Johnny's Pages - Old SAR Shunter

Johnny's Pages
Old S.A.R. Shunter's Memories

Last edited: 01 June 2011

SteamRanger Heritage
Railway

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FLEURIEU RAILFEST Part 1

By Cameron Button
29th May 2010

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“Well, wasn’t it a lovely day, the day we went to Victor (in tune with “Day trip to Bangor”) a rendition of which was featured many years ago by radio announcers on the Bazz & Pilko show, accompanied by their trusty sidekick Peter Plus.

Victor Harbor Tourist Railway (Steamranger) on the Fleurieu Peninsula was holding the ‘Fleurieu Railfest’ at Goolwa and Victor Harbor for the weekend of the 29th and 30th of May 2010 and it was decided to head down and perhaps hazard a look at the festivities. Saturday the 29th May 2010 started out as a relatively bleak and unappealing day as there was much in the way of rain and inclement weather about.

Despite the forecast, we pushed on, and a left turn off the Victor Harbor road toward Goolwa not only proved the correct decision, but worthwhile too. Reaching a level crossing just north of Goolwa, a headlight was seen in the distance and in the general Goolwa direction. Stopping at the level crossing and waiting saw the arrival of yellow ‘Redhen’ 428 on its way to Currency Creek. This returned after a brief stop at Currency Creek and stabled at Goolwa pending the next departure. Shortly after passengers alighted from ‘Redhen’ 428, former SAR locomotive 958 arrived with the Cockle train from Victor Harbor.

Redhen 428 near Goolwa. 29-05-2010.

Redhen 428 depart Currency Creek. 29-05-2010

Redhen 428 and 958 arrive Goolwa. 29-05-2010.

Oscar W depart Goolwa. 29-05-2010.

The paddle steamer Oscar ‘W’ was steaming away at the Goolwa wharf and due to depart at 2:30pm, whilst the return Cockle train was due to depart Goolwa at 3:00pm. A jazz band playing in the background and with a blast of the steam whistle, the Oscar ‘W’ departed with the resonance only a steam engine can make and sounded great – smoke, steam and cinders.

A military Ford blitz, ammunition trailer and operating howitzer gun was parked nearby Goolwa station. The sight of smoke and along with the smell of gunpowder was evident as the 2:00pm gun was discharged on more than one occasion. A display of stationary steam engines, trucks and a gathering of Chevrolet Corvettes was also present on the lawn area near the station.

958 ready to depart Goolwa. 29-05-2010.

958 Cockle train departing Goolwa. 29-05-2010.

Army Display Goolwa. 29-05-2010.

Oscar W returns Goolwa. 29-05-2010.

Its 3:00pm and 958 blasts its whistle and is away, the Cockle train was bound for Victor Harbor once again. 3:40pm and in the meantime, whilst the military display is examined by many, the Oscar ‘W’ returns from its tour of Hindmarsh Island, the barrages and surrounds; in the background is the unmistakable sound of a Brill railcar horn being sounded for rail crossings into Goolwa.

Brill 60. Goolwa. 29-05-2010.

4:00pm and the Brill sounds it horn for departure from Goolwa for a return to the Steamranger depot and what a great sight it was. Brill railcars that we once rode as kids, returned to service and sounding every bit like a Brill – great stuff Steamranger.

With a Lions snag, onion and sauce ‘sanger’, a strong coffee and it was off to Victor to check out the scene. All was quiet as 958’s whistle was heard as it headed off for the return trip to Goolwa depot. All of this and despite the anticipated inclement weather for the day; a very occasional light shower, much sun shine was to be experienced and a good time was had by all.”

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FLEURIEU RAILFEST Part 2

By Barry Simmons
30th may 2010

VICTOR HARBOR

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Victor Harbor Station. Street Side

Victor Harbor Station Platform westerly direction.

Victor Harbor Ticket Office Platform Side.

Victor Harbor Platform Side easterly direction.

Victor Harbour Ticket Office Platform Side.

Victor Harbor. Brill Railcar 60 and Carriage.

Victor Harbor Station Street Side.

Rear carriage 62 Platform Side.
Victor Harbor

Goods Shed and Crane now South Australian
Whale Centre westerly direction.

Horse Tram Victor Harbor to Granite Island.

Victor Harbor Goods Shed easterly Direction.

Start of Victor Yard with Diesel 507, Carriages
706 and Bowman Guard Tavern Carriage 602.

Victor Harbor ash pit and water column with
507 engine, carriages 706, 602 in background.

Victor Harbor turntable.

Brill Railcar 60 on turntable. Victor Harbor.

If you have a slow dial-up or broadband download
Right Click on the "Click HERE" bar, then "Save Target As" to your hard drive.
Then view the WMV movie from there.

Brill 60 turntable and station wmv

(15.5 megs) (640 x 480)

Cockle Train, Middleton cross wmv

(6 megs) (640 x 480)
Barry Simmons videos

Brill 60, Middleton cross wmv

(15.6 megs) (640 x 480)

Engine 507 carriage 706/602 looking towards station in westerly direction. Victor Harbor.

Victor Harbor. Bowmans and 602 carriages.

Victor Harbor Station Platform.

PORT ELLIOTT

Port Elliot Station Platform Side.

Port Elliot Station before trains arrival.

Brill arrived at Port Elliott.

Train Departing Port Elliott station.

Port Elliott Station Sign Platform side

Other Port Elliott station sign.

Port Elliot Station street side

MIDDLETON

Middleton Station and siding.

Middleton Station.

Brill 60 at Middleton with station in background

Brill 60 at Middleton going over crossing.

Engine 958 Carriages in order 71-70-83-60-61 one side of the crossing waiting for Brill Railcar 60
on other side to change points for loop crossing at Middleton Station ,

GOOLWA

Changing points at Middleton Station