Historical information

A special plant track repair and goods recovery train proceeding to a cattle train derailment on the Balranald (NSW) line from which sheep had also escaped. The train composition was made up of J-Class steam locomtive J-502, a water gin carrying extra water for the train given doubtful supplies en-route, a wagon to reload the surviving sheep, a wagon containing track tools and equipment, a carriage for the work crew, a bogie wagon containing all the specialist tools for re-railing the train, followed lastly by the Guard's van. The specialist wagons and their equipment were based at the Bendigo Depot (see painted markings on van side) in a state of readiness for immediate use as the need arose

The train is viewed approaching the Iron Bridge grade out of the Echuca rail yard. The Gatekeepers hut is visible on the right. The gatekeeper would be notified of the approaching train at which time he would open the gate to allow the train to pass through the Packenham Street level crossing.

Physical description

Digital TIFF file
Scan of black and white print

Enlargement prints on textured paper (15.5 x 20.5 cm)