.railways victoria, diesel-electric locomotives -
Otway Districts Historical Society
Photograph, Brucker, Beech Forest: Locomotive 5A during construction, c.1902, c.1902
... . Locomotive operations initially were two 2-6-2 Tank engines... the earthworks, culverts and bridges. Locomotive operations initially ...In 1898 a recommendation for a railway of 2 ft 6 in gauge was handed down by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Railways, to cost $138,000. Construction began in 1900. About 100 men were engaged in laying and ballasting the track while others, not included in the 100, formed the earthworks, culverts and bridges. Locomotive operations initially were two 2-6-2 Tank engines of the narrow gauge A class, dubbed "Coffee Pots", and these were used on the work trains between 1900 and 1902. Because of the lengthy periods of waiting time required to unload sleepers and rails or to load ballast meant that a handy replenishment of coal and water supply was necessary. With earthworks specified to the bare minimum landslips in the narrow cuttings were frequent so a repairer was stationed in each length to deal quickly with minor slips until 1904 when the cuttings were widened.B/W. The driver and seven other men on locomotive 5A and its flat cars at Beech Forest during construction of the line in c.1902. beech forest; railways; loco 5a; -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Fred Rochow Railways Collection - Last 8.30 am pilot at Wodonga, 23 August 1988
... operations and replace steam locomotives on branch line services... operations and replace steam locomotives on branch line services ...The Fred Rochow Railways Collection incorporates photos related to the operation of the Wodonga Railway Station including different types of trains and railways staff C. 1930 – 1990. It was donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Fred Rochow, a railwayman who spent many years based in Wodonga. He joined the Victorian Railways on 17th June l947 and retired in 1988. For some time, he was a member of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen and served a term as a member of the Trades Hall Council. He had an extensive knowledge of the struggles that took place to achieve better conditions for railway workers. Fred worked for many years as a fireman and then worked his way up the ranks to driver, experiencing many changes from the days of steam locomotives through to diesel trains, locomotives and even the modern XPT train. He worked throughout Victoria at different stages of his career, with his final working years focused on the northeast of Victoria and the Albury to Melbourne line. After his retirement, Fred continued to share his love of steam miniature trains with the community. This locomotive, the Y166, was one of 25 general purpose diesel-electric locomotives built by Clyde Engineering, Granville NSW for the Victorian Railways between 1963 and 1968. Although built to dieselise Victoria's shunting operations and replace steam locomotives on branch line services, they were also used on mainline goods and passenger services. After closure of many branch lines across the state and the end of short pick-up goods trains, use of the class dropped. The Y166 entered service on 5 June 1968. It was withdrawn from service in November 1990 and eventually scrapped in 1991.This collection has local and statewide significance as it captures images of trains, locomotives and personnel who operated the railway services in Wodonga and throughout Northeast Victoria. The railways played a critical role in opening up Victoria and connecting Australia for trade, business, social communication and transport.Shunter Theo Edwards, Fireman Steve Ryan and Leading Shunter Lorry Beach standing on the front of a diesel pilot train, Y166. This was the last 8.30 am pilot train through Wodonga before the old Wodonga stations was closed and the railway line diverted away from the middle of Wodonga. In June 2011 a new station was opened on the northern edge of the town. On side of train "Y166"fred rochow, victorian railways wodonga, railway employees wodonga, y class diesel locomotives -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Fred Rochow Railways Collection - Les (Pee Wee) Hallawell, 1987
... operations and replace steam locomotives on branch line services... operations and replace steam locomotives on branch line services ...The Fred Rochow Railways Collection incorporates photos related to the operation of the Wodonga Railway Station including different types of trains and railways staff C. 1930 – 1990. It was donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Fred Rochow, a railwayman who spent many years based in Wodonga. He joined the Victorian Railways on 17th June l947 and retired in 1988. For some time, he was a member of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen and served a term as a member of the Trades Hall Council. He had an extensive knowledge of the struggles that took place to achieve better conditions for railway workers. Fred worked for many years as a fireman and then worked his way up the ranks to driver, experiencing many changes from the days of steam locomotives through to diesel trains, locomotives and even the modern XPT train. He worked throughout Victoria at different stages of his career, with his final working years focused on the northeast of Victoria and the Albury to Melbourne line. After his retirement, Fred continued to share his love of steam miniature trains with the community. This locomotive, the Y170, was one of 25 general purpose diesel-electric locomotives built by Clyde Engineering, Granville NSW for the Victorian Railways between 1963 and 1968. Although built to dieselise Victoria's shunting operations and replace steam locomotives on branch line services, they were also used on mainline goods and passenger services. After closure of many branch lines across the state and the end of short pick-up goods trains, use of the class dropped. This locomotive, the Y170 entered service on 13 July 1968. It was withdrawn from service in April 1988 and was eventually scrapped in 1992.This collection has local and statewide significance as it captures images of trains, locomotives and personnel who operated the railway services in Wodonga and throughout Northeast Victoria. The railways played a critical role in opening up Victoria and connecting Australia for trade, business, social communication and transport.Les Hallawell standing in front of Locomotive Y170. He started with Victoria Railways on16 Mayv1949. . He passed his Driver qualification on 12 July 1955. Les retired in Wodonga on 29 March 1988.railways wodonga, fred rochow, wodonga railway men, y class locomotive, les hallawell -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Fred Rochow Railways Collection - Engine Instructor Geoff Williams
... passenger operations in November 2012. Although locomotive P12 (T329... operations in November 2012. Although locomotive P12 (T329 ...The Fred Rochow Railways Collection incorporates photos related to the operation of the Wodonga Railway Station including different types of trains and railways staff C. 1930 – 1990. It was donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Fred Rochow, a railwayman who spent many years based in Wodonga. He joined the Victorian Railways on 17th June l947 and retired in 1988. For some time, he was a member of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen and served a term as a member of the Trades Hall Council. He had an extensive knowledge of the struggles that took place to achieve better conditions for railway workers. Fred worked for many years as a fireman and then worked his way up the ranks to driver, experiencing many changes from the days of steam locomotives through to diesel trains, locomotives and even the modern XPT train. He worked throughout Victoria at different stages of his career, with his final working years focused on the northeast of Victoria and the Albury to Melbourne line. After his retirement, Fred continued to share his love of steam miniature trains with the community.This collection has local and statewide significance as it captures images of trains, locomotives and personnel who operated the railway services in Wodonga and throughout Northeast Victoria. The railways played a critical role in opening up Victoria and connecting Australia for trade, business, social communication and transport.Engine Instructor Geoff Williams walking beside Locomotive 1329 to lift the hand brakes. The T class were a class of diesel locomotives built by Clyde Engineering, Granville, NSW for the Victorian Railways between 1955 and 1968. Locomotive T329 was part of the first order completed and entered service in June 1956. At that time, they became the most numerous diesel loco in Victoria. In 1984, the 13 first series T class locomotives were sent back to Clyde Engineering Plant at Somerton in Victoria for a complete rebuild after which they became the P class numbered P11 to P23. This included locomotive T329 which became Locomotive P12. The P Class have proven to be a reliable and dependable class, seeing service across the state in both passenger and freight duties. They often operated in push-pull mode, with a locomotive at each end of the train. The P class locomotives ceased being used for regular passenger operations in November 2012. Although locomotive P12 (T329) is primarily in storage it is still operational and can be hired for special events and as recently as 2017 was also used as an infrastructure maintenance train.At top of train between headlights "T329" In centre Victoria Railways logo "VR"fred rochow, victorian railways wodonga, locomotive 1329 -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Fred Rochow Railways Collection - Fireman Ian Sandford
... locomotives were sent back to Clyde Engineering Plant at Somerton... passenger operations in November 2012. Although locomotive P12 (T329 ...The Fred Rochow Railways Collection incorporates photos related to the operation of the Wodonga Railway Station including different types of trains and railways staff C. 1930 – 1990. It was donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Fred Rochow, a railwayman who spent many years based in Wodonga. He joined the Victorian Railways on 17th June l947 and retired in 1988. For some time, he was a member of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen and served a term as a member of the Trades Hall Council. He had an extensive knowledge of the struggles that took place to achieve better conditions for railway workers. Fred worked for many years as a fireman and then worked his way up the ranks to driver, experiencing many changes from the days of steam locomotives through to diesel trains, locomotives and even the modern XPT train. He worked throughout Victoria at different stages of his career, with his final working years focused on the northeast of Victoria and the Albury to Melbourne line. After his retirement, Fred continued to share his love of steam miniature trains with the community.This collection has local and statewide significance as it captures images of trains, locomotives and personnel who operated the railway services in Wodonga and throughout Northeast Victoria. The railways played a critical role in opening up Victoria and connecting Australia for trade, business, social communication and transport.Fireman Ian Sandford on steps of Locomotive T329. He is moving into position to apply the hand brakes. The T class were a class of diesel locomotives built by Clyde Engineering, Granville, NSW for the Victorian Railways between 1955 and 1968. Locomotive T329 was part of the first order completed and entered service in June 1956. At that time, they became the most numerous diesel loco in Victoria. In 1984, the 13 first series T class locomotives were sent back to Clyde Engineering Plant at Somerton in Victoria for a complete rebuild after which they became the P class numbered P11 to P23. This included locomotive T329 which became Locomotive P12. The P Class have proven to be a reliable and dependable class, seeing service across the state in both passenger and freight duties. They often operated in push-pull mode, with a locomotive at each end of the train. The P class locomotives ceased being used for regular passenger operations in November 2012. Although locomotive P12 (T329) is primarily in storage it is still operational and can be hired for special events and as recently as 2017 was also used as an infrastructure maintenance train.At top of train between headlights "T329" In centre Victoria Railways logo "VR"fred rochow, victorian railways wodonga, locomotive 1329 -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Fred Rochow Railways Collection - Bicentennial Train Locomotive 3801, 29 October 1988
... NSWGR service and continued in operation as a tour locomotive... NSWGR service and continued in operation as a tour locomotive ...The Fred Rochow Railways Collection incorporates photos related to the operation of the Wodonga Railway Station including different types of trains and railways staff C. 1930 – 1990. It was donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Fred Rochow, a railwayman who spent many years based in Wodonga. He joined the Victorian Railways on 17th June l947 and retired in 1988. For some time, he was a member of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen and served a term as a member of the Trades Hall Council. He had an extensive knowledge of the struggles that took place to achieve better conditions for railway workers. Fred worked for many years as a fireman and then worked his way up the ranks to driver, experiencing many changes from the days of steam locomotives through to diesel trains, locomotives and even the modern XPT train. He worked throughout Victoria at different stages of his career, with his final working years focused on the northeast of Victoria and the Albury to Melbourne line. After his retirement, Fred continued to share his love of steam miniature trains with the community.This collection has local and statewide significance as it captures images of trains, locomotives and personnel who operated the railway services in Wodonga and throughout Northeast Victoria. The railways played a critical role in opening up Victoria and connecting Australia for trade, business, social communication and transport.Bicentennial Train hauled by Locomotive 3801 passing through Wodonga. Locomotive 3801 was built by Sydney company The Clyde Engineering Co. Ltd., Granville in 1943 as the first of five streamlined (C) 38-class locomotives for the New South Wales Government Railways’ top-link express passenger duties. The delivery of 3801 was much delayed due to wartime labour & material shortages, together with competing wartime construction priorities. After many years of service, 3801 had been scheduled for withdrawal in 1962 due to deteriorating mechanical condition, but rail enthusiasts raised sufficient funds to cover the cost of its overhaul. 3801 joined the collection of the New South Wales Rail Transport Museum (NSWRTM), Enfield on withdrawal from NSWGR service and continued in operation as a tour locomotive. It hauled the “Western Endeavour” on the first crossing of the Australian continent by a standard gauge train from Sydney to Perth and return in August – September 1970. 3801 also stars in the railway film ‘A Steam Train Passes’ made by Film Australia in 1974 By 1976 had been withdrawn from service due to poor boiler condition and placed on static display by the Rail Transport Museum in Thirlmere, NSW. The Locomotive remained in Thirlmere until 1983 when it was decided it should be restored for the Australian Bicentenary in 1988. A new organisation was created specifically for the purpose of operating 3801, and thus 3801 Limited was incorporated on 5th June 1985. Work on the locomotive was completed after three years, with 3801 making its debut at a special Railway Ball hosted in its honour on 29th November 1986. During the Australian Bicentenary celebrations in 1988, it operated an extensive program across Australia visiting every mainland capital accessible by rail including an appearance at AusSteam ’88 in Melbourne in October 1988, stopping over in Wodonga on the way. After the company’s 20-year lease on the locomotive expired in 2006 Railcorp chose not to extend the agreement, and the locomotive returned to the Rail Transport Museum at Thirlmere (now the NSW Rail Museum). 3801 was withdrawn from service in 2007 for major boiler repairs. Locomotive 3801 was officially relaunched at Sydney's Central Station on Friday 12 March 2021 by Her Excellency, the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC, Governor of New South Wales.On front of locomotive Australia Bicentennial logo and sign "BICENTENNIAL TRAIN/3801" railways wodonga, fred rochow, locomotive r761, bicentennial train, locomotive 3801 -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Fred Rochow Railways Collection - Bicentennial Train Locomotive 3801 arriving in Albury, 29 October 1988
... NSWGR service and continued in operation as a tour locomotive... NSWGR service and continued in operation as a tour locomotive ...The Fred Rochow Railways Collection incorporates photos related to the operation of the Wodonga Railway Station including different types of trains and railways staff C. 1930 – 1990. It was donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Fred Rochow, a railwayman who spent many years based in Wodonga. He joined the Victorian Railways on 17th June l947 and retired in 1988. For some time, he was a member of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen and served a term as a member of the Trades Hall Council. He had an extensive knowledge of the struggles that took place to achieve better conditions for railway workers. Fred worked for many years as a fireman and then worked his way up the ranks to driver, experiencing many changes from the days of steam locomotives through to diesel trains, locomotives and even the modern XPT train. He worked throughout Victoria at different stages of his career, with his final working years focused on the northeast of Victoria and the Albury to Melbourne line. After his retirement, Fred continued to share his love of steam miniature trains with the community.This collection has local and statewide significance as it captures images of trains, locomotives and personnel who operated the railway services in Wodonga and throughout Northeast Victoria. The railways played a critical role in opening up Victoria and connecting Australia for trade, business, social communication and transport.Bicentennial Train hauled by Locomotive 3801 arriving at Albury Station, Locomotive 3801 was built by Sydney company The Clyde Engineering Co. Ltd., Granville in 1943 as the first of five streamlined (C) 38-class locomotives for the New South Wales Government Railways’ top-link express passenger duties. The delivery of 3801 was much delayed due to wartime labour & material shortages, together with competing wartime construction priorities. After many years of service, 3801 had been scheduled for withdrawal in 1962 due to deteriorating mechanical condition, but rail enthusiasts raised sufficient funds to cover the cost of its overhaul. 3801 joined the collection of the New South Wales Rail Transport Museum (NSWRTM), Enfield on withdrawal from NSWGR service and continued in operation as a tour locomotive. It hauled the “Western Endeavour” on the first crossing of the Australian continent by a standard gauge train from Sydney to Perth and return in August – September 1970. 3801 also stars in the railway film ‘A Steam Train Passes’ made by Film Australia in 1974 By 1976 had been withdrawn from service due to poor boiler condition and placed on static display by the Rail Transport Museum in Thirlmere, NSW. The Locomotive remained in Thirlmere until 1983 when it was decided it should be restored for the Australian Bicentenary in 1988. A new organisation was created specifically for the purpose of operating 3801, and thus 3801 Limited was incorporated on 5th June 1985. Work on the locomotive was completed after three years, with 3801 making its debut at a special Railway Ball hosted in its honour on 29th November 1986. During the Australian Bicentenary celebrations in 1988, it operated an extensive program across Australia visiting every mainland capital accessible by rail including an appearance at AusSteam ’88 in Melbourne in October 1988, stopping over in Wodonga on the way. After the company’s 20-year lease on the locomotive expired in 2006 Railcorp chose not to extend the agreement, and the locomotive returned to the Rail Transport Museum at Thirlmere (now the NSW Rail Museum). 3801 was withdrawn from service in 2007 for major boiler repairs. Locomotive 3801 was officially relaunched at Sydney's Central Station on Friday 12 March 2021 by Her Excellency, the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC, Governor of New South Wales.On front of locomotive Australia Bicentennial logo and sign "BICENTENNIAL TRAIN/3801" railways wodonga, fred rochow, locomotive r761, bicentennial train, locomotive 3801 -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Fred Rochow Railways Collection - Bicentennial Train Locomotive 3801 passing Wodonga Signal box, 29 October 1988
... NSWGR service and continued in operation as a tour locomotive... NSWGR service and continued in operation as a tour locomotive ...The Fred Rochow Railways Collection incorporates photos related to the operation of the Wodonga Railway Station including different types of trains and railways staff C. 1930 – 1990. It was donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Fred Rochow, a railwayman who spent many years based in Wodonga. He joined the Victorian Railways on 17th June l947 and retired in 1988. For some time, he was a member of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen and served a term as a member of the Trades Hall Council. He had an extensive knowledge of the struggles that took place to achieve better conditions for railway workers. Fred worked for many years as a fireman and then worked his way up the ranks to driver, experiencing many changes from the days of steam locomotives through to diesel trains, locomotives and even the modern XPT train. He worked throughout Victoria at different stages of his career, with his final working years focused on the northeast of Victoria and the Albury to Melbourne line. After his retirement, Fred continued to share his love of steam miniature trains with the community.This collection has local and statewide significance as it captures images of trains, locomotives and personnel who operated the railway services in Wodonga and throughout Northeast Victoria. The railways played a critical role in opening up Victoria and connecting Australia for trade, business, social communication and transport.Bicentennial Train hauled by Locomotive 3801 passing the Wodonga Signal box. Locomotive 3801 was built by Sydney company The Clyde Engineering Co. Ltd., Granville in 1943 as the first of five streamlined (C) 38-class locomotives for the New South Wales Government Railways’ top-link express passenger duties. The delivery of 3801 was much delayed due to wartime labour & material shortages, together with competing wartime construction priorities. After many years of service, 3801 had been scheduled for withdrawal in 1962 due to deteriorating mechanical condition, but rail enthusiasts raised sufficient funds to cover the cost of its overhaul. 3801 joined the collection of the New South Wales Rail Transport Museum (NSWRTM), Enfield on withdrawal from NSWGR service and continued in operation as a tour locomotive. It hauled the “Western Endeavour” on the first crossing of the Australian continent by a standard gauge train from Sydney to Perth and return in August – September 1970. 3801 also stars in the railway film ‘A Steam Train Passes’ made by Film Australia in 1974 By 1976 had been withdrawn from service due to poor boiler condition and placed on static display by the Rail Transport Museum in Thirlmere, NSW. The Locomotive remained in Thirlmere until 1983 when it was decided it should be restored for the Australian Bicentenary in 1988. A new organisation was created specifically for the purpose of operating 3801, and thus 3801 Limited was incorporated on 5th June 1985. Work on the locomotive was completed after three years, with 3801 making its debut at a special Railway Ball hosted in its honour on 29th November 1986. During the Australian Bicentenary celebrations in 1988, it operated an extensive program across Australia visiting every mainland capital accessible by rail including an appearance at AusSteam ’88 in Melbourne in October 1988, stopping over in Wodonga on the way. After the company’s 20-year lease on the locomotive expired in 2006 Railcorp chose not to extend the agreement, and the locomotive returned to the Rail Transport Museum at Thirlmere (now the NSW Rail Museum). 3801 was withdrawn from service in 2007 for major boiler repairs. Locomotive 3801 was officially relaunched at Sydney's Central Station on Friday 12 March 2021 by Her Excellency, the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC, Governor of New South Wales.On front of locomotive Australia Bicentennial logo and sign "BICENTENNIAL TRAIN/3801" railways wodonga, fred rochow, locomotive r761, bicentennial train, locomotive 3801 -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Fred Rochow Railways Collection - Locomotive R761 and Bicentennial Train 3801 departing Wodonga, 16 October 1988
... and continued in operation as a tour locomotive. It hauled the “Western... and continued in operation as a tour locomotive. It hauled the “Western ...The Fred Rochow Railways Collection incorporates photos related to the operation of the Wodonga Railway Station including different types of trains and railways staff C. 1930 – 1990. It was donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Fred Rochow, a railwayman who spent many years based in Wodonga. He joined the Victorian Railways on 17th June l947 and retired in 1988. For some time, he was a member of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen and served a term as a member of the Trades Hall Council. He had an extensive knowledge of the struggles that took place to achieve better conditions for railway workers. Fred worked for many years as a fireman and then worked his way up the ranks to driver, experiencing many changes from the days of steam locomotives through to diesel trains, locomotives and even the modern XPT train. He worked throughout Victoria at different stages of his career, with his final working years focused on the northeast of Victoria and the Albury to Melbourne line. After his retirement, Fred continued to share his love of steam miniature trains with the community.This collection has local and statewide significance as it captures images of trains, locomotives and personnel who operated the railway services in Wodonga and throughout Northeast Victoria. The railways played a critical role in opening up Victoria and connecting Australia for trade, business, social communication and transport.Locomotive R761 with Driver Norm Depomeroy and Fireman Steve Gibson running in parallel with the Bicentennial Train hauled by Locomotive 3801 with Driver Fred Rochow and Fireman David Brown. Locomotive R761 - The R761 arrived in Victoria on the 28th February 1952 upon the ship ‘Helenus’ and entered service on the 9th April 1952. R761 spent long periods in storage and occasionally saw service until it was withdrawn. In 1970 R761 was overhauled and was made available for use on special trains. It became the final R class to run in VR service on the 5th September 1974, ending 120 years of mainline steam operation in Victoria. After years of debate about its future, on the 30th March 1985 the loco was officially returned to service, hauling special trains to celebrate the years of steam locomotives. Locomotive 3801 was built by Sydney company The Clyde Engineering Co. Ltd., Granville in 1943 as the first of five streamlined (C) 38-class locomotives for the New South Wales Government Railways’ top-link express passenger duties. The delivery of 3801 was much delayed due to wartime labour & material shortages, together with competing wartime construction priorities. After many years of service, 3801 had been scheduled for withdrawal in 1962 due to deteriorating mechanical condition, but rail enthusiasts raised sufficient funds to cover the cost of its overhaul. 3801 joined the collection of the New South Wales Rail Transport Museum (NSWRTM), Enfield on withdrawal from NSWGR service and continued in operation as a tour locomotive. It hauled the “Western Endeavour” on the first crossing of the Australian continent by a standard gauge train from Sydney to Perth and return in August – September 1970. 3801 also stars in the railway film ‘A Steam Train Passes’ made by Film Australia in 1974 By 1976 had been withdrawn from service due to poor boiler condition and placed on static display by the Rail Transport Museum in Thirlmere, NSW. The Locomotive remained in Thirlmere until 1983 when it was decided it should be restored for the Australian Bicentenary in 1988. A new organisation was created specifically for the purpose of operating 3801, and thus 3801 Limited was incorporated on 5th June 1985. Work on the locomotive was completed after three years, with 3801 making its debut at a special Railway Ball hosted in its honour on 29th November 1986. During the Australian Bicentenary celebrations in 1988, it operated an extensive program across Australia visiting every mainland capital accessible by rail including an appearance at AusSteam ’88 in Melbourne in October 1988, stopping over in Wodonga on the way. After the company’s 20-year lease on the locomotive expired in 2006 Railcorp chose not to extend the agreement, and the locomotive returned to the Rail Transport Museum at Thirlmere (now the NSW Rail Museum). 3801 was withdrawn from service in 2007 for major boiler repairs. Locomotive 3801 was officially relaunched at Sydney's Central Station on Friday 12 March 2021 by Her Excellency, the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC, Governor of New South Wales.On front of locomotive on the left "STEAMRAIL /R761". On front of locomotive on the right "BICENTENNIAL TRAIN/3801" railways wodonga, fred rochow, locomotive r761, bicentennial train, locomotive 3801 -
Orbost & District Historical Society
signal lamps
Possibly used in the Orbost district. Railway lamps of this kind were hand signalling lamps used by train guards, shunters and sometimes signalmen and station staff. They could signal the locomotive crew at night to let them know what to do (move forward/move backward/right-of-way) when leaving a station, goods yard or siding. Railway lamps of this kind were significant railway items in their period of use as essential tools to the safe-working operations of the railway. Two railway signal lamps. These are kerosene burning lamps made of metal and painted red. Both lamps have carrying handles at the top. .1 has a green glass lens and .2 has a red glass lens. signals lamps communication railway transport kerosene-burning -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Container - Jug, Hoffman Pottery Pty, Ltd, Circa 1929
The Hoffman company was established in 1870 to mass-produce bricks using the Hoffman patent kiln and the Bradley and Craven brick press. Once established the company entered a period of expansion aided by Melbourne's building boom from 1870 to 1890. During this time approximately ten brick machines were in operation producing some 18,000 bricks per hour. An extensive pottery works were established initially supplying mainly tiles and drainpipes and later domestic pottery such as the company's Melrose ware. The company even had its locomotive shunt the works siding which connected with the Victorian Railways at South Brunswick. By 1890 Hoffman was the largest brick and pottery works in Victoria, however, the 1890s depression halted company expansion. The company joined the Brick Co-operative when it was formed in 1896. The cooperative regulated prices and output from member brickworks. As the depression ended business picked up and the works were expanded to increase the production of stoneware pottery, especially domestic wares. The brickworks, however, never recovered the momentum of the early period. During the 1920s and 1930s, the works gradually ran down, and following the Second World War, production reached an all-time low. The No.1 works were stripped and sold. (For further information regards Hoffman Kilns see note section of this document.) An item made in Melbourne by at the time the largest pottery works in Australia making industrial and domestic wares for the home and building industries. Stoneware Demijohn jug with cream and brown glaze. Printed around base of jug, MELBOURNE, 1929"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, jug, melbourne, 1929, stoneware jug, hoffman potteries -
Federation University Historical Collection
Plan, Mount Lyell Railway (Tasmania) ABT Locomotive Side Elevation, undated
On 29 March 1893 the Mount Lyell Mining and Railway Company was formed. This Tasmanian mining company was often referred to as Mount Lyell. Mount Lyell, and was the dominant copper mining company of the Tasmanian West Coast from 1893 to 1994, and was based in Queenstown, Tasmania. After consolidation of leases and company assets at the beginning of the twentieth century, Mount Lyell was the major company for the communities of Queenstown, Strahan and Gormanston. It closed in 1994. The Mount Lyell mining operations produced more than a million tonnes of copper, 750 tonnes of silver and 45 tonnes of gold since mining commenced in the early 1890s – which is equivalent to over 4 billion dollars worth of metal in 1995 terms.Copy of a plan of a locomotive.mount lyell, locomotive, mount lyell railway, quuenstown, tasmania, strahan, gormamston, railway -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Book - BADHAM COLLECTION: 1925 INSTRUCTION BOOK - ELESCO LOCOMOTIVE FEED WATER HEATERS
... Instruction Book 1925. Elesco Locomotive Feed Water... 1925. Elesco Locomotive Feed Water Heaters, operation ...Instruction Book 1925. Elesco Locomotive Feed Water Heaters, operation and maintenance. The Superheater Company, 17 East 42nd Street new York, peoples gas building Chicago, Copyright 1925. Inside the cover is a branch rubber stamp, The Superheater company (Australia) Ltd, Manchester unity Building, 185 Elizabeth St, Sydney NSW. The book has a small brown cardboard cover with purple binding.document, memo, railway, elesco locomotive feed water heaters. the superheater company 17 east 42nd street new york. -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - BADHAM COLLECTION: WESTINGHOUSE AUTOMATIC BRAKE INSTRUCTION BOOK
Brown cover book: contains details instruction of The Westinghouse Automatic Brake (64 pages). The context cover pictures demonstrations of the brake parts and operation procedures in very details.books, technical, railways, book, books, trains, railways, engines, locomotives, badham collection, collection, collections -
Puffing Billy Railway
Number 14 - Shay Locomotive (Builder’s Number 2549), 22 June 1912
... geared steam locomotive Built by the Lima Locomotive Works...-valley-and-the-dandenong-ranges geared steam locomotive Built ...geared steam locomotive Built by the Lima Locomotive Works, USA in 1912 (Builder’s Number 2549). “Class a” 13 Ton (13.3 tonne) . This locomotive hauled freight on the Ali-Shan Forest Railway in Taiwan and is capable of pulling 90 Tons (91.8 tone) loads over steep gradients at low speeds. . This A-type Shay locomotive was built by Lima Locomotive Works, Ohio (builder's number 2549 of 1912) for the Alishan Forest Railway, Taiwan. The Alishan Forest Railway featured a large fleet of Shay locomotives and many still survive, together with a portion of the railway which is now a tourist operation. Alishan Shay No.14 was imported to Australia for preservation in approximately 1974 and is displayed at the Puffing Billy Museum at Menzies Creek. Being of 2' 6" gauge, perhaps one day this interesting locomotive could be restored for operation on the Puffing Billy Railway details from http://www.australiansteam.com/Lima2549.htm Loco: Shay No.14 ( Shop Number 2549 ) Class: A 18-2 ( 2-cylinders / 2-trucks Class A ) Built for: Alishan Forest Railway Bulit by Lima Locomotive Corporation In service 22 June 1912 Livery Brown Owners: Samuels, Samuels & Co., Ltd. (D), Taipei, Formosa (Japan); For: Alishan Forest RY #14, Kirun (Keelung), Formosa, (Japan) (1945) Alishan Forest RY #14, Keelung (Chilung), Taiwan (12 Oct 1971) Puffing Billy RY #14, Belgrave, Victoria, Australia Gauge 30" Status Preserved - In Storage at Museum There is only one original LIMA mark left on any of the Alishan RY Shays and it has no number. All of their Shays have been re-built, changing much of the original Lima product. Most were renumbered for various reasons without regard to Lima Shop Numbers over the years. "Girder Type Frame" details from http://www.shaylocomotives.com/data/lima3354/sn-2549.htm Historic - Industrial Narrow Gauge Railway - Geared Steam Locomotive which worked on the Alishan Forest Railway, Taiwan.geared steam locomotive - Class: A 18-2 ( 2-cylinders / 2-trucks Class A ) - made of wood and iron and wrought iron, Glass14puffing billy, shay, geared locomotive, steam locomotive, industrial narrow gauge railway, 2'6", ali shan forest railway -
Puffing Billy Railway
Phoenix Foundry Plate
Phoenix Foundry Plate - replica Made about 2010 cast off original from locomotive Y112 The Phoenix Foundry (1857-1906) fabricated iron and brass products - including engines and pumping gear for the mining industry, locomotives, steam rollers, water pipes, water gauges and diverse small items. Throughout its operation the business was located at premises on Armstrong Street, Ballarat . Background In 1852, at the age of thirty-three and after a year of operating his own engineering business at Williamstown, Lancashire-born blacksmith and engineer George Threlfall (1819-1897) arrived on the Sebastopol gold plain and immediately undertook blacksmith work repairing picks and tools for the miners. Little did he know that this fledgling business would be the genesis of the most iconic business of nineteenth-century Ballarat. At approximately thirty-nine years of age, English mechanical engineer Richard Carter (c1814-1883) came to Australia on board the Arrogant - arriving in Melbourne on 19 April 1853. He soon travelled to the Ballarat goldfields. Born in the year 1830 in Belfast (Ireland), mechanical engineer William Henry Shaw (1830-1896) arrived in Australia in October 1853. He worked briefly with George Threlfall at Sebastopol, then moved to Geelong to manage the small foundry of Frederick Moore. Twenty-four year old English-born iron moulder Robert Holden (c1831-?) left his home in Belfast (Ireland) in late 1854 and travelled from Liverpool to Melbourne on board the James Baines - arriving in February 1855. Afterwards he joined his brother-in-law William Henry Shaw in Ballarat. History Foundation to Incorporation In March 1857 George Threlfall joined in business with Richard Carter, William Henry Shaw and Robert Holden. They relocated Threlfall's successful engineering enterprise from Sebastopol to new premises in Armstrong Street, Ballarat. This business was then known variously as the Phoenix Iron Works Company, Phoenix Foundry or Messrs Carter and Co. By 15 April 1857 they were advertising that they were open for business as engineers, millwrights, boiler makers, smiths, iron founders and brass founders. In January 1858 George Threlfall left the partnership. Incorporation to 1889 1890 to Closing locomotive Y112 Builder: Phoenix Foundry, Ballarat Builder’s Number & Year: 238 of 1889 Designer: Kitson & Co Wheel Arrangement: 0-6-0 No. in class: 31 Entered Service: 24 July 1889 Taken off Register: 11 May 1961 The origins of the Victorian Railways Y-class lay with the decision by Kitson & Co, Leeds to place a 0-6-0 freight locomotive on display at the Centennial International Exhibition, Melbourne in 1888, together with a 2-4-2T suburban passenger locomotive. This marketing initiative proved successful as the Victorian Railways were clearly impressed with these machines, with both purchased after the exhibition and becoming the patterns for new standard locomotive types. Thirty examples of the 0-6-0 heavy freight design were ordered from the Phoenix Foundry, Ballarat, becoming the Y-class for main line heavy freight duties, while the 2-4-2T design became the E-class for Melbourne suburban passenger duties (represented by preserved locomotive E 236). The Y-class prove successful in service and accrued high mileages. They were inevitably superseded by more modern and powerful steam locomotives and a number cascaded into shunting and yard pilot duties, often with the addition of shunters steps along both locomotive and tender. Y 112 was one of the last in service when withdrawn in 1961. Fortunately it was saved for preservation and plinthed in central Ballarat, ostensibly in commemoration of Phoenix Foundry. I understand it is owned by the Sovereign Hill Museums Association. During the 1980’s, Y 112 was leased to Steamrail Victoria and restored to operation at an industrial site in Ballarat. Y 112 features an attractive lined apple green livery and has performed various rail tours around Victoria since restoration. It is normally based at the Steamrail depot in Ballarat East. Y 112 is the only 19th century design in operational condition in Victoria and as such is one of the oldest working steam locomotive in Victoria . Historic - Phoenix Foundry Plate - replica Made about 2010 cast off original from locomotive Y112Phoenix Foundry Plate Oval shaped plate with an image of a phoenix centered at the top with lettering surrounding it.Phoenix Foundry No 238 Ballarat Company Limited 1889.puffing billy, phoenix foundry, ballarat, locomotive y112, phoenix foundry plate - replica -
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 - Puffing Billy Direction Trains to Belgrave - Emerald & Lakeside
Station Sign - Puffing Billy Direction Trains At Menzies Creek, a Puffing Billy train has had to pass another train since 1966, due to a single line in operation from Belgrave or Emerald / Lakeside / Cockatoo / Gembrook to enable more trains to operate. When two trains passed at Menzies Creek, to assist passengers to travel on the correct train, this sign was erected. The arrows pointed towards the direction of travel as well as the locomotive that was hauling the train. This sign dates from 1975 when the line was re-opened to Lakeside. Historic - Puffing Billy Railway - Station Sign used at Menzies Creek to show next station directionStation Sign - Puffing Billy Direction Trains to Belgrave - Emerald & Lakeside Large rectangle wooden sign Puffing Billy Trains to BELGRAVE Trains to EMERALD & LAKESIDEpuffing billy, menzies creek, station sign -
Ballarat Tramway Museum
Photograph - Digital image, Chris Phillips, c1970
Yields information about the tram and railway operations in Lydiard St North at the railway level crossings.Digital image, black and white, of a bogie tram waiting at the Ballarat station level crossing for a locomotive (K class) to cross.trams, tramways, level crossings, lydiard st north, ballarat railway station, railways -
Ballarat Tramway Museum
Document - Technical pamphlet/s, Knorr Brake Co. London, "Knorr Quick Action Automatic Air Brake", c1900
Technical pamphlet, titled ""Knorr Quick Action Automatic Air Brake" consisting of printed cover (folded sheet, printing only on front cover and two inset folded sheets plate III and plate IV with technical notes and diagrams of the brakes on locomotives and carriages. Details the action of the brakes, operation and equipment. Published by the Knorr Brake Co. of London, Steam Railway Dept. Sheets have been punch with two holes along the left hand edge - probably at a later date. Scanned to the COTMA Website 4-10-2015."Colin Rutledge" stamped on top of page 1.trams, tramways, knorr brakes, train brake systems -
Otway Districts Historical Society
Book, The Beechy, 1992
... ; narrow gauge railway; Norman Houghton; Locomotive operations ...The Beechy. The life and times of the Colac-Beech Forest-Crowes narrow gauge railway, 1902-1962; Norman Houghton; hard cover; viii, 176 p.; illus., maps; ISBN 0909340 28 5Printing - McPherson's Printing Group; Typesetting - Mackenzies Typesetting.the beechy; colac; beech forest; crowes; narrow gauge railway; norman houghton; locomotive operations; traffic; timber tramways; otway people; the garrett; trolley traffic; lean 1930s; -
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 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, Ray Jude, Colac: G42 about to depart with the last train, 30 June 1962
The last train to Beech Forest ran on 30 June, 1962. The train had a particularly motley look to it; 180 passengers were loaded into NU goods vans which had been hastily fitted out with temporary seats and tarpaulin roofing. The train was hauled by the dilapidated G42 locomotive, kept alive through patch-up repairs and cannibalised G41 parts, which intending travellers looked at with some trepidation. The train made it without mishap. When it returned to Colac on that cold, gloomy June day it signalled the end of narrow gauge operations in the Otway Ranges.B/W. Locomotive G42 with the sign " Australian Railway, Last Train to Beech Forest, 30-6-62, Historical Society" is departing Colac. NC guard's van and NU louvred van are attached. A woman and man watching. .colac; beech forest; railways;