SAR Port Augusta-Hawker
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Despite crossing some of the driest parts of the continent the line was often damaged by severe flooding. It was not unusual for trains to be stranded for days by flood waters and track washouts. But even during dry times delays and late running were common. It was often said that a calendar, not a watch, was a better "on time" running guide.<br> | Despite crossing some of the driest parts of the continent the line was often damaged by severe flooding. It was not unusual for trains to be stranded for days by flood waters and track washouts. But even during dry times delays and late running were common. It was often said that a calendar, not a watch, was a better "on time" running guide.<br> | ||
| − | The route of the line in its southern section had more to do with politics than good practice. The route from '''Port Augusta''' to '''Quorn''' took it through the '''Flinders Ranges''' via the '''Pichi Richi Pass''' which required steep grades and tight curves. The route of the northern section was largely dictated by the availability of reliable water sources. The economics of the line was so poor that | + | The route of the line in its southern section had more to do with politics than good practice. The route from '''Port Augusta''' to '''Quorn''' took it through the '''Flinders Ranges''' via the '''Pichi Richi Pass''' which required steep grades and tight curves. The route of the northern section was largely dictated by the availability of reliable water sources but it was common practise for locos to have a water tanker in the consist. The economics of the line was so poor that it was frequently considered for closure.<br> |
| − | The most famous of the passenger trains on the line was "The Ghan" which ran, originally, from '''Port Augusta''' to '''Alice Springs'''. The Ghan still runs today but as a modern luxury | + | The most famous of the passenger trains on the line was "The Ghan" which ran, originally, from '''Port Augusta''' to '''Alice Springs'''. The Ghan still runs today but as a modern luxury tourist service from '''Adelaide''' to '''Alice Springs''' and on to '''Darwin''' on the northern coast of the continent.<br> |
In the 1950s a new standard gauge (4ft8½in, 1435mm) line was built from '''Port Augusta''' to '''Marree''' which bypassed the '''Flinders Ranges''' and '''Quorn'''. Passengers and freight to '''Oodnadatta''' and '''Alice Springs''' changed trains from standard gauge to narrow gauge at '''Marree'''. Today, the entire track to '''Alice Springs''' is standard gauge on a completely new alignment up to 300km west of the previous routes (both narrow gauge and standard gauge) bypassing '''Marree''' and '''Oodnadatta'''.<br> | In the 1950s a new standard gauge (4ft8½in, 1435mm) line was built from '''Port Augusta''' to '''Marree''' which bypassed the '''Flinders Ranges''' and '''Quorn'''. Passengers and freight to '''Oodnadatta''' and '''Alice Springs''' changed trains from standard gauge to narrow gauge at '''Marree'''. Today, the entire track to '''Alice Springs''' is standard gauge on a completely new alignment up to 300km west of the previous routes (both narrow gauge and standard gauge) bypassing '''Marree''' and '''Oodnadatta'''.<br> | ||
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In 1956 the sections of the original narrow gauge line from '''Hawker''' to '''Marree''' and from '''Port Augusta''' to '''Quorn''' were closed leaving the section from '''Quorn''' to '''Hawker''' (the <span style="color: white; background-color: black; font-weight: 700;"> Hawker Line </span>) still operating. Occasional excursion trains from '''Peterborough''' continued to use the line from '''Quorn''' to '''Summit''' in the 1960s. <br> | In 1956 the sections of the original narrow gauge line from '''Hawker''' to '''Marree''' and from '''Port Augusta''' to '''Quorn''' were closed leaving the section from '''Quorn''' to '''Hawker''' (the <span style="color: white; background-color: black; font-weight: 700;"> Hawker Line </span>) still operating. Occasional excursion trains from '''Peterborough''' continued to use the line from '''Quorn''' to '''Summit''' in the 1960s. <br> | ||
| − | Prior to the closures, the line between '''Quorn''' and '''Hawker''' saw several workings each day. In the working timetable for the 1950s this had been reduced to just two return freight services each week. In the 1960s that was reduced further to just a single weekly return freight service, with an additional service that only ran "if required". The only commodity that kept the line open was | + | Prior to the closures, the line between '''Quorn''' and '''Hawker''' saw several through workings each day. In the working timetable for the 1950s this had been reduced to just two return freight services each week. In the 1960s that was reduced further to just a single weekly return freight service, with an additional service that only ran "if required". The only regular commodity that kept the line open was mineral traffic, barytes (barium sulfate) ore, from '''Hawker''' to '''Quorn''' where it was crushed and bagged for shipment.<br> |
There were no passenger services apart from the occasional tour excursion train from '''Peterborough'''. The line was eventually closed in 1972.<br> | There were no passenger services apart from the occasional tour excursion train from '''Peterborough'''. The line was eventually closed in 1972.<br> | ||
Revision as of 14:48, 17 September 2022
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