Almanac History: A Trip through Victoria’s Railway History

 

I was sitting at a café, in the regional Victorian town of Gisborne. When I glanced across at a local paper. On the front cover was the steam locomotive R761, as it passed through Gisborne, on its way to Castlemaine. This was a trip, run by Steam Rail Victoria, which is a rail preservation group. Steam Rail regularly run steam, as well as diesel train trips around Victoria on most weekends. The article stated, that R761 would be passing through Gisborne again, in two weekends time. I promptly made plans to be there, to photograph it passing through.

 

The Victorian Railways’ R class steam locomotives were introduced in 1953. Built in Scotland, it was dubbed, the right locomotive at the wrong time. As its introduction coincided with, the conversion from steam power to diesel traction in Australia. Diesel trains proved faster and more efficient than steam. So, the role of the R Class was destined to be limited.

 

After a long delay, I first spotted the steam, billowing from its funnel as it came into view. A black mass, in the distance. I couldn’t make out any detail. The locomotive proceeded slowly up the track, towards the platform. Cameras were poised, by a dozen or more onlookers, me included. It was a clear day, with plenty of sun. The perfect conditions to get some up-close photos, of this 73-year-old machine.

 

Alongside the platform, it stood silent, small amounts of steam were rising from its top.

 

 

 

 

The carriages were a mix of 1950s built rolling stock, as well as carriages that predated the ’50s’. I surveyed the train from different angles, taking photographs. Finally, with a sudden puff, it signaled it was ready to depart. With the unrelenting shuff, shuff, shuff, the wheels turned, as it gathered speed. Leaving behind it, a trail of smoke, as the surrounds once again fell silent. I was off home, to rise early the next day. As I planned to visit a different town in regional Victoria, to photograph railways.

 

The very next day, my wife, our dog and I set off down the M8 towards Horsham. This is where we’d booked to stay the weekend. The highway largely follows the route of the Overland train. The Overland travels between Melbourne and Adelaide and has been in operation since 1887. Since that time, rail travel in Australia has been through many changes. It was originally operated by steam locomotives, back when rail travel was much more glamorous. Where formally dressed passengers received first class service, immaculate accommodations and the finest foods. Nowadays, it is a shadow of its former self, The Overland Train had to be saved by the government. As it was in a lot of debt and almost ceased operations.

 

During the height of the 1950s, Horsham station was a hive of activity, with all manner of passenger, cargo and mail being loaded and unloaded. Horsham’s only passenger service now, is the Overland Train. We know Horsham well, so we decided to take a drive to Dimboola.

 

Heading out of Horsham the road soon opens up, to vast agricultural fields. Cows, sheep, maybe a shed and some sparsely dotted trees. As we drove, a freight train came along side the road. It was two Melbourne-bound, NR class diesels. These Locomotives are the mainstay and workhorses, of interstate freight and passenger service in Australia.  They were introduced in 1997, and quickly replaced the older S and B class diesels, in this role.

 

 

 

 

Arriving in Dimboola, it was a Sunday, so the main street was largely empty. Nevertheless, we still walked around the town centre, some retro car signs decorated the street. I saw a closed car garage, it seemed to have some Holden car stuff on display. I peered through the dusty windows, at an old Kingswood Ute. At the end of the street, we saw a park, so we headed towards it.

 

In this park, a Victorian Railways era J Class steam locomotive stands on display. Much like the R class, I previously spoke about in Gisborne. The J class were introduced at the same time when diesels began to replace steam locomotion. As a result, the J class too, did not see much use. Although the J class do hold the distinction, of being the last steam powered passenger service, last running in 1972.

 

 

 

 

In the glaring heat, I stood atop a foot bridge, overlooking Dimboola Railway Station. The once busy freight yards, now rather baron, compared with these bygone eras. There were a couple of railway lines, that had some freight cars on them. Just behind this and providing a backdrop, was a line of silos. Some of these silos, now have art on them. However, these silos were plain and bare. I headed back down the stairs, off home, and ready to plan our next weekend adventure.

 

 

 

You can read more from RagingBull (Callum Quirk) Here.

 

 

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