LAUNCESTON PAGE 1

Tasrail's headquarters and workshops are at East Tamar Junction at Launceston.

(see pictures on Launceston pages 2 & 3 )

This updated page features the South Esk river in flood on August 26 2003. Two days previously heavy rain caused ballast washouts in several areas on the western line, but service was resumed later in the day. Floodwaters peaked at Longford at about the time these pics were taken, flood level was approx 4.7 metres.

300 tonnes of locomotives (2100, 2003, 2020) enter the first of the two main spans of the bridge over the South Esk river at Longford, 12:48 August 26 2003.

This bridge dates back to 1870. The train is now about to pass over the brick viaducts that comprise the Eastern section of the bridge.

A close up of the centre pylon with what appears to be the builders plate still attached.

13.32. 21 kilometres further on, and south of Western Junction, the South Esk river is again crossed by the railway, on the state's longest railway bridge.

This is a very difficult bridge to view. It is situated at Clarendon, and the trees lining the bank obscure the view of this 283 metre long structure. The main section of the bridge is on the left, and normally the South Esk is hardly visible here.

Today however the river is some 250 metres wide, and the groundsman for nearby Clarendon House told me that the water was lapping well up the bridge girders just yesterday.

Earlier the "Paper Train" passed through Westbury at 12.06 It is shown here passing the switch on the new siding installed there. This will be used for excursion trains stopping to view "Pearns Steam World" which is situated in the galvanized sheds seen in the background. The siding was funded mainly by the State Government and installed by the Don River Railway and Tasrail.

To see photos of this loco in a cleaner state CLICK HERE

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