Sunday, Mar. 1
We have booked seats on the APT railway between Strahan and Queenstown. A journey that none of us had experienced and there was a level of excitement from all of us. I was a little disappointed to discover that the train was being pulled by a diesel loco and not one of the original steam locos that had been restored for the service. I did find out that the locomotive was an original APT appliance. More pleasant surprises were to come.
We have booked seats on the APT railway between Strahan and Queenstown. A journey that none of us had experienced and there was a level of excitement from all of us. I was a little disappointed to discover that the train was being pulled by a diesel loco and not one of the original steam locos that had been restored for the service. I did find out that the locomotive was an original APT appliance. More pleasant surprises were to come.
APT Railway Train
Sally and Jan on board APT Train
The train followed Macquarie Harbour to the mouth of the King River were it followed the river almost to the King river gorge.
The train followed Macquarie Harbour to the mouth of the King River were it followed the river almost to the King river gorge.
King River
Before we reached the gorge the train stopped for lunch during which we swapped trains. We were told that when the diesel engines were introduce, they were unable to drag the ore trains over the hill where the APT system was employed so they were used for the flat section to Strahan and the old steam local kept dragging the heavy loads over the hill to Queenstown. This would explain why they were still in service when the railway shutdown in 1963.
Before we reached the gorge the train stopped for lunch during which we swapped trains. We were told that when the diesel engines were introduce, they were unable to drag the ore trains over the hill where the APT system was employed so they were used for the flat section to Strahan and the old steam local kept dragging the heavy loads over the hill to Queenstown. This would explain why they were still in service when the railway shutdown in 1963.
Steam Driven APT Train
On this leg of the trip, we traversed the King River Gorge
On this leg of the trip, we traversed the King River Gorge
King River Gorge
Before turning north following the Queen River towards Queenstown.
Before turning north following the Queen River towards Queenstown.
The Queen River
Upon reaching Queenstown, we spent an hour wandering around and then hopped on the coaches taking us back to Strahan.
Upon reaching Queenstown, we spent an hour wandering around and then hopped on the coaches taking us back to Strahan.
Queenstown Railway Station
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