This section, from Southern Cross to Kalgoorlie, was undertaken with the only engine available at the time at the Cross. It was an old ‘Baldwin’ which was in for an overhaul and despite the heavy gradients to be climbed such as the Bronti, Karalee, Gilgai, Koorarawalyee and Boondi banks Mr Lanyon and his fireman made three stops for water and still averaged 49 miles per hour for the 120 mile run.
There he met the train driver at the water column and unfolded a scheme to get a wager on with the ‘sports’ with whom he was travelling. The driver agreed ‘to give her full throttle’ over the favorable stretch about three miles ahead. As the journey was resumed on of the ‘sports’ cracked “she might make 13 miles per hour now the engine has a spell.” Whereupon the guard replied “our trains can make 50 miles per hour if necessary”.
Immediately a £1. bet was offered that it could not make 10 miles. It was accepted by the guard and a man was requested to time them from the next post. When the second mile post had vanished, the amazed time keeper announced the mile had been covered in 67 seconds. The guard collected. Needless to say those Eastern State’rs were less desirous of discussing anything about the railways for the rest of the journey.
Moya Sharp
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George Taylor and Alice Richardson are my husbands, 2nd Great Grand Parents. There son John Taylor married Bessie Harrison, John and Bessie’s daughter, Alice 1905-1992. Steve’s grandmother.
I have included your blog in INTERESTING BLOGS in FRIDAY FOSSICKING at
http://thatmomentintime-crissouli.blogspot.com/2017/05/friday-fossicking-may-12th-2017.html
Thank you, Chris