Peninsula Pioneer Revisited

A history of the railways of Eyre Peninsula (South Australia)
and their role in the settlement and development of the region
 
by Peter Knife
 
ISBN 978-0-9757835-2-5

Peninsula Pioneer Revisited The narrow gauge Port Lincoln Division of the South Australian Railways has always been isolated from the rest of the SAR network, and it remains so to this day. Over its almost century of existence it has been a virtual ‘rolling museum’ of hand-me-downs from other SAR and CR lines, and has developed a character all of its own.

The first definitive history of the Eyre Peninsula railways and tramways, Peninsula Pioneer, was published in 2006. It sold out very rapidly. Since its publication, many previously unpublished photos and considerable amounts of new research information have come to light.

Peninsula Pioneer Revisited is more than just a second edition. It contains 44 more pages than the original, includes many additional photographs and images of early documents, and has been updated to reflect the latest research and to incorporate changes to current operations. More significantly, the new book uses colour throughout so that many photos which were black & white in the first book are now reproduced in full colour. And finally, the new book is presented with a hard cover.

The book covers the Port Lincoln Division in detail, from inception to the present day. The first six chapters deal with the development of the network; these are followed by fourteen chapters covering different aspects of the railway, including train services, traffics, safeworking, fixed infrastructure and the people who made it happen. Two subjects which were central to the railway’s evolution and its relationship to the wider community are dealt with in separate chapters: grain handling and water. Of particular interest to modellers are the chapters describing every location on the Division (with track plans) and those detailing all locomotives, railcars and rolling stock known to have run on the Division.

The final chapter deals with other railways and tramways on Eyre Peninsula, including jetty and other tramways and BHP’s lines. The Coffin Bay Tramway is covered in some detail, but the Whyalla lines (which have been the subject of an earlier history) are only briefly described. The book is rounded out with a number of appendices, detailed referencing, an extensive bibliography and an index.

The Port Lincoln Division was home to some unique creations such as the Fageol railcars converted from road buses, and the SAR's experimental internal combustion locomotive from 1913. All are covered in some detail.

Peninsula Pioneer Revisited is published by the author, and was released in May 2013. It contains 384 pages, A4 size, hard cover. Colour is used throughout, except of course for black & white photographs. Over 500 photographs cover the whole period from 1907 to the present day, and 200 maps and diagrams are also included.

Availability

The recommended retail price is now $65 (plus $13.50 postage where applicable).

Please use the form here to purchase the book. For overseas orders, please contact the author for pricing and shipping alternatives.