G'day all, I havn't posted any Ballaarat tramway photos before, 'bout time I reckon. The provincial tramways in Victoria were operated by the State Electricity Commission. Geelong closed in the '50s but Ballaarat and Bendigo lingered into the '70s despite numerous attempts at closure. They were truly working museums.So I never saw Geelong but I was able to spend quite a bit of time in the other two cities and I walked the length of each line at least once.The three attached photos are all taken on the long line connecting Sebastopol and Lydiard Street North, all lines were through-routed via Sturt Street which I suppose you would have to call Ballaarat's main drag. It was also the route of the Western Highway through the city which I think had about 70,000 inhabitants at the time.The Sebastopol tram terminated at the Royal Mail Hotel, if it was raining you'd hardly get wet between the tram and the Public Bar, No.38 is waiting for time and quite possibly for it's crew to emerge from the said Public Bar.34 has halted at the compulsory stop in Drummond Street, South and will swing right into Sturt Street to make another stop on it's way to the City and Lydiard Street, North. Anyone recognise the old Pommy motorbike?The third picture is of 38 again and it is in Sturt Street at Lydiard Street and once the car ahead has crossed Lydiard Street and a new crew have showed up 38 will pull ahead and the Motorman will set the points to take the left curve for Lydiard Street, North. The crew being relieved are heading for the Sturt Street messroom.Best regards,Peter Bruce.P.S. I have made some progress on my blog/archive, I'm back to September '07 with MMP postings and the slideshow will take you to my Picasa albums, almost everything can be viewed full screen in your browser. http://teenagerailfan.blogspot.com/Seems like a good way of backing up to me and pretty easy too.
Been having some computer probs. and some with lack of inspiration.I'll get back on track over the next few days.
Mick McGowan corrected me re the silhouette shot in my last posting, it was taken at Garden Gully Loop in Mount Korong Road. Thanks Mick.The attached shows No.2 having just swung into Mount Korong Road from Barnard Street and approaching Garden Gully.I think I might give the provincial tramways a bit of a run over the next few weeks.Best regards to all,Peter Bruce.__._,_.___ 
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G'day all, a couple of Bendigo shots, No. 3 is at Eaglehawk, the toddler is now 40, that makes her mum..........??The last days silhouette is, I think, at Needle Loop outbound to Eaglehawk in what passed for the evening peak in 1970s Bendigo.Best regards,Peter Bruce.
G'day all, giving myself the week off and putting some time in on the blog/archive.http://teenagerailfan.blogspot.comBut I've attached a photo anyway, nothing flash but I don't mind it.Woori Yallock, up Warburton pass.Regards, Peter Bruce.
G'day all, the photo of 404 has got me tossed, I don't recognise the location, maybe someone can help me. Generally the 400s only worked bunker first from Peterborough to Terowie.The other shot demonstrates the huge step that the South Australian Railways took in the '20s, the little tank engine on the right is representative of the pre Webb motive power while 718, looking pretty much as delivered, was the new broom. Bloody big broom! Again I can't remember the occasion or the location. Any ideas?Regards,Peter Bruce.
Australian cities were always very quiet on a Sunday morning but I reckon Adelaide was especially so. The only thing to disturb the peace was the 9.00am arrival of the "Overland" from Melbourne.
This particular Sunday was an exception though, a long rake of green and cream cars was docked at the southernmost platform of the Adelaide Railway Station and a growing and chattering crowd thronged the surrounds.
They were waiting for engine no. 500 to couple to the train. Many perhaps re-living earlier days when a 500 backed down from Mile End every night to take the "Overland" out.
Presently wisps of smoke and steam showed off in the distance and 500's big, black backside approached, rolling at a very dignified pace.
As usual the crowd gathered to watch the loco nudge gently onto the train then stood on tiptoe to peer into the cab with its mysterious gauges and shining levers.
Train travel, all travel really, used to be exciting, an adventure. Today it's a bit like catching a lift.
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This Victoria Square photo is just about my favourite personal tramway photo ever.....my memory says Saturday lunchtime back when the shops closed at midday. The silver and red H cars have just arrived from the Bay. I reckon Grandma and grand daughter are crossing in front of the cars on their way to the Saturday Matinee at the pictures, they're both dressed up for their treat in town. This shot reminds me that ladies of my mum's vintage would never have gone into town without the hat and gloves. People dressed much more formally back then....... Except at the beach.
At the right of the picture is the Inspectors cabin and there are a couple of spare trolley poles and the departure bells attached to the traction pole in the foreground.
I must say I always preferred these big cars in silver and red.
In the other picture the same set is at Glenelg, down by the Bay.
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