What are some of the great Queensland Railway lines that never were? What we might today think of as a big, connected network across the state, actually began as a number of scattered railway lines that stretched inland from the coast. They were very much their own identity.  In this episode, we chat with Ken Fairbairn, Driver of the Gulflander and Officer in Charge of the Normanton Railway, an isolated section of track in North Queensland that very much reflects that 'patchwork' approach started in the 1860's.

What are some of the great Queensland Railway lines that never were? What we might today think of as a big, connected network across the state, actually began as a number of scattered railway lines that stretched inland from the coast. They were very much their own identity. In this episode, we chat with Ken Fairbairn, Driver of the Gulflander and Officer in Charge of the Normanton Railway, an isolated section of track in North Queensland that very much reflects that 'patchwork' approach started in the 1860's.

What are some of the great Queensland Railway lines that never were? What we might today think of as a big, connected network across the state, actually began as a number of scattered railway lines that stretched inland from the coast. They were very much their own identity.&nbsp; In this episode, we chat with Ken Fairbairn, Driver of the Gulflander and Officer in Charge of the Normanton Railway, an isolated section of track in North Queensland that very much reflects that 'patchwork' approach started in the 1860's.&nbsp;

Episode 3 - Joining the Network: Linking communities and the scattered railways

Our podcast is very much like the beginnings of the Queensland Railways in 1865 - a journey into the rich tapestry that is the story of Queensland. Since the colony and later the state of Queensland first came into existence there has been a story in the background. A story of iron, and steel, of timber and tin and most importantly, people. People think about the railway, and think of the iconic images of the steam locomotives, rollingstock, railway lines, stations but so much of our history is the result of the hard work and vision of people. Not only 160 years ago – but even today.&nbsp;

Society & Culture

History

Places & Travel

Our podcast is very much like the beginnings of the Queensland Railways in 1865 - a journey into the rich tapestry that is the story of Queensland. Since the colony and later the state of Queensland first came into existence there has been a story in the background. A story of iron, and steel, of timber and tin and most importantly, people. People think about the railway, and think of the iconic images of the steam locomotives, rollingstock, railway lines, stations but so much of our history is the result of the hard work and vision of people. Not only 160 years ago – but even today. 

Share Episode 3 - Joining the Network: Linking communities and the scattered railways

Sign up to save your podcasts

Episode 3 - Joining the Network: Linking communities and the scattered railways

Episode 3 - Joining the Network: Linking communities and the scattered railways

More shows like The Queensland Rail History Podcast

History Extra podcast

Conversations

Politics Now

Bizarre with Mick Molloy and Titus O’Reily

No One Saw It Coming