Gallery: April-May 2006

2313, in company with 1302, was working an ore train at Whyalla on 2 April 2006. 2313 was expected to return to Western Australia at the end of May 2006, its place being taken by 1907.

Photo: Peter Knife

Just prior to the launch of Peninsula Pioneer at Port Lincoln on 4 April 2006, a quad-header empty grain train left town. 906, 851, 859 and 871 ran the gauntlet of possibly the largest gathering of railfans that Port Lincoln has seen for many years.

Photo: John Dennis

The previous day, 1204, 842 and 905 were captured at Warunda with northbound empties, just ahead of a very threatening sky.

Photo: Peter Knife

One day later 1204, 842 and 905 were again northbound with empties, seen here taking the Minnipa main leaving Cummins.

Photo: Peter Knife

On 6 April the all-green combination of NJ6, NJ3 and 873 was working the gypsum train. It is seen here between Charra and Moule.

Photo: Peter Knife

Saturday 8 April was 'Kalamazoo Day' in Cummins, the carnival day when Kalamazoo handcars are raced on the tracks through town (with ARG approval, of course). Twice during the day proceedings were interrupted by the passage of grain trains. 1203, 851 and 906 are seen creeping past the two Kalamazoos at the start line, the banner for which has been drawn aside.

Photo: Peter Knife

Some of the Kalamazoo races are time trials, and one such event is seen as the exhausted competitors race towards the finish line.

Photo: Ivan Marchant

All-orange 1203, 851 and 906 kicked up dust entering Coomunga on 9 April.

Photo: Peter Knife

1204, 851 and 850 are seen between Cockaleechie and Ungarra with grain empties on 10 April.

Photo: Ivan Marchant

The latest means of transporting grain from former rail-served sites is illustrated by this scene at Wudinna on 20 May 2006. Grain from silos between Yaninee and Nunjikompita is now road-hauled to ABB Grain's 'strategic site' at Wudinna, and from there it goes by rail to Port Lincoln.

Photo: Greg O'Brien