Beyer Garratt 1009 on the Western Mail To Charleville

Once again I would like to acknowledge John..? For capturing this footage. I haven't been able to find out what his full name was.. but all credit to him. I would also like to again thank a dear friend Mr Ian Bryant who gave me a copy. I hope that I have done it justice editing it. It is my hope that, those who are still alive and well that travelled on board, will be able to look back and see themselves and their friends with fond memories.

The trip to Charleville and return I have broken up into 3 videos, this being the first. This was a re-enactment of What the Western Mail now known as the Westlander, was like behind steam.

This was also a first for 1009, as the Beyer Garratts, never worked west of Toowoomba and were not used for long in the Southern Division due to the conditions working through Victoria Tunnel on the Little Liverpool Range between Grandchester and Laidley on heavy goods trains.

These engines soon found their permanent home base in the Central Division on Mixed goods, Coal and Passenger trains, hauling the Midlander as far west as Bogantungan and Rockhampton/Townsville Mail on the North Coast Line, as far north as Saint Lawrence.