GO AGAIN KIDS

THE TASMAN LIMITED

Tasmanians had good reason to be proud of their principal passenger train, the prestige Tasman Limited, providing a relaxed and interesting sightseeing journey between Hobart and Wynyard.

Although slow, it made up for this by comfort and appointments equal to mainland passenger trains. It was a community institution, giving personal service with a cosy atmosphere and the smartly dressed hostesses were personally known to the thousands of travellers.

The Tasman Limited first ran on 6 April 1954, on a three day a week service using diesel railcars. Immediate popularity saw it extended to run every day except Sunday, trains travelling all the way through between Wynyard and Hobart in both directions. At Western Junction the two trains met, where a railcar connected with Launceston.

In 1955, the TGR had the confidence to replace railcars with specially constructed articulated saloon cars painted an eye catching red and cream. The Tasman Limited was now hauled by diesel electric locomotives painted in matching red and cream striping, including the 660 horsepower English Electric X-class, and the 825 horsepower Y-class, built at the Launceston railway workshops between 1961-1971.

The TGR was the first in Australia to introduce a fleet of diesel-electric locomotives on main lines, a progressive move that reduced running costs. A feature of the train was the articulated carriages finished in Queensland maple equipped with rotating seats, air conditioning, fluorescent lighting and dining and refreshment facilities, making long distance travel a pleasure. Rubber shock absorbers were used in the bogies for smooth running of the carriages that were inter-connected so passengers could walk from one end of the train to the other. Meals and afternoon teas were served from a cafeteria and cordials and liquor were available. The relaxed atmosphere allowed passengers to enjoy the trip far better than by car or bus.

Midlands countryside was varied and scenic, and at Devonport the train met the sea and hugged the shores of Bass Strait to Wynyard. For country residents "the Tasman" was an essential part of life. On shopping days locals could get a half-price return ticket anywhere between Wynyard and Western Junction and the train was even busier when the ferry, Empress of Australia, docked in Devonport. It was popular with parents, as the freedom of a carriage was more convenient for children than a bus, and students at Launceston's CAE took advantage of concession tickets.

It was by no means an express train, speed on the narrow gauge (1067mm) track peaking at 65 kph on the straight and dropping to half that on the bends, but the cloth seats were always clean and comfortable and the wooden panelling had the sheen of Marveer.

A novel feature was a mail van fitted with automatic equipment that collected mail bags along the line while the train was in motion. Education excursions were very popular, with 4097 children and 1355 adults using the State's railways for educational trips in 1977.

But by the early 1970s, competition from cars and buses meant the rail service was losing money and it was not effectively promoted as a tourist attraction.

In 1977, a report by Dr Stewart Joy into the State's railways revealed that in 1976 the Tasman had lost $800,000 on operations, against $250,000 income, and he recommended an immediate withdrawal.

The Margate Train