G'day Steve, The crews for the light engines that attach onto the rear of the Swanbank Coalie will be signing on at 06:30 on both Tues 20th & Wed 21st. So after they attach onto the rear of the train at Wulkaraka they should get to Bundamba at around 08:00 approx. The time it takes to unload the train is usually about 35-45min. But it takes us about 20-30min to get from Bundamba to Swanbank & about the same time to return from there. The times for these trains this week should be all around that mark give or take a couple of hours. I would suggest though that If you choose to go at other time to just pm me a couple of days in advance & I will be able to give you approximate times. Anyhow Steve I hope this helps mate.
thanks alot shane, i will try get out there on wednesday, even just the rough times helps though, i can always just wait around and photograph whatever comes by anyway if i cant make it this week ill just pm in advance as you suggested, thanks heaps for the info, ill post the pics i take of it around here somewhere too.
Shane- Maps came through just fine. Now I've a much better idea where you are working. This must be part of the National Rail system? Boxcab E50
well, unfortunately i didnt get out there today, was up all night on the phone, so perhaps another time, ive got a half used roll of film, so when i get out ill post them all for you guys.
G'day Ken, It's actually part of QR's system which is the system that services the State of Queensland. The National system is a whole different story, and with the different State's systems and Gauges, well thats another thing aswell. I would like to try and explain it all but with all the complexity of it I would probably be here untill Christmass. But just to give you a better Idea of our system in Queensland I shall email you a complete network map showing our entire States system.
Shane- For some reason, I was thinking that Queensland Rys had become part of the National Rail system. Map received! Thanks! Boxcab E50
G'day Alan, Sorry it's been a few days mate but due to mother nature & her decision to knock us about with a few good storms over the past few days I have only had power on and off over short intervals. But not to worry as the maps been sent now & all is fine now with our power supply. Anyhow I hope you like it mate & have a good one.
G'day everyone, It's been a while since I've posted here but the other day I had the opportunity to take the "Apprentices" to work with me for the day. Below is "Apprentice No1", my 4 year old son Jack, learning the finer points of unloading a Swanbank Coalie. Below "Apprentice No2", my 2 year old son James, taking in all the advice. Both apprentices trying to work out how to get off the Loco. "Come on Dad, get back on it's raining out here." Anyhow I hope you all enjoy the pic's & hopefully I'll have the two "Apprentices" trained up in a couple of years time so they can go & work my jobs for me.
Shane Good photo's-you could'nt take them like that on our engines'cos the window's are'nt as clean!!!1 Best wishes Steve
As to the apprentices- thats how I started;been near 35 year's now-time to go and make way for your two! Steve
Great photos, Shane! I just finished watching a video a friend of mine at work taped for me. It was all about Australia's railways. I think it may have been produced for Australian TV. It covered Queensland Rail, The Indian Pacific, The Ghan and some of Australia's historical societies. Even a rail trip around Tasmania. A beautiful country you have there! I hope to visit someday!
Wow you certainly train them young north of the border. I haven't got an interior pic of my "office" but here is an external view
Always enjoy seeing these International photographs to see how things look in other parts of the world.
Sten, Location has me stumped mate! This is not my office but I do work with it from time to time! Top photo you can see 8 NR class loco's,pretty much a record I think!Bottom shot is through windscreen of my office checking out the tri axle roadrailers (aussie style). Sorry for crappy shots but it was in the days before I bought a digital & had to scan photo's!
Anyone realise how lucky I'am?,I get to play on big earth moving machines all day & get paid for it,to top it off I can watch trains roll by all day too!
