Rail Tale Episode 5 - The Mecca of our Desires.

The Tourist train, the forerunner of today’s Kuranda Scenic Railway (KSR) experience has a long history going back to very beginning of the Cairns Railway.  

In 1913 as a result of what was termed a “rapid increase” in tourist traffic to Barron Falls, plans were prepared for what was termed four up-to-date observation carriages. It was hoped to have the new carriages ready by the 1914 tourist season, however the outbreak of the Great War saw an end to this project. 

The Grandstand Train was introduced in in 1930’s with innovative carriages, where the seats faced outwards to take in the passing scenery. The popularity of the train was well received but was unfortunately cancelled with the outbreak of the Second World War.  

Here's a collection of images discussed during the episode.

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For more episodes, please search for the 'Queensland Rail History Podcast' on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or listen on our website: https://www.queenslandrail.com.au/ourhistory/the-queensland-rail-journey/history-podcast 

Please email your railway questions to our historian Greg: [email protected] 

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