The Spirt of Progress was designed under Victorian Railways Commissioner Harold Clapp, who oversaw every detail. The train was built entirely at the Newport Workshops using Australian materials and labour. The Spirt of Progress entered service on the 25th November 1937. It was launched as Australia’s first fully streamlined, air‑conditioned, all‑steel express train service. The key innovations of the train included the full blue-and-gold livery with winged VR monogram, air‑conditioning, sound‑insulated walls, double‑glazed windows, a luxurious parlour observation car, dining car, richly finished timber interiors and a hostess on board, a first in Australian rail travel. The service initially operated Melbourne to Albury as the premier Victorian Railways service. In 1962, the Melbourne–Sydney standard gauge opened and The Spirit of Progress service was extended to Sydney, becoming the prestige overnight intercapital train. The former steam locomotives were replaced by diesel locomotives. The Spirit of Progress made its final run on 2nd August 1986 and the service was replaced by the more modern but less ceremonially named Sydney – Melbourne Express and later the XPT.The Spirt of Progress was a popular slight for the local Albion, Keilor & Sunshine North residents as it travelled along the Melbourne to Sydney trainline, blowing its whistle at the various road and pedestrian crossings and spectators along the route.5852.01 - The Spirit of Progress Train 1985 42217 5852.02 - The Spirit of Progress Train 1985 42217the spirit of progress train, sunshine, harold clapp, newport workshops, weston langford

ill, p.48.non-fictionA photographic journey from the collection of Weston Langford.photography - weston langford, australian folklore. special subjects: railway services. personal observations. collections.

From late in 1960 VR took what were the first definite steps to close the Colac-Beech Forest line. 1,101 tonnes of freight per year flowed from Colac to Beech Forest because of increasing competition from the roads. From 1 July 1960 onwards, when pulpwood (hardwood) stopped being shipped from Beech Forest, a maximum of only 7,000 tonnes/year would be shipped to Colac. Including special trips passenger revenue earned a little more than $200 per annum. The issue of second-hand sleepers stopped entirely and the two track gangs only patrolled the track and tightened loose bolts. The line did not earn its way and on 4 November 1960 it was recommended that services over the narrow gauge line be discontinued.The rear of a goods train from Colac arrives at Beech Forest on 9 August 1961. The other line is the former Crowes line truncated at Weeaproinah in January 1955. In the background is the Beech Forest Hall and Shire of Otway offices. Colour.colac; beech forest; railway;

Beech Forest Railway Station was constructed in 1902 and had a number off additions to it over the years. At the far end of the station in 1902/3 was constructed a 'balloon' reversing loop, rather than a turntable or a triangle, which rolling stock used in order to even the wear on the wheels. However, the trains also used it. The Garrett in particular was supposed to be turned every second trip to even out its wheel wear, although this was usually ignored for other reasons. The loop was used throughout the life of the station.Colour. Beech Forest Railway Station showing the 'balloon' reversing loop at the far end. The tennis courts and shelter are in the background.beech forest; railway; balloon loop;

Colour. Locomotive G42 traversing the scissors or delta crossover during shunting operations at Beech Forest on 9 August 1961. A man operates the points. To the right the Beech Forest Hall and Otway Shire offices, and the Water Tank for the use of locomotives. On the left, the remains of a timber extraction system.beech forest; railways; delta crossing; scissors crossing;

The Garratts were approaching 35 years of age and needed constant repairs to keep them in service, the other rolling stock was between 45 and 60 years old, the track was generally in poor condition, and the amount of traffic offering was only a faction of that carried previously and came from one station, Beech Forest. A further sign of decay was in the transfer of goods between the gauges. Where eight or nine men had worked full-time transferring between gauges only one man was seen by 1960, with several other men hired on the basis of '$2 a truck', assuming they could be found. In 1961 VR announced its intention to close the line which it did on 30 June 1962. Colour. On 9 August 1961 a G42 locomotive and goods train departing for Colac with the coal stage on the left, the saw mill and Gangers Shed on the right, and houses in the right background.. beech forest; railways;

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;

Colour. On 26 April 1964, the site of Crowes yard looking towards the end of the line after the tracks have been removed. A car standing beside a man are shown left centre.crowes; railway;

maps, p.56.non-fictionRailway diagrams of all the stations in the Western district of Victoria in 1956 to 1960.railroad infrastructure - victoria, railroads - victoria

maps, p.76.non-fictionRailway diagrams of all the stations in the South Western district of Victoria in 1956 to 1960.railroad infrastructure - victoria, railroads - victoria

maps, p.67.non-fictionRailway diagrams of all the stations in the Eastern and South Eastern district of Victoria in 1956 to 1960.railroad infrastructure - victoria, railroads - victoria

maps, p.132.non-fictionRailway diagrams of all the stations in the North Eastern district of Victoria in 1956 to 1960.railroad infrastructure - victoria, railroads - victoria

maps, p.52.non-fictionRailway diagrams of the stations on the Clifton Hill, North Melbourne Port Melbourne & St Kilda group of lines in the Suburban district of Melbourne Victoria in 1956 to 1960.railroad infrastructure - victoria, railroads - victoria

maps, p.64.non-fictionRailway diagrams of all the stations on the Richmond group of lines in the Suburban district of Melbourne Victoria in 1956 to 1960.railroad infrastructure - victoria, railroads - victoria

maps, p.43.non-fictionRailway diagrams of all the stations in the Northern and Midland district of Victoria in 1956 to 1960.railroad infrastructure - victoria, railroads - victoria

maps, p.84.non-fictionRailway diagrams of all the stations in the North Western district of Victoria in 1956 to 1960.railroad infrastructure - victoria, railroads - victoria