Re: What Might Have Been........

[John Cleverdon <johnc@cdi.com.au>]

Lachlan Smith wrote:

> I recently stumbled upon a very interesting report in the Adelaide
> University (Barr-Smith) library.

When I was at RMIT University, one of the more interesting items in their
library was Harold Clapp's 1945 report on standardisation of Australian
railways.
No doubt inspired by the problems during WW2 of changing gauges, this report
proposed (over time) standardising most Australian railways. First to be
converted were to be the Victorian and South Australian lines. In the longer
term, there was the possibility (IIRC) of converting the WA and Qld networks as
well. The report also includes maps showing the rail networks, and (for Vic and
SA) the stages for which the standardisation would take place.

Of course, the only work that actually got done was conversion of the main
intercapital lines, and some work in SA. The Chifley government's loss in the
1949 election probably saw the end of any plans to go ahead with the project in
its entirety.

"If only" it had gone ahead, Australian railways would be in a much stronger
position, and have a greater market share, than they do today......but then,
how many politicians would have the foresight to do this?

If you want to have a look, wander in to RMIT (City Campus) on the Open Day in
early August, and go to the Central Library. The full title is "Report to the
Minister for Transport : on standardization of Australia's railway gauges", and
the call number is FOL 625.101 C589 (ie. "Folio" section).


John
--
John Cleverdon, B.App.Sc. (Cartography)
Amateur astronomer & Railway enthusiast | Essendon - 1999 AFL premiers
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