Tassie Tex

Morning to you all there, its well into evening here. Very late on parade with family matters needing urgent attention throughout the day. Step daughter No#2 who also lives with us,. was taken to hospital with her sugar diabetes level dropping very low, not to mention also seven months pregnant. So Michelle (mum) been supportive has travelled with her to Launceston leaving me in charge of the fort, so family matters must come first. Still awaiting to hear for any further outcome but my guess will be a stay for a few nights. Jock, things sound like all well so far and I my thoughts are with you, it sounds like your a tuff old Scotsman anyway so you'll fight the fight. (so to Speak) Smithy2, Love that fire place you have, looks an absolute charm. Reminds me of one I installed in the second home that I built, cost me few bob from the antique dealer. Made from Blackwood & Huon Pine with bevelled mirrors above the fire side. Wife No1 sold that place. Andrew C, I never had a neighbour from hell, Michelle my SWMBO had a small farm that she rented out, took six months to get them evicted. The damage that was left behind along with a 10yrd dump truck of rubbish, (from the home only) was going to cost us more to renovate than the home was worth. Tenant Insurance? what a waist of money that is! We sold the property as was, (rubbish removed and cleaned about) Lost AU$40,000 within five years. Hope your new tenants Andrew are home owners!. Richard, (Happy Hippo) thankyou for stating that if I wish to post here about Tazzie historia, I can and others miss out. Although I also agree with Trisonic that it probably would reach a larger audience elsewhere on RM, Trisonic, I feel you are correct that perhaps it could appear on another thread. (for a wider audience) As I am still relatively new to RM & ER I did ask at post #88706 that if those on ER wishing to hear more, or ask a question on Tasmania to push the agree icon, I received 20 + 8 likes. So I have continued to place my post here. Perhaps, this would be an interesting thread? different railway history from around the world by local inhabitants of were ever it maybe. I don't think there is one, is there? Time for something cute, Tasmanian Devil. Up ya kilt, Tex. Harmless ya know, they do make good pets and easy to feed, we call it road kill and they love it. He's telling me that there is something stuck between his teeth. Now being both a carnivore and carrion eater, there's always a bit of competition. (Wedge Tailed Eagle looking on) The Wedge Tailed Eagle, largest Raptor (bird of prey) in Australia.

night from down under Tex.

Jock, In reply to your question on tin mining in Tasmania yes it is still a big industry. Not so much on the N E of the state as it was in its earlier days, but the Western side is rich in Tin, Copper, Zinc, Silver, Gold among other minerals. Renison (north of Zeehan on the west coast) is our largest tin mine which opened in 1968, since that time some 23 million tonnes have been mined, expected reserves in this mine alone are 4 million tonnes. Roseberry is another in the same region. The ore is mad into a slurry then piped to the north coast, pelletised, then shipped. Tin was virtually mined in various amounts at many locations found across the Island. Tex.

He'll be back, its that primeval convict in him. On the subject of certificated school levels, I left with none, still managed to join the military at 18. Served thirteen years with certificates in this that and the other during that time, on leaving the civilian world did not recognise any of them. We do things different in the real world I was told, so now I'm a Jack of all trades, master of none and qualified to them all. Never had a problem finding work and not once asked if I was qualified. Once I was told by a perspective employer after I finished telling him all about my previous work skills history, he politely told me that he could not employ me?. He had considered me, no word of a lie, over qualified for the position? go figure. I would be interested to know how many have this today, especially if your "middle aged". To much red tape, OH&S and maybe they can't pull the wool over our eyes anymore at our age. Clearly if you have grey hair, wear glasses, middle age spread on the girth, you probably have a higher educational degree than school leavers today and you might even know what manners are. My two BoB's worth . Tex.

Thankyou Tony I'm not sure whether to laugh or cry at this one, tell Mathew that the little might's are fine on their own as they have no natural predator. Unfortunately ferrel cats are a problem here now killing a lot of our small animals bringing some to close extinction. Tex.

Morning all once again, no posting yesterday having WiFi connection difficulties. All well in this neck of the woods for now, but like the weather it too can change. Today we shall look at the North East Line that has only recently closed and it appears it to may never re open. Although there is talk of another preservation group who wish to transform it into a preserved railway, hope they succeed? One of the biggest industries' here is wood, lots and lots of wood, logs for paper pulp, veneer, cabinet making and building materials, you name it we have a timber for it. That is the only basis this line exists, logs from the huge forest of Eucalypt, Mertyle and Sassafras that have grown here since time began. A big player in this industry was a company named Gunn's, a couple of years back they went belly up and government were not going to bail them out this time. The closure of saw mills across Tasmania also rang bells of doom's day for these branch railway lines. The NE Line branched off the Bell Bay Line north of Launceston 124km to Herrick in the north east of the state between 1911 to 1919. Only two main towns of Lillydale, mostly farming and some dairy growing midway to Scottsdale, the main timber mills were here nearing the end of the line today. Just east of Scottsdale is the siding of Tonganna, this is as far as you go by rail with line being removed all the way to Herrick. Tin was also mined in the earlier days, late 1800s around this area. Today this lifted section is used as a cycle, hiking path through some spectacular preserved ancient forested areas. They might just get the whole line as its more Eco friendly than smelly trains. Also I thought I might put in some of the more unusual vehicle's associated with the railways that once did have a common place within the system, ahh days long gone, just a memory now, just a memory. Have a great day, good news from you Jock and wishing all goes well, call back later. Time for piccie's, cheers Tex. Map. Section photos of cycle, hiking track Tonganna. Some trees of the forests showing Eucalypt, Mertyle and Sassafras. Sassafras Some items made from Black Heart Sassafras. Mertyle. cabinet made from Mertyle. Getting the timber out. The Vertical Boiler Locomotive in the above picture is a 1889 Markham & Co LTD Chesterfield England. First used in 1898 and was abandoned and left to the forest in 1946. Now restored as astatic display at the Tasmanian Transport Museum (TTM), Glenorchy, Hobart. Note the timber rails. Hauling logs today, Alco's in ANR Tasrail guise . Most of our Rail is on steel sleepers, timber rot to Quickly here. 1938? Wolsley Rail Staff Car. TTM. 1928 10hp Robey Road Locomotive, Permanent Way Dept. No 9, 17.5 tons. Used to crush quarry stone and still is today at steam festivals. Wallace & Stevens Advance roller with an India made tarpot. Hobart Tramways Dodge Fargo catenary platform tower crane. Echidna (spiny ant eater)

Had to re edit last post, for some reason no piccie's appeared, thanks for the thanks Duncan, hope you look back later to see piccie's and all goes well for you today. Upya kilt, Tex.

Morning all, overcast down here today and on saying that looks like most of you had a enjoyable weekend. (hic) Todays topic is not a preservation line, as it is still classed as a main line? Its the Fingal line, the Scottish Fingal not the Irish, named after the valley that stretches east from the flat plains of our midlands. The line starts at Conara Junction on the main line from Hobart to Launceston, its the only line that heads east in all the state. The TGR opened the line in 1866 when Coal and Tin deposits were found in the valley, there are only three towns on this almost 100km section of rail. Three stations along the way were at Avoca, Fingal and terminating at St Marys before the valley plunges deeply to the coast. Large coal deposits were found at Fingal and Mt Nicholous(Cornwall) near St Marys. The first gold mine in Tasmania was at Mangana, not far from Fingal was a short lived affair, but hotels and some well to do buildings soon appeared as the population swelled. Most of these today lay idol in a memory of what could have been. Coal is still the main stay for now to keep the line alive. The rail now terminates at Fingal coal wash plant, the line being pulled to St Marys after Australian National Railways (ANR) took over from the TGR in 1988. The ANR did not want to replace the rail to the Mt Nicholous Cornwell mine for heavier rail $$, so the coal is now sent by road some 25km to Fingal. This was the death bell also for St Marys BLT. Lack of patronage for the passenger and goods freight services earlier on were also to blame. The Station at St Marys is now a museum, a small section of platform and the steel water tower are also still there. The turn table was removed in 1996? and taken by road to Zeehan Wilderness Historical Centre were its used for its purpose. An X class English Electric was also on static display here in 1988, but after 12 years of senseless vandalism, it was sold to the Don Valley Railway and put back to use. The Fingal station is still there along with some of the sidings, the building is now owned by the council and is in a terrible state. The Avoca station has long gone with only part of the platform remaining. All the stations were the same design and built with weather board timber cladding, corragated iron roof. The last tour train to use the line was in 2002 Easter Special, just to much red tape now. (OH&S). That is a pity as the line, along with the road follow's the picturesqe South Esk River for almost its entire length along the valley floor. CC and CCS class loco's were the main stay until the introduction of the Robert Stevenson Hawthorns M class in 1952, these being heavier 4-6-2s for coal freight and the Vulcan Foundry H class 4-8-2s. M class No#2 build No#7430 1952, served until 1961, it now lives at the Tarnfield Steam Railway, Gateshead upon Tyne England. Sheep and cattle graziers, cereal growers and pharmaceutical opiate are also grown in the valley. Time for piccie's, hope you have a good start to the day all the best to those who need it (Jock). Cheers Tex. Map, Fingal line. Conara Junction Station and sidings. Fingal Station. (today) Fingal platform and sidings Coal wash and loading area Fingal. St Marys Station. Water tower St Marys. One coal train a day The last tour train at Fingal Station 2002 Robert Stevenson Hawthorn M class 4-6-2, in service until 1975. Vulcan Foundry H class 4-8-2, H7 was on shed at Conara. English Electric BO-BO X30 was at St Marys now at DVR !952-1988 Opium Poppy's in flower Fingal Valley. Wombat.

Me again, Dom, thought you might like these two, Marilyn's in DD. South Australian Railways 930 class, Adelaide Melbourne Express (The Overland) and a 4 up heavy freight.

Beautiful locos Dom, I grew up these in South Australia as a young fella in the 60s They were still in service in the early 2000s, when running in a bank of 4-6 together it shook the ground for kilometres. American Muscle at its best.

Thankyou for those photos, love the old enamel signs, just great. Cheers Tex.

Sorry forgot to post these two, CC and CCS classes used on these branch lines. Cheers Tex. Beyer Peacocks, built by TGR Workshops. CC class CCS Class No#25

Morning on a bright and sunny day in Tasmania. Anzac day over for another year. And the years shall not condemn And at the going down of the sun In the morning we shall remember them Lest we forget. This day now around the world where the Anzacs once fort the foe, in the Dardanelle's to the battle fields of France and Europe, is a day of remembrance to all those who fell in this war to end all wars. On a more sombre note, back to railways in Taz. Today a look at No#5 on the map with Mole Creek and Red Water Railway Sheffield The Mole Creek line was opened in 1890, the branch line headed in a SW direction from the main western line at Deloraine. Mole Creek was only a short BLT of 20.4 km (12.3/4 miles) mostly sawn timber logs and later pulp logs to supply the paper mill in Burnie. In the 1930s limestone was also quarried nearby, the line was relayed to cope with the heavier traffic and allowing the heavier CC and CCS class locomotives. The line remained in use until 1985 when the log traffic ceased, it was only for a temporary time, but it never resumed and the line was closed and lifted in 1992. In 1892 a proposal to build a line from here to the isolated town of Zeehan on the west coast was pondered. Up and over the Great Western Tiers in the heart of Tasmania. This would have been one hell of a scenic railway, it was soon dropped as the Emu Bay Railway pushed south to Zeehan. Again no foresight to the use of this small BLT to take tourist's from Deloraine to the King Solomon Caves that attract thousands to Mole creek each year. The area is also famous for its Leatherwood honey production, said to be the best honey in the world. Sheffield to the north of Deloraine was also constructed around the same time and was also BLT, logs again being the main stay of traffic to the mills further north. I'm unsure when it ceased operation but a small group of enthusiast's moved the deterriating station building to their own site called Red River. A small 1km 610mm (2') gauge roundy roundy was built along with the station. Its a big hit for the locals of this truly beautiful town. A steam fest is held here each year attracting visitors over this soon to be three day event. Along with topiary along the approach road to the town and now an annual Muriel artists exhibition, on their town buildings, not forgetting the scenery its a must trip for me each March. Anyway time for piccie's, cheers Tex. Now a park Mole Creek BLT. Mole Creek Goods siding Mole Creek water tower c 1800s King Solomon Caves. Marakoopa Cave. Mole Creek Leather wood Honey 1kg jar Krauss 0-4-0 Red Water Creek Railway. At the Steam Fest Muriel and Topiary Sheffield Our own and entrepreneur Dick Smith. A Spotted Quoll.

Morning all, just a quick g'day as its ANZAC day here and with the dawn service over, I'm off to catch up with past and present diggers at our RSL club. I think drinks my be involved also. So no history lesson today, up ya' kilt, Tex.

Thankyou Lisa, for the life of me I couldn't remember were it was and for letting me know were it ended up. Yes, the Bush Mill has been closed for sometime now. Cheers, Tex.

Morning all, once again weather the same mist 'n' fog awful really. Dave (TG) again some wonderful pictures from you in your part of the world, looks very much like our midlands area, very peaceful and I love that touch of Gorse you grow there. NOT Barry 'O' and to those who agree, yes it is Tasmania K1 Beyer Peacock 040-040 Garrett on the Ffletiniog and Welsh Highland Railway. A far cry from her working's here and the I think she may even miss the countryside. This little gem started out in life here in Tasmania along with its sister K2, they where the first Garrett's in the world in 1910 on the North East Dundas Tramway, near Zeehan on our west coast. There were numerous such tramways along the Emu Bay Railway to serve the small mining towns on route from the north to Zeehan, no roads were built until the completion of the Murchinson HWY in 1963, so all freight relied on the rail network. More can be read about K1 here, if you hadn't already. www.whsoc.org.uk. Tasmania was the first to put Garrett's to full use to overcome tight narrow gauge 3'6" lines and soon appeared on all narrow gauge lines throughout Australia lasting well into the late 1960's. Four classes of Garrett's all built by Beyer and Peacock or were designed on there drawings worked in Tasmania after K1 & K2. L. class 262+262 1912 two constructed 90 tons 160psi M. class 442+244 1912 " " 94 " 160psi EBR. class 482+284 1930 three constructed 132tons 180psi G& ASG (Government and Australian Standard Garrett) 482+284 for the TGR and the EBR railways in 1944. The TGR received 14 and the EBR 5 each weighing 119 tons 200psi. Time for piccie's, Tex. K1 040-040 Garrett 1910 and plate. Full bore out of the cutting. Siding at Montezuma Falls. Montezuma Falls 104m Along way from home? Remains of a small trestle bridge North East Dundas Tramway. . Now a forest walk. Slowly being taken back. Grand designs. The line. Some more Garrett's. L class 262--262 late 1940s. EBR No#13 482-284 1937. EBR No#17 482-284 or CLTB (Commonwealth Land Transport Board) G23 and Dub's No#6 On shed at Burnie 1965. PS. In 1990 a two thirds size replica of K1 was built here on a 15" gauge by an enthusiast at Port Arthur, it to has since been sold and resides somewhere in the UK?

That's looking the part Stu, good luck with everything running smoothly for you at show. Tex.

You got in one Barry, spot on, well done that man and thankyou for the Liverpool connection. Tex. (smelling pistake there, K1 Garrett. ) Must have hit B instead of G.

Good morning to those thousands of kilometres from the other side of me. Scotch mist here again today with a heavy sea fog, a good day to keep warm indoors. Jock, I too have a giggle about place names, especially when I see you guys mention places' in the UK, that's just down the road from me I think to myself with a laugh. I looked yesterday on the web at some pictures of Launceston Railway Station in Cornwell, crying shame our stations don't ooze the same splendour or character. Today a quick look at our Launceston. the city is basically built on reclaimed swamp were three rivers meet. To the north is the Tamar River, it is made up from the junctions of the North Esk River to the west and the South Esk to the east of the city centre. The North Esk enters the Tamar through Cataract Gorge, the gorge itself is a spectacular picnic and tourist destination only a few km's from the CBD, here also is the beautiful wrought iron Kings Bridge that connects the south of city to the northern suburbs. Designed by William Doyne civil engineer for the London South West Railway in 1861, the lattice wrought iron structure (61m) was prefabricated in Manchester England. Erected on a floating pontoon then placed on its abutments at high tide in 1863, an engineering feat for that era. Launceston is the third oldest city in Australia following Sydney and Hobart, with a population of only 100,200 (2012 census ) and covers an area of 36sq miles. Many of its building are of Georgian and Victorian architecture, many still surviving the wrecking ball being preserved by the National Trust and is surrounded by many parks to enjoy through the day. We even boast an Albert Hall, pity we didn't share the locos of GWR as well, they would indeed looked at home in our country side. Time for piccie's, have a bonza day, Tex. Kings Bridge looking towards Cataract Gorge. Looking SE over city. Kings Bridge looking south. On the pontoon being floated into place. In situ. Suspension bridge over Cataract Gorge. Town Hall. Albert Hall. Customs house. Post Office. The old Gas Works, now café, restaurant and conference rooms. One of many fountains found through out the parklands. Does' anybody recognise this locomotive or where it is? I will be going west tomorrow for I have something very interesting to show all.

Good morning to everybody and hope all are felling more jovial as the week progresses. Scotch mist has settled for the weather of the day, so very damp outdoors, it is annoying as we do need a heavy rain to top up our water tanks, we are not connected to a mains supply. Today we shall look at the Launceston tramway and the old TGR workshops at Inveresk, but part of Launceston. To me if it has rails, it comes under the heading of being a railway, trams are just a lighter version and it is a crying shame that our political dunnder heeds had them all removed. Much quieter, far more less pollutive and more attractive than inter-city buses, although buses do have there place in the transport of commuters. Launceston was founded in 1804 not long after Hobart making it the third oldest city in Australia. It took almost another hundred and ten years before the first tram appeared, the year was 1911 when the rattle and ding of the first tram sounded out in Launceston. All together there were 29 trams throughout the city services with its main depot just north of the Launceston Railway Station where it still remains today, Trolley busses where also used to combat the many steep hills surrounding the CBD. After a short life span the tramways were lifted in 1952 as buses became the more favoured means around the city and suburbs A short walk to the east of here, almost adjacent is the Queen Victoria Art Gallery and Museum, the museum also incorporates the old Inveresk East Junction TGR Workshops. Although not is all open to the public it does' host quite a bit of railway related memorabilia. Only a short one today so, time for piccie's', cheers to all for now and hope you all have a wonderful 'humpday Tex. Map, showing 3-4 Launceston. Opening of Tramway 1911 No# 1-6. Rush hour. After life for many became 'chook houses', this one at the tram museum, but inside contains many photographs. Boogied #29 and 4 wheeler #8 in shed. No# 29 awaiting. No# 29, the trolley behind supports a diesel electric generator for power, over head power wires have been removed. No# 6 now a static display. Interior of No# 29. Another of No# 29 A section of line looking south towards the city. Launceston Railway Station as it is today. Old TGR Workshops, Queen Victoria Art Gallery and Museum. QVM* Launceston North East Junction Signal Box. Traverser with bogies QVM* Just one of many not in use today. A view from out side. Hoarding!, me!, never!!, it maybe useful some day?. Funny looking roundy things on a funny looking weigh bridge. No#Y3 English Electric Y class 600kw (800hp) 59 ton built 1961 out of service 1986. The car is a FC Holden 158-1960.

1976? Still appearing at roll call each morning in secondary school, curiously busy learning about girls, wasting my pocket money on smoking cigarettes, ( still am ) and competing at rowing regattas. We do not have canal boats in Taz, or Oz?, but I'm an old oarsman and from a coaching point of view in the coxswains seat in an eight does take a little skill, as any good cox will tell you.

I just had to add this from early risers today, some to do a with a Rhino. Tex.

I couldn't have had me specs on when posting #90156 or I'm seeing double? What went wrong?

No not AWOL, just very late on parade Sir. I normally try and get it all done before you get out of bed, like I said very busy with other appointments, my deepest apologies'. There will be more tomorrow I promise. PS see post #90156. edit

Good evening all, well it is here at least, unless I post tomorrow morning. May I will do that about the railway side of things, have had a busy day with appointments of various sorts since early this morning. (that's our morning ) Couple of pages of catch up when I finely returned home, but I hope I've ticked the right boxes in response to all. All this talk about canal ventures and pubs in between sounds terrific to me, not sure about SWMBO though. ( the pubs ) I am some what confused? is it, 4 locks per hour, 4 miles per hour, or 4 pubs per hour? A friend of mine and myself did a pub crawl in South Australia many years ago on motor cycles, 13 pubs with a pint in each, 575 km later and getting late in the day we finished back where we started. Its no wonder our city pubs have one on every corner, well we did have. Would love to do again but our drink driving laws are very harsh in this part of the world and public transport in rural areas just doe's not exist. Some fantastic photography shots appearing also from various ERs, like many, I have to replace mine of some thirty odd years use. The winding mechanism of my old Pentax gave up the ghost, been told would cost more to repair than its worth, buy this one they say with a AU$1300 price tag hanging on it, I'm on a bl##dy pension I retort. As you may now I live on the East Coast of Tasmania in the tiny holiday resort town? of Beaumaris, permanent population less than 100. Mostly holiday homes and a modest hotel. Neatly nestled between the towns (villages, no way side halts.) of Scamander to the south and the fishing town of St Helens to the north. During our peck holiday season, normally Christmas, Easter period that figure can grow into the thousands for the area. The beaches here stretch for almost 10km and favoured by novice surfers, body boarders, fisherman, tourists and family beach goers. All this thankfully is only for a short time, as they go as quick as they came injecting huge amounts of money into our economy. So here I have compiled some piccie's of the area for you to enjoy. Cheers to all, Tex. Were I live. Path to beach 200m from home. looking north. Looking south Scamander to the south. Trying to catch a wave Beaumaris. Part of the fleet St Helens to the north. Good evening all, well it is here at least, unless I post tomorrow morning. May I will do that about the railway side of things, have had a busy day with appointments of various sorts since early this morning. (that's our morning ) Couple of pages of catch up when I finely returned home, but I hope I've ticked the right boxes in response to all. All this talk about canal ventures and pubs in between sounds terrific to me, not sure about SWMBO though. ( the pubs ) I am some what confused? is it, 4 locks per hour, 4 miles per hour, or 4 pubs per hour? A friend of mine and myself did a pub crawl in South Australia many years ago on motor cycles, 13 pubs with a pint in each, 575 km later and getting late in the day we finished back where we started. Its no wonder our city pubs have one on every corner, well we did have. Would love to do again but our drink driving laws are very harsh in this part of the world and public transport in rural areas just doe's not exist. Some fantastic photography shots appearing also from various ERs, like many, I have to replace mine of some thirty odd years use. The winding mechanism of my old Pentax gave up the ghost, been told would cost more to repair than its worth, buy this one they say with a AU$1300 price tag hanging on it, I'm on a bl##dy pension I retort. As you may now I live on the East Coast of Tasmania in the tiny holiday resort town? of Beaumaris, permanent population less than 100. Mostly holiday homes and a modest hotel. Neatly nestled between the towns (villages, no way side halts.) of Scamander to the south and the fishing town of St Helens to the north. During our peck holiday season, normally Christmas, Easter period that figure can grow into the thousands for the area. The beaches here stretch for almost 10km and favoured by novice surfers, body boarders, fisherman, tourists and family beach goers. All this thankfully is only for a short time, as they go as quick as they came injecting huge amounts of money into our economy. So here I have compiled some piccie's of the area for you to enjoy. Cheers to all, Tex. Were I live. Path to beach 200m from home. looking north. Looking south Scamander to the south. Trying to catch a wave Beaumaris. Part of the fleet St Helens to the north.