Covers the rail scene in South East Queensland, Australia, both main line (1067mm gauge) & Sugarcane (610mm). mainly in 1966 & 1968, with a few flashbacks to 1957.
A few diesels are recorded, both cab and hood types, Clydes and English Electrics, Nos:- 1409, 1633, 1508, 1200 class, DH 3 and even a motorised quad. However the accent is on steam. Queensland government classes covered are:- D17 4-6-4T, DD17 4-6-4T, PB15 4-6-0, C17 4-8-0, BB18 1/4 4-6-2, and former government B13 4-6-0 no 48 in service at Bingera Sugar Mill. There is also a brief view, (B&W) of a NSWGR C3OT on a cane train near Murwillumbah, on 1435mm gauge.
Queensland's sugar Cane system is the world's largest narrow gauge network and sugar cane lines covered are:- Qunaba, Fairymead, Millaquin, Bingera, Gin Gin, Isis and Morton Central at Nambour, featuring locos by Perry Engineering of Adelaide, Bundaberg Fowler, John Fowler, Krauss and (stationary) Dick Kerr and a Shay. A few sugarcane diesels are seen mostly Clyde units plus two other types including Malcolm Moore. Scenes include both temporary portable trackage as well as permanent main line, and bin type waggons as well as flats.
The great majority of scenes were shot by the wayside in locations ranging from country to the middle of Denison Street Rockhampton, from shunting in yards to speeding along main lines. Railmotors include the streamliners of the 1940s, No 18 (the first diesel RM built by QR), 2000 class and an 1800 set (B&W) on the Southport run in 1957. A rollicking ride is had on one of the streamliners from Maryborough to Nikenbah on the Urangan line, with delightful sounds of the Gardner engine and manual change gearbox!
The commentary is kept to a minimum, consistent with clarity and is kept clear of original sound recording. Most of the original film was 16mm colour, a few flashbacks were on 9.5mm colour and B&W. Professionally transferred, and edited on Umatic. All sound is authentic, recorded at the time on reel to reel machines and carefully synchronised during editing.