Tasmanian Railway History

07/04/2026

An interesting moment in rail history happened over Easter.

City Park in Launceston has had a “play train” in place since 1960. Originally steam locomotive Ab4 this was swapped out in 1990 for the unwanted rolling shell of diesel shunter U3 (and a wagon) by Don River Railway.

Although after 35 years U3 was needing a major upgrade, Launceston City Council decided the best decision was to remove it all and start fresh. In stepped Don River Railway again! With a much younger team U3 was now decided worthy of preservation.

A small team over a week stripped away years of playground modifications, and a ton of soft fall, to ready its move to Devonport. Where, with some now located spares from scrapped class mates U4 and U2, U3 will be restored to service. The wagon may too one day see the same fate.

A couple of our admins were apart of the removal team, so enjoy these “behind the scenes” photos from Clynton.

11/02/2026

Now for some good news from the north of the state!

We were pleased to support the long-term community-led initiative to restore columns to the historic Longford rail bridge, working behind the scenes with the bridge committee, the Northern Midlands Council, and Penguin Composites for more than four years to ensure that the replica columns were fit-for-purpose. https://bit.ly/45YBqYa for more.

10/02/2026

Now the 2 wheeled pests are back targetting the Derwent Valley Line again.

Go sign the petition and show your support to keep the line. 🚫🚲

Stop the removal of Derwent Valley Railway for a bike trail

16/01/2026

With the Little Grey Fergie tractor celebrating 80 years in Australia this year a fantastic video has turned up!

With rare footage of a green X class hauling 30 tractors through the north west. Then a steam engine shunting at Burnie

12/01/2026

A sad bit of history is happening tonight. For the first time in around 150 years Hobart no longer has a rail connection to the rest of the state.

It makes it the only state capital in Australia with out a true rail connection, a backwards step in many ways. Few cities of its size around the globe can say they happily let this happen. Hopefully in future years history repeats and the connection is restored.

06/01/2026

Starting the year with some great news, the Launceston tramway museum has got an extension plans!

14/12/2025

Yesterday the Tasmanian Transport Museum were running a test of their locomotive hauled consist and also held the official opening ceremony of the extended running to Berriedale. This now gives an approximate 6 Kilometre round trip.
The first public rides are on the 28th December and have officially sold out! Well done TTM.

06/12/2025

A pic from late in Wee Georgie Wood Steam Railway’s working life, around 1960.

Public Works Department(PWD) workers arriving at Farrell Siding via the Emu Bay Railway’s railcar from Burnie at 10.45 am on a monday.

They are waiting for Wee Georgie’s coal bunker filled up for the return trip to Tullah. After shunting they would travel the 6 miles to Tullah and have 2 water stops on the way and would arrive at Tullah at 11.45 am. Then they would be picked up at Tullah and transported to the South Tullah camp site.

The photo shows the workers with large trunks for the weeks food, this is how it is know they are PWD workers not Hydro Electric Commission (HEC) workers as they did not have to supply their own food!

📸 Butch Johnson collection (most likely in this picture!)

14/11/2025

One of our admins was working out far north west. And stumbled upon a couple of railway finds.

First is all that remains of U4’s cab after 30 plus years as a cubby house

Second is GV6 an interesting find as previously thought to be the GV presently at risk of demolition at Bridgewater bridge!

Even railway research in the last few decades is ever changing!

17/10/2025

Well done to the TTM. When theyre up and running further make sure you can get down there for a longer ride and show your support. 🙌🏻🚂

🚂 Big news!

We’ve been given the green flag to run our passenger trains all the way from Glenorchy to Berriedale Road!

Our volunteers have been hard at work replacing hundreds of sleepers to get the track ready whilst also reviewing and submitting numerous documents to the rail regulator (ONRSR).

While we don’t have an official start date just yet for the commencement of passenger services (likely from late December, but could be during January), but from November you’ll see train movements occurring to Berriedale as we commence our crew training — so please stay clear of the rail corridor at all times.

🚦 During train operations, traffic controllers will be in place at Grove Road and Riverway Road level crossings. Please follow their directions for everyone’s safety.

This is another exciting milestone for the Museum, and we can’t wait to welcome you aboard our extended train rides soon!

Stay tuned to our page and website for updates.

29/09/2025

Many years ago Monday!

Here we see a nearly brand new ZA5 on the Fingal Line, headed east for Fingal with a load of empty coal and log wagons about to pass under the Esk Highway, not long after departing Conara Junction.
Date unknown, but circa April 1976 when it entered service.

Single locomotive hauled trains are a rarity in Tasmania these days. Facilities to turn locomotives are few and far between compared to 1976!

Photographer Clyde Coombe, from the QVM collection.