First published in 1934, the Bulletin contains a variety of articles about all aspects of railways from around Australia. Occasional articles of Tasmanian interest are published. The following is a list of all Tasmanian articles published since 1934.
This information comes from two sources; fistly the complete index published after thirty years of the new series (published by the ARHS ACT division), while the remainder has been compiled by the Tasmanian Division to bring the listing up to date. In addition to the articles listed, most issues included a ‘Here & There’ section with short news items, mostly taken from the magazines of the individual States. These are not included in this listing. Similarly, unaccompanied photographs have not been included.
| Title & Author | Description & Notes | Publication Data |
| List of locos of Emu Bay Railway company CC Singleton |
This listing briefly describes the steam locos introduced onto this line up to 1929. 1 sketch map. |
Vol 3 (Old), No. 16, Feb 1939; pp 19 |
| The locos of the Tasmanian Main Line railway MA Park |
This article details this railway's loco fleet. Details of individual locos including
builders, builder's numbers, and some detail of disposal, are tabulated. Train working is
briefly mentioned, and an early timetable included. 3 diagrams. |
Vol 4 (Old). No. 25, Nov 1939; pp 46–51 |
| Key to TGR loco classes, 1871-1939 MA Park |
This is a listing of TGR loco classes up to 1939 showing builders, years placed in service and road numbers. | Vol 4 (Old), No.25, Nov l939; pp 52 |
| Regatta Point – Queenstown private railway D Murray |
The line and facilities of the Mt Lyell railway are briefly described. The locos used
on the line are listed. 1 sketch map. |
Vol 7 (Old), No. 43, May 1941; pp 61–62 |
| Episodes in loco history JCM Rolland |
Brief notes are presented on the fates of a number of locos which had been used by the Victorian Railways and the Launceston and Western Railway Co. | Vol 7 (Old), No. 44, Jun 1941; pp 70–71,73 |
| Launceston and Western Railway | This 1600 mm gauge line between Launceston and Deloraine was the first public railway
opened in Tasmania. The operation of the line was taken over by the Government shortly
after opening. With the opening of further 1067 mm gauge lines, a third rail was added to
the line. The 1600 mm gauge was eventually abandoned. This article traces the history of
the line from construction through to abandonment of the 1600 mm gauge. The locos and
rolling stock used on the line are briefly described. 1 sketch map. |
Vol 8 (Old), No. 48, Oct 1941; pp 41–44 |
| Railways of the [Tasmanian] West Coast CB Thomas |
The Tasmanian west coast was served by a number of railways and tramways. This article
gives brief historical overviews and description of lines still open (in 1943), including
details of locos, station layouts and safeworking. Some historical detail of closed lines
is given. Lines built in Queenstown and Zeehan are described in some detail. 4 sketch maps, 29 diagrams Article is continued in Bn 65 Mar 1943 pp 33–34, Bn 66 Apr 1943 pp 48–50, Bn 67 May 1943 pp 64–67, Bn 66 Jun 1943 pp 74–76, Bn 69 Jul 1943 pp 5–6, Bn 70 Aug 1943 pp 22–25, Bn 71 Sep 1943 pp 40–42, Bn 72 Oct 1943 p 53, Bn 73 Nov 1943 pp 69–70, and Bn 75 Jan 1944 pp 7–9. Additional information from LG Poole appears in Bn 65 Mar 1943 p 42 and Bn 70 Aug 1943 p 19. |
Vol 11 (Old), No. 64, Feb 1943; pp 15–18 |
| Early Australasian small locos JCM Rolland |
The writer reminisces about finding the remains in Victoria of 1600 mm gauge locos which had previously worked on the Launceston and Western Railway in Tasmania. | Vol 14 (Old), No. 85, Nov 1944; pp 56–58 |
| Tramways of Hobart | The first electric tramway in the Southern Hemisphere began operating in Hobart in
1893. The article briefly describes the early construction and opening of the system, and
development of the power supply system. The tramway was taken over by the Hobart City
Council in 1913, and the system was expanded. 1 sketch map. |
Vol 15 (Old), No. 92, Jun 1945; pp 76–79 |
| Locos of the TGR in order of appearance | Brief details of steam locos used by the TGR up to 1944 are listed. Details of 1600 mm and 1067 mm gauge locos are included. | Vol 18 (Old), No. 107, Sep 1946; pp 39–40 |
| The tramways of Beaconsfield CB Thomas |
The town of Beaconsfield was notable for its rich gold mine. A tramway system was
constructed which eventually linked the town and mine to Beauty Point on the River Tamar
and limestone quarries at Flowery Gully. Originally using horses for power, the line was
converted to steam power before the closure of the gold mine led to the closure of the
tramway. The article gives some detail of the line and the rolling stock that was used. 1 sketch map |
Vol 19 (Old), No. 112, Feb 1947; pp 23–24 |
| The Emu Bay Railway CC Singleton |
The Emu Bay Railway provided the major outlet for Tasmamia’s West Coast region.
This article traces the development of this railway, describes the line and sidings, and
includes track layout diagrams. The loco fleet is mentioned in some detail, and other
rolling stock is briefly mentioned. 2 photos, l map and 24 diagrams Article is continued in Bn 148, Feb 1950, pp 87–89, and Bn 149, Mar 1950, pp 101–102. An errata appears in Bn 149, Mar 1950, p 108. |
Vol 23 (Old), No. 147, Jan 1950; pp 78–79 |
| Hobart station CC Singleton |
Hobart Station was opened in 1876 and the building remained relatively unchanged until
the 1950s. This article describes the station before modernisation, including buildings,
track layout and other facilities. The signalling and safeworking systems are described. 1 map, 1 diagram. |
Vol 1, No. 157, Nov 1950; pp 107–109 |
| Early QR locos — the Dubs 4D 2-4-2 tank engines E Lindsay |
This short article gives dimensions of two small tank locos purchased for the then
isolated Bundaberg to Mount Perry railway and placed in service in 1881. Information is
given of their subsequent disposal to sugar interests (CSR Childers and Gibson and Howes
Bingera) and later to Tasmania, but not in great detail. 1 photo. |
Vol 2, No. 162, Apr 1951; pp 53–54 |
| Launceston station CC Singleton |
This article briefly describes Launceston station, including track layout, signalling
and safeworking. Services using the station and methods of working are also briefly
described. 3 diagrams. |
Vol 2, No. 163, May 1951; pp 73–75 |
| Railways and tramways of the Circular Head district | The timber resources of far northwest Tasmania were the reason for the construction of
a number of light railway lines. Built initially by timber companies, the lines were taken
over by the Public Works Department, and eventually by the TGR. The article gives an
insight into the numerous lines and the locos used. 1 illustration, 6 maps, 3 diagrams Article is continued in Bn 165 Jul 1951 pp 95–97, Bn 166 Aug 1951 pp 106–107, Bn 168 Oct 1951 pp 131–132, Bn 169 Nov 1951 pp 146–147, and Bn 170 Dec 1951 pp 153–154. |
Vol 2, No. 164, Jun 1951; pp 79–80 |
| The Magnet light railway in retrospect | A line was constructed from Waratah to the Magnet mine to enable easier transport of
ore. The article gives brief reasons for the construction of the line, and includes
details of construction, locos and train working. 1 map. |
Vol 3, No. 171, Jan 1952; pp 2–4 |
| Articulated railcars [of the TGR] | Six articulated diesel railcars designed for country service entered service in 1951.
The article describes the general features of the vehicles, with some technical detail. 1 diagram. |
Vol 3, No. 172, Feb 1952; pp 21–22 |
| A brief history of the Garratt locomotive in Australia D. Burke |
This article covers most types of garratt locomotives used in Australia up to that
time. TGR K Class: February 1953 (1 photo) TGR M & L Class: March 1953 (1 photo, 1 diagram) EBR & TGR ASG type: Nov, Dec 1953, Jan 1954 |
Vol 4, No 184, Feb 1953; pp13–15 |
| The construction of the North-East Dundas Tramway G Smith |
The North-East Dundas Tramway connected the town of Zeehan with the mining fields to the northeast. The article gives some detail of the construction of the line and some very brief details of early locos used. | Vol 4, No. 190, Aug 1953; pp 92–93 |
| The convict tramway at Port Arthur, Tasmania LB Manny |
A wooden tramway that used convicts to propel wagons was built on the Tasman Peninsula
in the early 1830s. This article gives a background to the settlement of the area and
subsequent construction of the tramway. A brief description of the route and contemporary
accounts of journeys made is included. 1 illustration, 1 map. |
Vol 5, No. 198, Apr 1954; pp 37–40 |
| Tasmanian H class 4-8-2 and M class 4-6-2 locos CC Singleton |
These two classes of steam locos were purchased by the TGR in 1951 to help modernise
the loco fleet. This article gives brief descriptions of the main features of the heavy H
Class and light M Class locos. 2 diagrams. |
Vol 6, No. 208, Feb 1955; pp 21–23 |
| Locomotive Rosters — Tasmania H.J.Wright, J.Buckland |
Basic listing of all locomotives operated by TGR and EBR up to that time. Published as part of the loose insert ‘Here and There’. Appeared over issues December 1957 (Vol 8; Issue No. 242) and January to May 1958 (Vol 9; Issue No.247) | |
| The Tullah Tramway LB Manny |
The Tullah Tramway connected the isolated mining town of Tullah with the Emu Bay
Railway. This article gives an account of a journey over the line and describes the line,
rolling stock, and operational problems. 3 photos, 2 maps Contributions from JLN Southern, R Tonkies and JW Knowles appear in Bn 274, Aug 1960, pp 128–131. An earlier brief article on this line appears in Bn 104, Jun 1946, p 83. |
Vol 11, No. 270, Apr 1960; pp 49–56 |
| We tour Tasmania — west and north C Einsiedel |
The ARHS Victorian Division ran a five-day tour of northern and western Tasmania over
Easter 1960, using mainly railcars. The tour covered the Emu Bay and Mount Lyell railways,
the Tullah Tramway, and the main TGR lines from Smithton to Herrick. The article mainly
describes the running of the tour. 5 photos, 1 map. |
Vol 11, No. 278, Dec 1960; pp 185–195 |
| The Emu Bay Railway LB Manny |
The Emu Bay Railway was the main means of access to Tasmania’s West Coast until
the early 1960s. This article gives a brief history of the development of the line. Track
diagrams and brief descriptions of sidings are included. Locos and rolling stock are
listed and train services are described. 4 photos, 1 map, 22 diagrams A contribution from HJW Stokes appears in Bn 290, Dec 1961, p 200. Contributions from JL Buckland and LG Poole appear in Bn 293, Mar 1962, pp 47–48. |
Vol 12, No. 289, Nov 1961; pp 169–179 |
| The Boulder tramway LB Manny |
A short tramway connected the mine workings and the concentration plant at the Renison
Bell mine. The article describes the line as it operated in 1962, including facilities,
rolling stock, and train services. 1 photo, 1 map, 1 diagram. |
Vol 13, No. 292, Feb 1962; pp 17–19 |
| Picnic day on the Mount Lyell railway BA Palmer |
The Mount Lyell Mining and Railway Company held an annual employee's picnic at
Strahan, with special trains carrying the people from Queenstown. This article describes
the railway operations on the last picnic day before the railway closed in 1963. 2 photos, 1 map. |
Vol 14, No. 31 1, Sep 1963; pp 142–145 |
| Railways of the Zeehan district LB Manny |
The Zeehan mining district was served by a number of railways. This article describes
the North-East Dundas Tramway and branches, and the Strahan–Zeehan line of the TGR.
Brief histories of the rise and decline of the systems are included, with some detail of
train working and rolling stock used. The Zeehan Tramway Company's line is briefly
mentioned. 10 photos, 1 map, 12 diagrams Article is continued in Bn 313, Nov 1963, pp 165–172. Contribution from HJW Stokes appears in Bn 316, Feb 1964, pp 39–40. |
Vol 14, No. 312, Oct 1963; pp 149–155 |
| Locos of the Tasmanian Main Line Railway Company PC James & HJW Stokes |
This company constructed the railway between Hobart and Evandale. This article details
the development of the company's loco fleet, and some of the problems encountered. The
company was taken over by the Government in 1890, and the article traces the subsequent
utilisation and disposal of the loco fleet. 5 photos, 1 map. Contribution from JL Buckland and a reply by the writer appear in Bn 331, May 1965, pp 96–100. Contributions from RKE Woodhouse and RT Horne appear in Bn 337, Nov 1965, pp 225–226 and Bn 575, Sep 1985, p 214 respectively. |
Vol 16, No. 327, Jan 1965; pp 1–8 |
| The wanderings of [loco] no. C.28 HJW Stokes |
Loco C28 was originally built for the Emu Bay Railway, but was later sold to the
Public Works Department for use in construction work. After some years in storage, the
loco passed to the TGR who utilised it throughout the State. 1 photo. |
Vol 16, No. 329, Mar 1965; pp 58–60 |
| The decline of steam power on the TGR, 1945–1965 HJW Stokes |
The TGR introduced main line D/E locos in 1950. This article gives an excellent
overview of the motive power situation immediately prior to the introduction of the
diesels, and traces the demise of steam locos from 1950 to 1965 and the changes in
workings which contributed to this demise. 15 photos, 1 map. Article is continued in Bn 348, Oct 1966, pp 217–229. Contribution from JL Buckland appears in Bn 356, Jun 1967, p 124. Additional information from writer appears in Bn 395, Sep 1970, pp 219–220. |
Vol 17, No. 347, Sep 1966; pp193–202 |
| Krauss locos in Australia BT Macdonald & CS Small |
Some 50 small steam locos built overseas by Krauss were imported into Australia from 1888 until 1914. This article describes the locos in general and identifies as much as is known of each individual loco imported. 9 photos. Contribution from P Charrett appears in Bn 418, Aug 1972, p 192 and BT Macdonald's reply appears in Bn 425, Mar 1973, p 72. Contributions from RT Horne and J Armstrong appear in Bn 458, Dec 1975, p 286 and Bn 459, Jan 1976, p 19 respectively. |
Vol. 21, No. 391, May 1970; pp 103-113 |
Locos that have crossed the Tasman |
The first loco crossed the Tasman Sea in 1863 and many 1600 mm
gauge NZ locos came to Australia when the NZR standardised on the 1067 mm gauge. Recently,
D/E locos built in Australia have been shipped to NZ. |
Vol. 21, No. 396, Oct 1970; pp 227-34 |
| The Mersey and Deloraine tramway HJW Stokes |
Construction of a railway between Latrobe and Deloraine started in 1866, but financial
problems resulted in the line eventually opening only as far as Coilers Creek in 1872.
This article gives some insight into a little known and unsuccessful line. 4 photos. |
Vol 21, No. 396, Oct 1970; pp 236–239 |
| A short history of the Apsley branch line HJW Stokes |
This line was officially opened in 1891 and served an area of the southern Midlands,
north of Hobart. The line was never a great success and was closed soon after the Second
World War. This article gives a brief account of the history of the line, train operations
on it, and rolling stock. Track plans and brief descriptions of sidings are included. 7 photos, 10 diagrams. Additional information from the writer (with diagrams) appears in Bn 417, Jul 1972, pp 165–166. |
Vol 22, No. 405, Jul 1971; pp 152–160 |
| The second O-class loco of SA GH Eardley |
This 4-4-0-tank loco worked in Tasmania and Victoria before going to South Australia
where it entered SAR service in 1912. 1 photo. |
Vol 23. No. 411, Jan 1972; pp 21–23 |
| A short history of the Nietta line HJW Stokes |
This lightly constructed branch line was built to open up country to the south of
Ulverstone and was opened in 1915. This article briefly describes the history of the line
and train operations on it. Track diagrams and brief descriptions of sidings are
included. 3 photos, 1 map, 12 diagrams. |
Vol 23, No. 421, Nov 1972; pp 217–223 |
| Branch lines of the Devonport district HJW Stokes |
Two branch lines (Don–Melrose–Barrington and Railton–Roland) were built
in the Devonport district to open up rich agricultural land. This article briefly
describes the history of construction and gives details of train operations and rolling
stock used. Track diagrams and brief descriptions of sidings are included. 12 photos, 1 map, 11 diagrams. Further information from the writer appears in Bn 438, Apr 1974, p 96. |
Vol 24, No. 428, Jun 1973; pp 125–137 |
| The Derwent Valley railway HJW Stokes |
The first section of the branch line up the Derwent Valley was opened in 1886, with
extensions continuing until 1936. This article gives a brief description of the history of
construction, train services and motive power. Track plans and brief descriptions of
sidings on the line are given. 16 photos, 1 map, 37 diagrams. A corrigendum appears in Bn 453, Jul 1975, p 161. |
Vol 26, No. 452, Jun 1975; pp 125–143 |
| The rise and fall of the Tasman Limited HJW Stokes |
The Tasman Limited was the TGR's only officially named passenger train, first
running in 1954. Loco-hauled stock replaced railcars in 1955. The article traces the
events leading up to the train's inception, the changes in working and rolling stock over
the years, and the events leading to the train’s cancellation in 1978. 8 photos, 1 map. |
Vol 29, No. 493, Nov 1978; pp 237–244 |
| Passenger cars of the TGR — Part 1 HJW Stokes |
Four and six-wheel carriages of the TGR. The TGR operated an extensive variety of passenger cars. This article examines the 4-wheel and 6-wheel cars built for the 1600 mm and 1067 mm gauge lines of the TGR. The construction and disposal of cars within each class are described, and details of operations are given. Line diagrams of each class are included. 11 photos, 11 diagrams Article is continued in Bn 508, Feb 1980, pp 46–48; with 2 photos and 1 diagram. |
Vol 31, No. 507, Jan 1980; pp 11–24 |
| Hunslet locos in Australia RF McKiliop |
This article reviews the Hunslet locos which came to Australia within the wider
context of the evolution oi the firm which designed and built them. Details are given for
66 individual locos which worked in Australia. 15 photos, 1 diagram. Contributions from RF Ellis and J Browning appear in Bn 548, Jun 1983. pp 142-4. Contributions from WW Henderson, RJ Pearman and P Nave appear in Bn 557, Mar 1984, pp 70-1. |
Vol. 33, No. 542, Dec 1982, pp 266-79 |
| The F-class 2-6-0's of the TGR HJW Stokes |
Seven light steam locos were purchased from the Commonwealth Railways in 1948 as a
short-term expedient to help alleviate a loco shortage. Four locos entered service, with
the remainder used for spares. This article briefly describes the previous histories of
the locos, and their operation and eventual disposal in Tasmania. 7 photos. |
Vol 34, No. 551, Sep 1983; pp 194–200 |
| Passenger cars of the TGR — Part 2 HJW Stokes |
Double bogie side-door carriages of the TGR. The TGR operated an extensive variety of passenger cars. This article examines the bogie side-door cars. The construction and disposal of cars within each class are described, and details of operations are given. Line diagrams of each class are included. 22 photos, 12 diagrams. |
Vol 37, No 580, Feb 1986, pp 27–45 |
| The high pressure Q class locos of the TGR A Dix |
Three of the 19 Q Class steam locos had boiler pressures of 180 psi (1240 kPa)
compared to 160 psi (1102 kPa) of the earlier locos. This article details these locos
(Q16, Q17 and Q19) which later had their pressures reduced to the original figure. 3 photos, 1 diagram. |
Vol 37, No. 589, Nov 1986; pp 256–259 |
| Locomotive remains near Sprent, Tasmania K Turton |
The remains of an old locomotive boiler found in northwest Tasmania are thought to
have come from an early Victorian railway engine. 2 photos |
Vol 39, No 604, Feb 1988, pp26–28 |
| Passenger cars of the TGR – Part 3 HJW Stokes |
Bogie saloon carriages of the TGR. The TGR operated an extensive variety of passenger cars. This article examines the bogie saloon cars. The construction and disposal of cars within each class are described, and details of operations are given. Line diagrams of each class are included. 51 photos, 15 diagrams. Article is continued in Bn 628, Feb 1990, pp 27 and Bn 629, March 1990, pp 55 |
Vol 41, No 627, Jan 1990, pp 3–18 |
| Passenger cars of the TGR — Part 4 HJW Stokes |
Carriages of the TMLR. The TGR operated an extensive variety of passenger cars. This article examines the carriages built for the Tasmanian Main Line Railway company before its takeover in 1890. The construction and disposal of cars within each class are described, and details of operations are given. Line diagrams of each class are included. 25 photos, 15 diagrams. Article is continued in Bn 641, Mar 1991, pp 55– 67 |
Vol 42, No 640, Feb 1991, pp 27–41 |
| Tasmanian Government Railways Locomotive Classification Melanie Dennis |
This article looks at the different locomotive classification schemes used on
Tasmanian Railways up to that time, and also the variations of the system. Article is continued in Bn 655, May 1992, pp 103 A substantial follow-up by M. Dix & A. Dix appears in Bn 669, July 1993, pp 176–178 56 photos, 1 map |
Vol 43, No 654, Apr 1992, pp 79–95 |
| The Lemana Junction– Mole Creek line HJW Stokes |
This article briefly describes the history of the line and train operations on it.
Track diagrams and brief descriptions of sidings are included. 16 photos, 1 map, 5 diagrams. Additional colour photographs appear on the rear cover of Bn 686, December 1994. |
Vol 45, No. 683, Sept 1994; pp 243–252 |
| The Australian Standard Garratt on the Emu Bay Railway JW Knowles |
Hastily built during the second world war, the ASG locomotives were generally
unpopular in other States. This somewhat judgemental article lists some of the problems
with the Tasmanian locos and some of the solutions. 9 photos |
Vol 46, No 689, March 1995, pp 59–66 |
| Passenger cars of the TGR – Part 5 HJW Stokes |
Guards vans of the TGR. The TGR operated an extensive variety of guards vans. Details of both goods and passenger vans are given, as are details of the construction and disposal of vans within each group described. 22 photos, 13 diagrams. |
Vol 47, No 704, June 1996, pp 163–182 |
| The North-Eastern Line of the Tasmanian Government Railways HJW Stokes |
This article describes the history and operations of this line. Station diagrams and
notes are also included, as are curve and gradient diagrams. Article is continued in Bn 714, April 1997 pp 107–121 29 photos, 8 diagrams |
Vol 48, No 713, March 1997, pp 67–77 |
| Fantasy Island - A Tasmanian railway experience KA Smith |
This article is an extract from the author’s book, this portion detailing his
time as Assistant Chief Mechanical Engineer of the TGR in the late 1940s. Additional information appears in Bn 738, April 1999, pp 150 15 photos |
Vol 49, No 730, August 1998, pp 283–293 |
| The Parattah and Oatlands Railway HJW Stokes |
This article covers the construction and operation of this four-mile branch line,
initially as a tramway and later as part of the railway system. Full details of the line
are also included. 8 photos, 3 diagrams |
Vol 51, No 754, August 2000, pp 298–306 |
| The Tasmanian Government Railway on the West Coast - 1067mm gauge Lines: Strahan - Zeehan - Dundas HJW Stokes |
This article describes the history and operations of this line. Station diagrams and
notes are also included, as are curve and gradient diagrams, and location maps. Article is continued in Bn 784, February 2003 pp 43–62 52 photos, 10 diagrams. |
Vol 54, No 783, January 2003, pp 3–21 |
| The Hobart Suburban Passenger Service 1875 - 1975 HJW Stokes |
This article describes the history and operations of the Hobart suburban system. Station diagrams and
notes are also included, as are curve and gradient diagrams, and location maps. Article is continued in Bn 809, March 2005, pp 108–119 |
Vol 56, No 808, February 2005, pp 43–67 |
| Tasmania's Fingal Line HJW Stokes |
This article describes the history and operations of this line. Station diagrams and notes are also included, as is a location maps. | Vol 61, No 867, January 2010, pp 14–30 |
Thanks to all those people who wrote the articles in the first place, and those who publish the magazine for making room for them!
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