From Robert Wilson.

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> The theme continues yet another week with a variety of photos, including for the first time I think, a shot that has nothing to do with transport, but should be of interest to some people. By the way, it is possible that I may inadvertently include a photograph that I have shown previously. Having sent so many out over a period of some 9½ years it is likely that sooner or later that may occur. I hope today is not one of those times.

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> Tram W2 230 waits to turn left from Spencer St into Finders St on a route 48 service to North Balwyn as a ‘Harris’ train passes by on the viaduct. January 1971.

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> The photo below shows a scene that is now just a memory for those who remember it. The site is now the home of the Melbourne Tennis Centre complex. The shot was taken from the nearby Melbourne Cricket Ground.

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> Sidings adjacent to the former Jolimont Workshops. December 1971.

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> Inside the Melbourne Cricket Ground for an Australian versus England ‘Ashes’ test match. You may be able to make out names of some great former cricketers.

> This venue has undergone big changes since this photo was taken on the same day as the previous photo of the Workshops.

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> A two car swing door train bound for Alamein is shown at Riversdale crossing Riversdale Road and its tramway square. July 1971.

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> Tram W2 507 crossed over the railway at Riversdale soon after the booms had lifted and tram power (lower voltage) had been restored across the railway. Note

> the overhead wiring at the crossing for both the trains and trams. This crossing remains much the same today although vehicles are very different and modern.

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> DRC40 is seen arriving at Ararat from Hamilton. 15 July 1971.

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> R 761 crossing Melton Weir to the west of Melbourne on a special train on a cold foggy morning. 21 August 1971.

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> Victorian Railways J550 crossing a much smaller bridge over Wakool River on a special train bound for Wakool along the line to Balranald in southern NSW.

> This was one of a small number of VR branch lines that were built across the Murray River into southern NSW. 9 October 1971.

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> Womboota, a station on the former Balranald line. Most stations along this line had low level platforms which was very unusual for a VR line.

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> Swing door, Harris and Tait trains side by side at Hurstbridge. 19 February 1972.

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> Y106 hauling the shell of the first ‘Hitachi’ electric multiple unit carriage through Mitcham on the way to Newport Workshops for fitout. 20 February 1972.

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> I am concluding with 3 photos of two swing door (dog box) motors hauling a replica special train at Box Hill on its way to Lilydale. This train had what would have been a typical consist of country ‘V’ class carriages at one time. Normally, 3 motors would be part of a standard 7 car electric train but in this instance, two motors were being used as motive power like a locomotive.

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> Approaching Box Hill with the destination blind showing Healesville. Once, the motors would come off the train at Lilydale to be replaced by a steam locomotive

> for the trip along the Healesville line or to Warburton which also branched off at Lilydale. 24 June 1972.

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> A six wheel ‘ZP’ van brought up the rear. At other times a ‘BC’ class carriage which had a guards compartment at one end would be used. Box Hill station has been

> underground for many years now with a major shopping centre above it so this scene has changed totally.

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> Leaving Box Hill. The similar appearance of the ‘V’ carriages to the motors is apparent.

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> Bob Wilson

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> PS: A Friday Pictures recipient and author of some wonderful railway books has asked me to include a ‘promo’ for a special fund raising train in September on the Puffing Billy Railway that he is involved with using the delightful Climax steam locomotive. Some of you may have booked already but if not and you live locally, then this may be just the sort of trip you would enjoy. Part of Nick’s note to me is below.

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> “Should anyone still be interested in going on our Climax Gembrook Photographer’s Special on the 9th of September, you will need to purchase your tickets fairly promptly, as it looks like this trip will completely book out.

> For details and bookings, check out our website at: www.sierraaustralia.com or call me on 0417 250 166.”

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> Note - The direct link to the tour is at http://www.sierraaustralia.com/Climax-to-Gembrook.html but the whole website is worth a look too.

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> Bob

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