Re: Bajool - Port Alma line

[Barry Campbell <barryC@qimr.edu.au>]

Garry Hoddinett wrote:
> 
> At Bajool there is a "Y" interesection and what seems to be a balloon loop
> at the junction of the main north coast railway and the Port Alma branch
> line.  All the lines are electrified, well ballasted and with heavy (by QLD
> standards) track.  Its more than one would expect for a humble Queensland
> branch line.  What is the purpose of all this infrastructure?  What is out
> at Port Alma?


Port Alma is the Port of Rockhampton though it is no longer served by
rail. When the port was first built it was not served by road and the
railway line was laid through the swamp to the wharf which was situated
in mid stream. It was alleged that this railway was the only one which
was uphill both ways because of its tendency to sink when a train ran on
it. Ultimately rationality prevailed over parochialism and most port
traffic goes via Gladstone these days.

Barry Campbell