March 22nd, 1973 - Transcontinental Paper - Port Augusta
Preserve
the rail link through Pichi Richi Pass is the current cry. This picture
taken on Monday afternoon shows to what lengths same people have gone
to draw attention to the fact that the line between Port Augusta and
Quorn should be kept for posterity.
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At
a meeting at Eleura Lodge in early May 1973 with representatives from
tourist and historical organisations, Commissioner for the Commonwealth
Railways, K.A.Smith gave assurance that the historic line would not be
dismantled.
In
addition it was decided to form The Pichi Richi Railway Preservation
Society and Reg Mayes of the Port Augusta Tourist Committee was
appointed convener for a meeting to be held at a date yet to be fixed.
The
Commissioner said he had travelled over the line that morning by
section car, and that the line was suitable for light traffic. Mr Smith
made the suggestion of using diesel rail cars, as there were two in
Darwin not being used.This he saw as a starting point, using the rail
cars between Quorn & Woolshed Flat
Mr
Smith's personal opinion was that the line should be retain for future
public service. He also stated the only people likely to use it were
tourist.
Mr
Richards said council had an open mind to the subject. If it were
economical proposition members would like to the line retained for
tourist reasons.
Mr
Keneanlly believed that travel by diesel wasn't the answer, but steam
power. Tourist would be looking for a bit less comfort & more of the
history of the line & the way of travel too.
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At
a meeting held at Cooninda on Sunday, June 3rd 1973, attended by about
90 interested people they appointed a steering committee to carry out a
feasibility study for the retention of the Stirling North - Quorn Rail
link.
This
meeting was convened by Mr R Mayes, who had expressed surprise at the
interest shown by people from all walks of life in preserving this rail
link.
The
steering committee was to make a study of organisation like the "Puffin
Billy Society". It had Messier Mayes, Q Smith and G. Richards both of
Quorn as executive officers. There were 12 other members from local
organisations, including the Commonwealth Railways on the committee.
Mr
Mayes pointed out that one of the big problems was obtaining suitable
light locomotives in good condition. He said that until this could be
done, it was proposed to use the two narrow gauge diesel rail cars owned
by the Commonwealth Railways & stored in Darwin.
July 11th, 1973 - Transcontinental Paper - Port Augusta
On
the spot inspections of the bridges, stone work & track was later
done. All were most enthusiastic & surprised at the condition of
the bridges & track. Satlia bridge obviously will require some work
to be done & some sleeper replacement on the track.
Photo: Jeremy Browne - June 1974
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The
Pichi Richi Railway Preservation Society took out an option to purchase
T class engine together with 4 carriages stored in the Peterborough
yard in July 1973. The cost of the T class engine was $2,000 & $350
each for the carriages. The decision to take out the option followed a
recommendation from the Society's patron, Mr K.A.Smith. This followed a
member of the steering committee offer of an interest free loan to make
up the difference.
Photo: Jeremy Browne - May 1973
Mr Graham Richards was appointed publicity officer & Mr Trevor Ward accepted the position of treasurer.
This was all decided at a meeting held at the Senior Citizens' Club when it was revealed that donation already held was $1,650.
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Scope - September 1973 - Trevor Ward, PRRPS Treasurer going through correspondence.
Trevor
Ward, (pictured above) who had taken on the treasurers job, "thought
that it would be a 7 day wonder". It had really captured the imagination
of the people, not only in the north, not only in South Australia, but
throughout Australia. Trevor was burning the midnight oil just to keep
up with all the donations that flooded in from as far as Melbourne,
Sydney, Alice Spring & many other places.
The
newly formed Society had purchased the T class locomotive, which other
Societies had also wanted to purchase. On hearing about this, a 21 years
old woman from Adelaide donated $1,000 towards the purchase.
When
Trevor was asked about when the first train would run Quorn to Woolshed
Flat, he said they had not finalised a date yet, but where hoping for
Autumn or Spring of next year, (1974).
The
technical boys told the Executive committee that it will be necessary
to use the engine at least once a week to keep the boilers in good
working order. They were looking at running weekly tourist trains
through the picturesque Pichi Richi Pass. It looked at the time you
would see weekly tourist trains a common sight in the near future.
At
this point, September 1973, the Society was still a long way short of
the $50,000 target. Full membership was $10 a year, & then $5.00
each year after. Family membership was 12.50 with subsequent years $7.50
& associates $2.50 each year.
A
purchase a "sleeper" idea was put forward, where children would get a
certificate proving their vested interest in the railway.
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By
November 1973 membership had reached 268 mark, with 167 associate
members. The Society had approached the state government & SA
Railways looking for help in overhauling the T class locomotive.
To
help the Society raise more funds, SA Society of Model &
Experimental Engineers held a field day at SASME Park, Millwoods on the
24th November 73.
The
Governor, Sir Mark Oliphant wrote to Mr. Ward saying it was both
pleased & fascinated by what was being done to preserve the Pichi
Richi railway. Sir Mark stated in his letter, that in time South
Australia narrow gauge would be no more. It was important that we should
preserve a fine example of our older technologies as to keep intact
some of the best architecture of the past. No other part of the
pioneering railway system is worthy of preservation as the remaining
section between Quorn & Stirling North. He also express his interest
in experiencing the inaugural run during the coming year.
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Photo: Jeremy Browne - Quorn Loco August 1973
Photo: Jeremy Browne - Quorn Loco August 1973
Photo: Jeremy Browne - Frenches Bridge
The
Pichi Richi Railway Preservation Society Inc was all finalised by the
24th Oct 1973, with the first working bee held the following weekend in
40 deg temp.
In 2013 Pichi Richi Railway Preservation Society Inc, will celebrated 40 years since formation in 1973
Well, Today you can ride a train from Port Augusta to Quorn - Video Along the Line or you could hire the MIC (Motor Inspection Car) 126 Hire your own train for that special occasion, school groups, Scouts or social club.
I still showing of of the highlights of riding the rails; but could I recommend it as place to volunteer?? No I find that hard to do now days.
That was the great years of working at PRRPS & helping maintaining a section of the original Ghan line. How much longer will it keep going?? Who knows with the lack of members to help maintain this railway.
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