The Midland Railway Company of Western Australia | Organisation

The Midland Railway Company of Western Australia

Phone: +61 409 607 449

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24.01.2022 HVR Anniversary 2019

23.01.2022 I like nothing more than heading out to Bakers Hill for a pie and continuing on to Grass Valley, Beacon, Koorda, Mukinbudin, Kukerin, Kalannie, Dowerin, Cunderd...in, Merredin, Beverley, Bencubbin, Miling, Moora, Konnongorring, Ballidu and more just to sit by a railway line in the peace and quiet hoping to record a train passing. Did you know our passenger trains have been coming from Queensland across the Nullarbor? They arrive with wider bogies which are swapped for a narrower gauge at Bellevue at a new facility before being employed on our network. I would like to mention it is Railway awareness week and urge those of us in a hurry to take extra care anywhere on the roads and especially near the railway. Trains cannot swerve or stop instantly due to their mass and even a near miss can upset a train drivers well being. This horrific accident at Hines Hill in 1996 is a graphic example of the upset a misjudgement can cause - https://youtu.be/6bmgkB6RpO8 Stop before the tracks , take a breath and look both ways, maybe look again to be sure and go on your way safely. If you appreciate WA Railways, I invite you to join my pages 1881 to Hotham Valley Railway for rail history and Blurfect Railway Photography for day to day photos. Cheers Duff.

23.01.2022 Historic ! Well done gentlemen!

23.01.2022 Perth passenger trains in Chidlow, Wundowie, Byford, Koongamia, Northam, Spearwood and more. Some of these photos were taken of rail heritage events but it prov...es the rail units operated by WAGR and Westrail could go anywhere on the narrow gauge network from Perth to Geraldton, Northam, York, Bunbury and Albany and that's today! The Fremantle to Guildford line opened in 1881 and by just 1937, there was 10 560 kilometres of railway to transport, people, freight, agriculture, livestock and minerals. 3 319 000 acres of Western Australian farm land was given away by the WA government to the Midland Railway company who built the railway line from Midland to Walkaway from February 1886, completed November 1894. Just 21 years later, the same WA government opened the northern Railway parallel to this one via Wongan Hills. The Eastern Goldfields Railway was constructed in stages from Northam to Kalgoorlie in just 3 years with branches added to Leonora, Esperance and more. The Great Southern Railway which began in Beverley in 1886 took 3 years to reach the south coast at Albany with branches to wheatbelt towns and Denmark added over time. The Western Australia Land Company took over this venture in 1888. The terms of the concession were that the Company was to receive a subsidy of 12,000 acres of land per mile, to be selected east and west of the line within a belt 40 miles wide on each side. A further proviso limited the concession to only one half of the frontage for 20 miles of continuous length. The Company was also required to bring in 5,000 English Immigrants and on they landing of each one the Company was to receive 10 per head. The line was to be from Beverley to Albany a distance-of 243 miles. Yet again the WA government jumped in buying the railway back for 1 100 000 pounds just 10 years later. The South Western Railway line constructed from 1891 after a failed attempt to launch it from Bayswater to Busselton by John Dobson in 1886 after a spur was built to a station named Whatley. The line was extended to the Ascot racecourse in 1897 over a bridge closed in 1956. Construction to Bunbury was hampered by difficulties building the bridge across the Swan River at Claisebrook but the line opened in 1894. The line continued on some 200 kilometres south of Bunbury to towns such as Busselton and Northcliffe closing as recently as 1986. A line from Armadale to Fremantle was constructed in two parts beginning in 1904 and completed in 1907. This line closed in two stages from 1964 with the rail reserve becoming Armadale Road by the 80s, parts of the railway are still visible by but further roadworks under way it's vanishing quickly. The government that spent the public purse building a great railway network also removed it yet now wish to build it again in the suburbs. Had they left it, towns and suburbs would still be serviced by the lines we had like they are in NSW and Victoria. We all remember the utter lunacy of the WA government ignoring a petition of 110 000 signatures and closing the Fremantle railway line in September 1979. The line was reopened in July 1983 and electrified in 1991. Daily services operated to Geraldton, Mullewa, Albany, Bunbury, Kalgoorlie and more but now just Kalgoorlie and Bunbury get a leg in. The WA government now spruik McMetro, we haven't seen any results as yet as the Airport line was begun by the WA government, I say that as they all delve into the same public purse. Go back a step and consider a line from Northam to Kalgoorlie , The Eastern Railway was constructed in 3 years over 500 kilometres and many stations yet the Thornlie to Cockburn link will take 5 years after studies and surveys and and and to build a line of just 2 stations and only 12 kilometres in length. It really is a shame so much has been squandered over the years because we had a great network but reopening third tier railway lines and using the lines we still have, investing in new diesel units such as the Prospector to replace the Australind and reintroduce services to Geraldton and Albany, Esperance and Katanning would be a boost for country towns and a fabulous option for tourists to jump from town to town on the journey across Western Australia. See more

21.01.2022 Steam Ranger commences this Sunday! Tickets via 0862781111. http://www.hothamvalleyrailway.com.au/Dwellingup%20Rangers.

21.01.2022 While our forest train won't be operating, our Xmas BBQ will be going ahead as planned Look forward to seeing our members enjoy a little down time after what has been a very busy year!

20.01.2022 947s boiler arrives at Pinjarra

20.01.2022 The contribution made by the Midland Railway Company of Western Australia to the development of Midland and the state of Western Australia must never be forgotten and deserves to be recognised.

19.01.2022 Its time for a quick history lesson on Midland. The strong perception today is that the area known as the Midland Railway Workshops is the one and only worksh...ops that ever existed. Unfortunately our authorities have put that name to it and have created that perception. The facts are that there were two railway workshops in Midland. The Midland Railway Company of Western Australia, a private company came to Helena Vale in 1886 and set up their operations on the area shaded in maroon on the aerial photo. This was known as the Midland Railway Workshops and continued to operate until 1964 when the company was purchased by the Western Australian Government Railways (State Government). MRWA Workshops (Maroon shaded area 1886 to 1964) The Western Australian Government Railways Workshops (State Government) opened in 1904 and operated in the area shaded in blue on the aerial photo. During its time of operation it was referred to as the Government Railway Workshops, WAGR Workshops and Westrail Workshops. The workshops closed in 1994. WAGR Workshops (Blue shaded area 1904 to 1994) Remember Midland will continue to refer to each workshops as the MRWA Workshops and WAGR Workshops not the Midland Railway Workshops.

19.01.2022 There is a never ending cycle of work at the Railway Museum. Currently the only surviving sleeping carriage from tbe Midland Railway is having weather damaged timber replaced. The inside is good so the aim is to open it to visitors next year.

18.01.2022 Hi guys See below advert from RHWA

17.01.2022 Dear HVR Members, Knowledge Sharing Conference. This event, hosted by Rail Heritage WA, is a great opportunity to hear from key people in the sector, network wi...th likeminded members from other groups, and exchange ideas and knowledge. Please rsvp via email - [email protected] as per the flyer attached. Look forward to having as many HVR members attend as possible. Regards Brett Mohen

16.01.2022 It’s time for a quick history lesson on Midland. The strong perception today is that the area known as the Midland Railway Workshops is the one and only worksh...ops that ever existed. Unfortunately our authorities have put that name to it and have created that perception. The facts are that there were two railway workshops in Midland. The Midland Railway Company of Western Australia, a private company came to Helena Vale in 1886 and set up their operations on the area shaded in maroon on the aerial photo. This was known as the Midland Railway Workshops and continued to operate until 1964 when the company was purchased by the Western Australian Government Railways (State Government). MRWA Workshops (Maroon shaded area 1886 to 1964) The Western Australian Government Railways Workshops (State Government) opened in 1904 and operated in the area shaded in blue on the aerial photo. During its time of operation it was referred to as the Government Railway Workshops, WAGR Workshops and Westrail Workshops. The workshops closed in 1994. WAGR Workshops (Blue shaded area 1904 to 1994) Remember Midland will continue to refer to each workshops as the MRWA Workshops and WAGR Workshops not the Midland Railway Workshops.

16.01.2022 Lets kick off Midlands 125th anniversary with a photo of the Midland Railway Company of Western Australia, the founders of our town. MRWA B Class 6 Steam Loco...motive hauling wagons out of their workshops across the Great Eastern Highway and Helena Street intersection in Midland Junction towards Walkaway during the 1950's The locomotive entered into service in 1891 and remained in service until 1956. It was acquired by the Town of Geraldton and placed on display at Maitland Park in Geraldton where it remained until 1995. In poor condition the locomotive was then acquired by the Shire of Swan for restoration and eventual display in Midland that never happened and sat in the WAGR Workshops and it was eventually given to Rail Heritage WA for restoration. Rail Heritage WA were thrown out of the WAGR Workshops by the Midland Redevelopment Authority and the locomotive then moved to Bassendean. In 2010, B6 was then acquired by the City of Geraldton-Greenough again for eventual display at Walkaway where it remains today. Australian Railway Historical Society, New South Wales Division & University of Newcastle Cultural Collections

16.01.2022 The sole Loopline museum employee tasked with restoring a series of historic train carriages with the help of volunteers has been left devastated after the program was given the boot due to a lack of funding.

15.01.2022 Happy 100th Birthday to our Dining Car! On this very day 100 years ago, 24th April 1919, Dining Car AV426 was commissioned into service. Built at a cost of 4,07...3 pounds, AV426 was originally painted in Indian red. A scheme of plain green covered the car throughout the 50's and in 1966 a larch green and cream livery was applied and this is retained today. This car, donated by three foundation members in 1975, was the first acquisition of the society. It is now the feature vehicle on our Restaurant Train Diner service. For further history on our Dining Car, there is a great read on our web site - link below. http://www.hothamvalleyrailway.com.au/av_426_dining_car.htm

15.01.2022 Good news Everyone. MRWA is kicking off again. We have relocated from the City down to the Yarloop area. We are providing I.T, Communications sales and support from Perth to Albany in WA's South West... We have secured a maintenance contract with RAC Resorts in the South West and we are looking for more clients. If you have issues with your NBN or computers we can assist. If you need to speak with us in regards to setting up a ICT system for your business or farm please contact us. We also do design and installation of business networks. We also support all Telecommunications systems, be it a small business phone system right the way through to a private telephone network on a farm or hotel/resort with 100+ extensions we can help with Design planning and installation. See more

15.01.2022 Brett Mohen from Hotham Valley Railway spoke with Chris about the magic and romance of trains, along with the events, the engineering, and the spectacle of Perths magnificent steam trains.

14.01.2022 Peter Di Marco shares a photo of a t-shirt produced for the protests to save the Westrail Midland Workshops. The t-shirts were also worn by those who participat...ed in the pulling of a written off diesel locomotive from Forrestfield to Midland. If anyone has any images of the locomotive pull, please feel free to share. See more

14.01.2022 Again ! Its only been back online for 4 weeks since last breakdown

13.01.2022 Just three operating weekends remain for our Steam Ranger in 2018! To take a journey back in time, enjoying the sights and sounds of train travel by steam, contact our booking office on 0862781111. http://www.hothamvalleyrailway.com.au/Dwellingup%20Rangers.

13.01.2022 It’s time for a quick history lesson on Midland. The strong perception today is that the area known as the Midland Railway Workshops is the one and only worksh...ops that ever existed. Unfortunately our authorities have put that name to it and have created that perception. The facts are that there were two railway workshops in Midland. The Midland Railway Company of Western Australia, a private company came to Helena Vale in 1886 and set up their operations on the area shaded in maroon on the aerial photo. This was known as the Midland Railway Workshops and continued to operate until 1964 when the company was purchased by the Western Australian Government Railways (State Government). MRWA Workshops (Maroon shaded area 1886 to 1964) The Western Australian Government Railways Workshops (State Government) opened in 1904 and operated in the area shaded in blue on the aerial photo. During its time of operation it was referred to as the Government Railway Workshops, WAGR Workshops and Westrail Workshops. The workshops closed in 1994. WAGR Workshops (Blue shaded area 1904 to 1994) Remember Midland will continue to refer to each workshops as the MRWA Workshops and WAGR Workshops not the Midland Railway Workshops.

11.01.2022 While our forest train won't be operating, our Xmas BBQ will be going ahead as planned Look forward to seeing our members enjoy a little down time after what has been a very busy year!

11.01.2022 Interesting read, I assume communication was lost with the Loco and the fail safe breaks did not apply. https://www.pilbaranews.com.au/

08.01.2022 Hey all ! What a beautiful idea. I grew up riding that rail reserve in the 80’s. The town used to dream of having a train there. Diesels would have been welcome to. We hated the car drive to midland for shopping at the midland gate before we had a supermarket in town. It was Charlie Carter’s and Alfs Fruit and Vegetables in he industrial estate. The petrol station was on a Roster to !!

08.01.2022 Again ! It’s only been back online for 4 weeks since last breakdown

08.01.2022 The two G class diesels were introduced to the Midland Railway in 1963 to supplement the seven F class which had entered service five years earlier. All nine l...ocomotives were taken over by the WAGR in 1964. Image courtesy of Carnamah Historical Society https://www.carnamah.com.au/midland-railway See more

08.01.2022 A bit of technology that regional WA would benefit from. !! Perth to Bunbury in a hour ?

08.01.2022 Hey all ! What a beautiful idea. I grew up riding that rail reserve in the 80s. The town used to dream of having a train there. Diesels would have been welcome to. We hated the car drive to midland for shopping at the midland gate before we had a supermarket in town. It was Charlie Carters and Alfs Fruit and Vegetables in he industrial estate. The petrol station was on a Roster to !!

08.01.2022 Today is the anniversary of the closure of the railway to Meekatharra in 1978. The last train was well photographed including the image of the station staff in ...front of the XA. The 'Mullewa' passenger train can be seen in front of the earlier station at Meekatharra, with images of Yalgoo (F Liston was conductor) and Cue - both stone stations that remain today. See more

07.01.2022 Let’s kick off Midland’s 125th anniversary with a photo of the Midland Railway Company of Western Australia, the founders of our town. MRWA B Class 6 Steam Loco...motive hauling wagons out of their workshops across the Great Eastern Highway and Helena Street intersection in Midland Junction towards Walkaway during the 1950's The locomotive entered into service in 1891 and remained in service until 1956. It was acquired by the Town of Geraldton and placed on display at Maitland Park in Geraldton where it remained until 1995. In poor condition the locomotive was then acquired by the Shire of Swan for restoration and eventual display in Midland that never happened and sat in the WAGR Workshops and it was eventually given to Rail Heritage WA for restoration. Rail Heritage WA were thrown out of the WAGR Workshops by the Midland Redevelopment Authority and the locomotive then moved to Bassendean. In 2010, B6 was then acquired by the City of Geraldton-Greenough again for eventual display at Walkaway where it remains today. Australian Railway Historical Society, New South Wales Division & University of Newcastle Cultural Collections

05.01.2022 FOR HIRE: Mobile Lighting tower, 6000Watt This mobile plant can be hired for use as a Generator or Lighting application. Day rate 24 hours $250.00 Delivery can be arranged $100.00 each way or you may pickup from depot at no charge.... Please let us know what configuration you need. Equipment Supplied with full tank of Diesel. Customer to top up used Diesel or we can refill unit and invoice with final hire charges. Please send us a message for more information. Unit has 2x 15A outlets for use in the field or 1x 32A outlet for hard wire applications. EG: House or business supply through existing electrical infrastructure in building. Diesel is charged at the days Cents Per Litre (CPL) as per Fuel Watch Regulations. Pickup is Harvey, WA 6220

04.01.2022 Big lift day! Tender and turntable are loaded ready for transport to Dwellingup. After the TV interviews with GWN7 are completed, W945 is next.

03.01.2022 Place your bookings now !!

01.01.2022 REOPEN THE RAILWAY FOR LITHIUM BOOM? To deal with the expansion of the lithium mine, there's plans for a new access road to be created to help take traffic off ...the streets and out of the town. But people from the community and local members think it would be a better option to reopen the railway. SW Greens MLC Diane Evers has been calling on the WA Government to fund the tracks, saying all the trucks on the road will cost the state a substantial amount anyway. "People who live down there don't want to be on the road with these trucks coming and going," she said. What do you think? Should the old railway be reopened?