Australian Narrow Gauge


SunsetLimited

Enjoy the Journey
Hey guys, I only just noticed the Narrow Gauge Modelling forum and I thought I'd share something a little unique.

As of 2014, there was a total of 17,381km (10,800 miles) of Standard Gauge lines, and 3221km (2001 miles) of Broad Gauge lines in Australia. As of 2014, there was also 11,801km (7332 miles) of Narrow Gauge lines, including 3ft 6in, 2ft 6in, and 2ft gauges.

My local railway network (Queensland Rail) operates around 8000km (4970 miles) of 3ft 6in gauge track, was the first railway company in the world to use narrow gauge for a mainline network, and is to date the world's second largest narrow gauge network, second only to the narrow gauge divisions of the Indian Railways.

Our network, motive power and rolling stock is mixed. Everything has charm and character. Overall, its an eclectic blend of high speed tilt trains, electrically powered unit coal trains, long distance services, 50-year-old locos in regular service, unballasted 35lb rail branchlines, the largest electrified network in the southern hemisphere, and a dedication to serve the people. Some lines are lucky to see one service a week, but the train still runs.

I wanted to share a bit about Queensland Rail because it's very special to me, and show you some of the models on offer. HOn3.5 models are quite popular in Australia given the abundance and variety of rolling stock and the quality is very good. I'll post some links below for those who are curious.

http://www.wuiskemodels.com/ - Queensland Rail 1550 and 2400 Class Diesels, as well as unique rolling stock including stock cars still used today
http://www.pgcscalemodels.com.au/ - Queensland Rail Steam Locos, timber coaches and freight wagons
http://www.blackdiamondmodels.com.au/ - Queensland Rail First Generation and Modern-Era diesels and suburban electric rolling stock
http://www.southernrailmodels.com.au/index.html - Queensland Rail diesels, modern era "Baby Coal" hoppers, grain hoppers, and other rolling stock

Thanks for reading. I hope you enjoyed the links. If you'd like to know more about Queensland Rail or railways in Australia, Narrow Gauge or otherwise, feel free to send me a message.

Mitch
 
Great resources. I love the prototype photos on the Wuiske site, especially the butter wagon. On the Southern Rail site, U-Boat has a very different meaning from that in North America. And those ALY steel louvered vans are just too cool.

The cane trains are still my favourites, though.

Thanks for sharing this, Mitch.
 



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