Re: QLD: First Diesels at Cloncurry?

["John McCandless" <johnmc@topend.com.au>]

 > > >   "John McCandless" <johnmc@topend.com.au> wrote:
> > > > Our local historical society is putting on a display at the upcoming
> > > > Cloncurry Show (mid-June), and I researching info on Cloncurry's
> > > railway
> > > > history.
> > > >
> > > > What I am trying to find out is when Cloncurry first started
receiving
> > > > diesel engines?
> > > > I figure it would be in the fifties, as the "Inlander" commenced
> > > running in
> > > > February 1952.
> > > >
> > > > Anyone able to help?
 > The Inlander began running on 12 February 1953. At that time 90 ton DELs
> were only allowed to operate as far as Charters Towers on the GNR. This
> limit of working was extended to Hughenden in 1958. The first 60 ton DEL
> (original No. 1270) did not enter service until 13 January 1956. In that
> interim period the Inlander was hauled by C17 class locomotives on the
> western portion of its journey.
> Similar change of motive power from diesel to steam also occurred at
Emerald
> for the Midlander and at Roma for the Westlander trains until sufficient
60
> ton DELs were available.
> Possibly the first DEL to work to Cloncurry may have been on the Inlander
> but it would not have been a (what was later known as) 1150 class as they
> were '90 ton' units.
>
> Mike
>

Hmm.... i have a set of photos allegedly showing the last day of steam in
Cloncurry with the year being 1957.
That MIGHT tie in with the 1270 class... when did the pawpaws come into
service?
Ah, the joys of research, and local stories conflicting with offical
records!

john.