March 2003

General News

Insurance

 Insurance is still one of the driving issues for all heritage railways in Australia and Victoria is also involved in the problem. With the Victorian State Government setting up a Deed of Indemnity, all accredited heritage railways have been able to continue to operate albeit with a considerable financial struggle.

National Heritage Railway Association

At a meeting held in Melbourne late last year, it was resolved to examine a possible National Association of heritage railway associations in Australia. It was resolved to endeavour to incorporate any such association at its commencement. Owing to the vast distances of the continent it was decided to do as much business as possible by telephone and electronic means. Investigations are continuing and present indications show that such an association is possible.

News from Members

Alexandra Timber Tramway and Museum

The January running day was an excellent day with good attendance following publicity in the Sun Newspaper. Unfortunately the day was ruined by a burglary in which the days takings were stolen together with some sales stock.

A new workshop has been built and the cladding and roller door has been fitted. it will be fitted out as a welding bay and hold the railway's machine tools. it has been fitted out with steel shelving obtained from the former Maribyrnong Explosive factory.

Work has been started on refurbishing the SEC sawmill building.

Coal Creek Bush Tramway

The 2002 Christmas holidays have been busy with passenger numbers similar to last year. This was particularly pleasing considering the extreme heat on many days. The drought over much of Australia, together with the Gippsland fires, all helped to keep tourists away from many attractions. The income derived will help to consolidate the restoration programme.

The Bundaberg steam locomotive “Count Strzelecki” has operated the train on most days except for the total fire ban days during January. It is anticipated that this engine will run on trains every Saturday and Sundays until the end of April plus pubic holidays and booked charters. The railway now has several competent trainee firemen and diesel train drivers gaining experience together with a few past drivers returning to the railway.

The Hudson Hunslet diesel locomotive “George Macarthur,” purchased from ILRM in NSW, has had a cab fitted and has been converted to air brakes. This locomotive is used every weekday to operate the train. The train runs at 12 noon and 2.30 pm. At other times, the train will run on request made through the entry centre staff.

Work has continued on the turning triangle at Sunbeam station with most rails and sleepers in place. A hydraulic rail bender is being completed to allow the final curves on the rails to be set. The bender will also be used rectify some of the rail curve defects on the tracks sharp curves.

Most parts have been located for the Ruston 2VSH engine the two fuel injectors that were purchased several years ago and never used. This original engine is currently with the engine re-conditioners. It will be then installed back into the RH engine “Charles Tara”.

The third of the carriage restorations can now take place with the finding of the foundry that cast the wheels for the other two carriages. They still have the mould pattern. The new Ruddville station building has been a great asset for passengers waiting for the train.

 Mornington Railway Preservation Society

The railway has expanded its running days this year to three days in the month. 

Puffing Billy

Puffing Billy is starting to get ready for the 22nd Great Train Race which will be held on Sunday 4 May 2003. 

The railway is attending the National Historic Machinery Association Rally at Heyfield on 12 to 14 March 2003. Several exhibits are being taken down and over 3000 exhibitors will be present.

In addition work is about to start on the enhancement to the railways facilities at Belgrave and the extension of the locomotive workshop. The workshop was built in the late 1960's as a running shed but has been used for a workshop instead ever since its erection.

Redcliffs Historical Steam Railway

The new station at Redcliffs is opening on the 6th April 2003. The station is to known as Karodoc station although it is located within the urban are of Redcliffs. When the railway was originally constructed a station of the name was built near the new station for the tourist railway. Hence the revival of the name. The railway is now more visible from the highway with the new building.

Steamrail

Work has recommenced on restoring A2 986 and the frames have been set up in the workshop for Non Destructive Testing. While this is being done the pony wheel set is being disassembled and the superheater header and safety valves are being overhauled. The next work is to repair the frames and remove the tyres from the driving wheels.

The former buffet carriage Moorabool is having a major refit to its interior. Improvements have been made to the car's air-conditioning and the ceilings are to be repainted. The toilet and electrical modifications are also to be made.

Several rail tours have occurred with a trip to South Australia and a local trip to Mornington to ride in the only operational suburban G car.

Seymour Railway Heritage Centre

The total enclosure of the Carriage Sheds has taken a step closer with the construction of combined retaining walls and buffer blocks at the inner ends with a metal-clad wall above.

A roof has been provided over the area occupied by the swaging machine.

Outside in the yard the old meal room the former Gas Company office) has been dismantled and the site cleared in preparation of a new amenities block.

Locomotive J 512

Work on the engine's conversion to standard gauge is progressing to the extent that opportunity permits at the contractor's works. Report indicate that the wheels are almost completed.

Victorian Goldfields Railway

Work is continuing on the restoration of this historic railway back to Castlemaine. At present work is going on restoring a bridge over the  Pyrenes Highway and laying track from the Midland Highway to near the Rifle Range Bridge.

Walhalla Goldfields Railway

The Walhalla Goldfield railway has celebrated its 10th anniversary  as a heritage railway. Ten years ago on the 8th January 1993, work started on the physical work of restoring the railway into Walhalla. This was not the first attempt to restore the line as several earlier attempts had been made starting work at Walhalla. All failed for a variety of reasons including sufficient funds to restore the bridges.

The right of way still existed together with several decayed bridges and it was decided that the most practical way of reaching Walhalla was to start at Thompson and extend from that station towards Walhalla and ultimately back to Erica. Today the goal of reaching Walhalla has been achieved and trains have run into Walhalla for over a year now.

Consolidation is now taking place on the operating line with plans being made to extend back to Erica. Many bridges have to be reconditioned or built and several kilometres of track need to be laid.